Retiring in the U.S.: three cities in Florida stand out in the top 10 for 2025

Three cities in Florida, with Naples in first place, have been included in the prestigious U.S. News & World Report ranking of the Top 10 Best Places to Retire in the United States for 2025.

The report ranks cities based on various factors that affect the lives of retirees, including happiness, affordability, healthcare, taxes for retirees, the job market, and overall quality of life.

The city of Naples has been recognized as the best place to retire in 2025, thanks to its happiness, affordability, and quality of life—key factors for retirees looking to enjoy their retirement. The city also stood out for its low tax burden on retirees and a favorable job market for those who wish to remain active.

Sarasota ranked fourth, while Jacksonville came in seventh, solidifying Florida as a favored destination for those seeking quality of life and a pleasant experience in retirement.

Dawn Bradbury, assistant editor of real estate at U.S. News, remarked that this year's rankings reflect what retirees seek in terms of quality of life: "Retirees are looking for a destination that not only stretches their budget but also provides them with satisfaction and enjoyment. That's why this year we see a strong presence of the South and Midwest in the top 25."

This year, U.S. News changed its methodology, placing greater emphasis on residents' happiness index, which became the most important factor in determining the best places to retire. Additionally, the ranking is now based on data from cities instead of metropolitan areas, allowing for a more accurate assessment of retirees' local experiences.

Naples, a city in southern Florida known for its beaches, luxury shopping, art and culture, restaurants, family-friendly activities, and outdoor pursuits, was also named in a list published in May as the best place to live in the United States for 2024-2025.

The ranking of the 10 best places to retire in 2025 includes:

1. Naples, FL
2. Virginia Beach, VA
3. New York, NY
4. Sarasota, FL
5. Boise, ID
6. Raleigh, NC
7. Jacksonville, FL
8. Huntsville, AL
9. Charlotte, NC
10. Fort Wayne, IN

Additionally, other cities in Florida also rank among the top 150 places to retire, with Pensacola at 17th, Tampa at 18th, Port St. Lucie at 19th, and Melbourne at 20th. Other cities like Fort Myers, Lakeland, Orlando, and Miami also appear on the list, reinforcing Florida's status as a leading destination for retirees.

Miami, which in 2020 ranked among the top five cities in the United States for retirement, is now in 127th place on the list. This decline is primarily due to the unaffordable housing costs and the rising cost of living in the southernmost county of the Sunshine State.

To determine the best places to retire, six main factors were considered: resident happiness, affordability, quality of healthcare, taxes for retirees, desirability, and the job market.

The data comes from various sources, including the U.S. Census, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the FBI, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the U.S. News ranking of the best hospitals.

Florida continues to prove itself as one of the most appealing states for retirees, thanks to its warm climate, high quality of life, and an active, accessible community. This makes the cities in the state remain favorites for those looking to embark on a new chapter in their lives after retirement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Retirement in Florida for 2025