The golden years are a time for a new adventure.
Retirement is no longer seen as a time to simply slow down, but as a new and exciting chapter in life. A growing number of Baby Boomers are choosing to spend their golden years in a new city, seeking a destination that offers a perfect blend of a vibrant culture, excellent healthcare, a reasonable cost of living, and a comfortable lifestyle. They are looking for a place to thrive, not just to retire.
These are the cities that have become the new hotspots for active and engaged seniors in 2025.
1. Sarasota, Florida is a paradise for arts and culture.
While Florida is full of retirement communities, Sarasota stands out for its incredible arts and culture scene. The city is home to the Ringling Museum of Art, a world-class institution, as well as its own opera, ballet, and a host of professional theaters. This gives the city a sophisticated and intellectually stimulating atmosphere that is a major draw for educated and active seniors, as mentioned in VegOut.
Of course, the city also has the beautiful white-sand beaches and the warm year-round weather that Florida is famous for. It is the perfect combination of a beach town and a cultural capital.
2. Scottsdale, Arizona offers a sunny and active lifestyle.
For seniors who want a warm, dry climate and an active, outdoor lifestyle, Scottsdale is a top choice. The city is a golfer’s paradise, with dozens of world-class courses. The surrounding Sonoran Desert also offers a huge number of beautiful and accessible hiking trails. The city is known for its clean, safe, and well-maintained environment and its many upscale amenities.
The Phoenix metro area, of which Scottsdale is a part, also has a number of top-tier hospitals and healthcare facilities, a major consideration for many retirees, as reported by Yahoo! Finance. It is a city that is designed for a comfortable and active life in the sun.
3. Asheville, North Carolina is a funky mountain town.
Nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has become a major hotspot for retirees who are looking for a more progressive, creative, and nature-focused community. The town is famous for its stunning mountain scenery, its vibrant arts scene, and its incredible, farm-to-table food culture, according to Octopus Capital. It has a funky, bohemian vibe that is a world away from a traditional Florida retirement community.
The four-season climate and the endless opportunities for hiking and other outdoor activities are a huge draw for active seniors who want to escape the heat of the Sun Belt.
4. Santa Fe, New Mexico is a unique, high-desert haven.
Santa Fe is a city that appeals to the soul. Its unique, Pueblo-style architecture, its world-class art scene, and its rich Native American and Hispanic culture make it a one-of-a-kind destination. The city’s high-desert climate is dry and sunny, and its stunning natural setting is a constant source of inspiration. It is also a major hub for wellness and spiritual retreats.
For a senior who is looking for a retirement that is intellectually stimulating, artistically rich, and deeply connected to a unique sense of place, Santa Fe is an unparalleled choice.
5. Savannah, Georgia is the queen of southern charm.
For those who dream of a retirement filled with southern charm, the city of Savannah is a perfect choice. The city’s massive, historic downtown is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved in the country, a stunning landscape of 22 public squares, beautiful antebellum mansions, and live oak trees draped in Spanish moss. The entire district is incredibly walkable.
The city has a warm climate, a rich history, and a sophisticated but laid-back atmosphere. It is a place that is steeped in beauty and romance, a perfect setting for a gracious and leisurely retirement.
6. Boise, Idaho offers safety and affordability in the mountains.
Boise has quietly become one of the most popular and livable cities in the country, and it is a fantastic option for retirees. The city is consistently ranked as one of the safest in the U.S. and has a cost of living that is still very reasonable compared to other cities in the Mountain West. It offers a friendly, welcoming, and unpretentious atmosphere.
The city is also a great choice for active seniors, with a huge network of hiking and biking trails located right at the edge of the city, and world-class skiing just a short drive away.
7. Madison, Wisconsin is a vibrant and stimulating college town.
Retiring in a college town is a fantastic way to stay young at heart, and Madison is one of the best. The presence of the University of Wisconsin gives the city a youthful energy and a huge number of cultural amenities, from concerts and theater to public lectures and art museums. The university’s hospital is also a top-tier medical facility.
The city is beautifully situated on an isthmus between two lakes and is incredibly walkable and bike-friendly. It is a perfect choice for a senior who wants to stay intellectually engaged and active in a vibrant community.
8. Charlottesville, Virginia is a city steeped in history.
Located in the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville is a historic and sophisticated small city that is a wonderful place to retire. The city is home to the University of Virginia and its beautiful, Thomas Jefferson-designed campus, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The area is also the heart of Virginia’s wine country.
The city offers a perfect blend of rich American history, a vibrant cultural scene, and easy access to stunning natural beauty. It is a city with a deep intellectual and historical character.
9. Fort Collins, Colorado is a laid-back alternative to Denver.
For those who love the Colorado lifestyle but are put off by the high cost and the crowds of the Denver-Boulder area, the city of Fort Collins is a fantastic and more affordable alternative. It is a friendly and laid-back college town with a beautiful, historic Old Town that was one of the inspirations for Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A.
The city is a paradise for outdoor lovers, with easy access to the Rocky Mountains and a huge number of excellent craft breweries. It offers all the benefits of the Colorado lifestyle with a more relaxed and manageable feel.
10. Portland, Maine is a foodie paradise on the coast.
The small city of Portland, Maine, has become one of the most celebrated food cities in the entire country. For a senior who is a dedicated foodie, it is a fantastic place to retire. The city’s historic Old Port district is packed with an incredible number of world-class restaurants, from casual lobster shacks to high-end, farm-to-table dining.
The city also has a stunningly beautiful coastal setting and a vibrant arts scene. It is a perfect destination for a senior who wants to enjoy a walkable, culturally rich, and delicious retirement.
11. Ann Arbor, Michigan is another top-tier college town.
Ann Arbor is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and to retire in the entire country. Like Madison, it is a vibrant and intellectually stimulating college town, home to the prestigious University of Michigan. This means that the city has a huge number of cultural amenities and an excellent, university-affiliated healthcare system.
The city has a charming and very walkable downtown, a beautiful park system, and a safe, friendly atmosphere. It is a perfect choice for a retiree who wants to stay active, engaged, and intellectually stimulated.
12. San Diego, California is the weather capital of the world.
For a senior whose number one priority is perfect weather, there is simply no better place to be than San Diego. The city is famous for its mild, sunny, and incredibly consistent year-round climate. The city also has a huge number of world-class amenities, from its famous zoo and museums to its beautiful beaches and golf courses.
The one major downside, of course, is the incredibly high cost of living, which puts it out of reach for many retirees. For those who can afford it, however, it offers an unparalleled lifestyle.