US News & World Report analyzed over 850 cities based on quality of life, affordability, healthcare, retiree taxes, job market, and population and migration for retirees 55 and older to rank what cities work best for retirees.
“It’s no secret that affordability is top of mind for Americans this year, which is why US News updated its weighting criteria to better align with what retirees prioritize,” US News & World Report assistant managing editor Megan Wood said. “The 2027 rankings reflect key metrics used to highlight the places that best suit retiree needs.”
The six factors used when ranking each city came from a survey of Americans 45 and older to determine what mattered most to them when considering where to retire.
“Retirees are seeking a place that gives them a sense of security and comfort as they live out their golden years,” Wood said.
While cities in Florida and Texas account for more than half of the top 15, neither city holds the top spot. Below, the best cities to retire in for 2027.
15. San Angelo, TX
San Angelo, Texas.
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Housing costs 2025: $191,261
Value index: 9
Population 65+: 17%
14. Conroe, TX
Conroe, Texas.
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Housing costs 2025: $323,622
Value index: 7.9
Population 65+: 15%
13. Pearland, TX
Pearland, Texas.
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Housing costs 2025: $343,369
Value index: 8
Population 65+: 13%
12. Victoria, TX
Victoria, Texas.
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Housing costs 2025: $200,767
Value index: 9.3
Population 65+: 17%
11. Bismarck, ND
Bismarck, North Dakota.
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Housing costs 2025: $290,274
Value index: 6
Population 65+: 21%
10. Palm Coast, FL
Palm Coast, Florida.
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Housing costs 2025: $380,019
Value index: 7.5
Population 65+: 30%
9. Lynchburg, VA
Lynchburg, Virginia.
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Housing costs 2025: $222,789
Value index: 7.5
Population 65+: 15%
8. Paducah, KY
Paducah, Kentucky.
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Housing costs 2025: $161,025
Value index: 9.2
Population 65+: 19%
7. Altoona, PA
Altoona, Pennsylvania.
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Housing costs 2025: $115,035
Value index: 8.1
Population 65+: 19%
6. Rio Rancho, NM
Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
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Housing costs 2025: $311,135
Value index: 6.2
Population 65+: 19%
5. Spring, TX
Spring, Texas, is a suburb about 25 miles outside Houston.
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Housing costs 2025: $249,404
Value index: 8.6
Population 65+: 12%
4. The Woodlands, TX
The Woodlands, Texas.
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Housing costs 2025: $472,814
Value index: 6.6
Population 65+: 15%
3. Weirton, WV
Weirton, West Virginia.
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Housing costs 2025: $124,681
Value index: 7.6
Population 65+: 26%
2. Homosassa Springs, FL
Homosassa Springs, Florida.
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