Top 7 Best places to retire in the US with the Best quality of life – 2024

• Population: 38,417
• Median 1-bed apt rent: $1,815
• Median property buying cost: $314,679

Myrtle Beach is a coastal city in South Carolina, ideal for retirees. With a population of 38,417, 22.30% are seniors who enjoy its beautiful beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and the warm weather. In addition to other activities like golf, it’s no wonder this city is known as the Golf Capital of the World. Moreover, residents enjoy various festivals and events, such as the Sun Fun Festival, a tradition since 1951.

The cost of living in Myrtle Beach is low, and it is tax-friendly for seniors. There is no tax imposed on social security benefits, which means more disposable income. It also has one of the lowest property tax rates in the country. As of December 2023, the median property price is $314,679, and a 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,815. It is common to find many retirement communities located nearby.

Retire at the beach (Jan 2024), Census Bureau (Dec 2023), Local Logic (Dec 2023), Rocket Homes (Dec 2023)& Zillow (Dec 2023)

• Population: 30,775
• Median 1-bed apt rent: $1,260
• Median property buying cost: $335,000

Liberty is an ideal retirement destination, combining a suburban atmosphere with modern amenities. It’s perfect for those seeking an affordable and serene environment with abundant parks, cultural events, and a moderate climate. The city’s population of 30,775 includes 14.60% of seniors benefiting from discount programs, such as a 15% reduction in water rates and a 50% discount on solid waste collection fees.

Liberty is tax-friendly for retirees, with no state income taxes on Social Security for those aged 62 or older with an annual income below $85,000 starting in 2024. Pensions are partially taxable, and there’s no inheritance tax. The property tax rate in Missouri is 0.97%, with property tax relief available for senior citizens. As of December 2023, Liberty’s median property price is $335,000, and a 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,260.

Census.gov (Dec 2023), Rocket Homes (Dec 2023)& Zillow (Dec 2023)

• Population: 9,987
• Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,300
• Median property buying cost: $350,000

Cape Canaveral is a city on Florida’s Atlantic Coast with a population of 9,987, where 33.40% are seniors who enjoy its beautiful beaches and perfect weather year-round. Influenced by NASA’s space history, it is known as the Space Coast. 

It is easy to walk around the beaches, engage in waterfront activities, and enjoy sunsets. Additionally, there are golf courses like The Savannahs Golf Course, or for those who prefer poker, the Victory Casino Cruise offers nighttime attractions, all within a calm and friendly community.

This place is attractive for retirees seeking a favorable tax environment. There is no state income tax, reducing the overall tax burden on residents, and making them increase their savings. While property prices can be relatively high, the quality of life compensates for this. In fact, as of December 2023, the median property price is $350,000 and renting a 1-bedroom apartment costs $2,300.

Census.gov (Dec 2023), Local Logic (Dec 2023), Rocket Homes (Dec 2023)& Zillow (Dec 2023)

• Population: 230,160
• Median 1-bed apt rent: $1,425
• Median property buying cost: $384,482

Spokane is a city in eastern Washington state that offers sports opportunities year-round. In winters, residents enjoy activities such as skiing at resorts, while summers provide opportunities for fishing, boating, paddleboarding, and swimming in its lakes. The city boasts two significant state parks, Riverside and Mount Spokane, which are ideal for hiking. Spokane is easily accessible to the international airport, just a 15-minute drive from downtown.

The city’s lower cost of living makes it appealing for retirees, with large apartments being the prevalent housing type. As of December 2023, the median property price in Spokane is $384,482, while renting a 1-bedroom apartment costs $1,425.

Visit Spokane (Jan 2024), Census.gov (Dec 2023), Local Logic (Dec 2023), Rocket Homes (Dec 2023)& Zillow (Dec 2023)

• Population: 119,875
• Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,000
• Median property buying cost: $479,675

The city of Ann Arbor offers a lively atmosphere with museums, restaurants, upscale bars, and shopping, including Briarwood Mall. Home to the University of Michigan, it provides a variety of activities to enjoy around. The city is surrounded by natural areas such as Bird Hills and Oakwoods, complemented by 173 parks, where 92% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park.

Commuting is convenient with TheRide bus service and over 79 miles of bike lanes. Ann Arbor’s overall quality of life and proximity to amenities make it attractive to retirees seeking natural beauty. Housing options include single detached houses and apartments. As of December 2023, the median property price is $479,675 and 1-bedroom apartments rent for around $2,000.

Park Serve (Jan 2024), Census.gov (Dec 2023), Local Logic (Dec 2023), Rocket Homes (Dec 2023)& Zillow (Dec 2023)

• Population: 77,642
• Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,295
• Median property buying cost: $500,000

Cedar Park, a suburb just north of Austin, has a population of 77,642, with 10.90% being seniors. Offering 46 parks and 34 miles of trails, it’s an ideal place for retirees seeking an active lifestyle. With a 24-minute drive to Austin, residents enjoy a suburban feel, offering a refreshing escape from city life.

It provides different amenities, including the H-E-B Center, a sports arena for hockey games, and easy access to malls, grocery stores, restaurants, and coffee shops. CapMetro manages public transportation, facilitating convenient commuting by bus and train. The housing options primarily include single detached houses and large apartments. As of December 2023, the median property price in Cedar Park is $500,000 and 1-bed apartments rent for around $2,295.

Cedar Park Texas (Jan 2024), Census.gov (Dec 2023), Local Logic (Dec 2023), Rocket Homes (Dec 2023)& Zillow (Dec 2023)

• Population: 86,895
• Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,650
• Median property buying cost: $840,705

Franklin, located just south of Nashville, blends the excitement of downtown with a quiet suburban feel, making it an ideal choice for retirees. The city offers charming Victorian architecture, and a rich history related to the American Civil War. 

Cool Springs adds a vibrant touch with its dining and shopping hub. Commuting is made easy by the Franklin transit bus, offering affordable fares of $0.50 for seniors. And it has a convenient location, just a 25-minute drive to downtown Nashville.

Outdoor enthusiasts in Franklin can explore large state parks like Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge and Timberland Park. With a population of approximately 86,895, 13.90% are seniors. The majority of housing consists of single detached houses. As of December 2023, the median home price is $840,705, while a 1-bedroom apartment rents for around $2,650.

Census.gov (Dec 2023), Local Logic (Dec 2023), Rocket Homes (Dec 2023)& Zillow (Dec 2023)