Finding the perfect place to retire after a fulfilling work life can take some time. The ideal retirement location should meet several criteria, like safety, budget, interest rates, retiree taxes, and quality health care. Another factor to consider is the variety of leisure activities available. It is an essential factor because such activities provide an excellent way to gain new experiences and remain happy in a new stage of life.

Here are a few of the best places to retire within the US.

Lancaster, Pennsylvania
The average rent is $1,050 per month, and the average monthly mortgage payment is around $1,556. This city is one of the best places to retire due to its excellent senior health care, low taxes for retirees, and overall happiness among current residents. The city is surrounded by Amish countryside, and the neighborhood is filled with Amish-made crafts, baked goods, and food available in local shops and the thriving Central Market. The city has a growing gourmet scene with various cuisines. There are also historic buildings that have been converted into upscale cafes and restaurants for an unforgettable experience.

Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville ranks high on the list of the best places for retirees due to its excellent outdoor attractions and healthcare options for residents. The city provides affordable housing and tax exemptions for Social Security retirement benefits. In addition to long-term care facilities and veteran services, the region has several hospitals, the most notable of which is Mission Hospital, considered one of the best in North Carolina. In addition, the city offers a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking trails, parks, whitewater rafting, and the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Pensacola, Florida
To begin with, 23% of the population in Pensacola is 60 years of age or older. With a median monthly rent of $1046, it is an affordable beach retirement location for seniors on a budget. Seniors can enjoy many outdoor activities, such as watching dolphins, sea turtles, and rays and exploring military forts at the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Pensacola was rated highly regarding desirability, housing affordability, current resident happiness, and senior tax breaks. The city is in northwest Florida, near the Alabama border, with easy access to Pensacola Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

Orlando, Florida
Orlando is one of the best fast-growing retirement cities in the country. It has a lot of quiet communities, great restaurants, and independent shops, and its inland location removes the stress of hurricane season. Living in Orlando puts one in the heart of Florida, making it ideal for various outdoor activities. Aside from the theme parks, it is a vibrant city with a population of over 2.5 million in the greater metropolitan area. Moreover, there are numerous restaurants and outdoor activities to enjoy during the warm, tropical summers and mild winters.

Naples, Florida
The average monthly mortgage payment is around $1,882, and the average monthly rent is around $1,374. Although the city is a little more expensive than other places to retire, many retirees prefer to enjoy a high quality of life. Naples also scored highly on the desirability scale, and visitors and retirees are drawn to the white-sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, large golf courses, and mild winter weather. There are many job opportunities for seniors who want to work after retirement, and because Florida does not have an income tax, there is the added benefit of more savings.

Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor’s health care and job opportunities make it another excellent retirement destination. This college town’s business and culture frequently centers on the University of Michigan, which offers free tuition to Michigan families earning less than $65,000, as well as sporting events, musical performances, and lectures open to the entire community. Ann Arbor scored highly on the happiness scale, with residents reporting a high quality of life. The average monthly mortgage cost is around $1,807, while the average monthly cost of rent is $1,161.

Fort Wayne, Indiana
Fort Wayne, Indiana, has great reviews and ratings for its affordable housing options and happy citizens. The low housing costs in this area allow retirees to live comfortably on a modest retirement income. The city, located in northeast Indiana, has four distinct seasons, including a hot and humid summer and a season with moderate snowfall. The city is home to many beautiful places, like an art museum, a zoo, and a genealogical center inside the Allen County Public Library, which has one of the nation’s largest collections of research resources.