U.S. News & World Report released on Monday its annual rankings of the best places to retire in the United States for 2025, with Naples, Florida claiming the top spot. This year’s rankings evaluated 150 cities based on several key factors, including affordability, health care, retiree taxes, job market, desirability, and—new this year—happiness, which was given the highest weight in the scoring.
The rankings found that retirees prioritize overall happiness, with Naples earning high marks in this area, along with strong performances in desirability, taxes, and the local job market. "The 2025 Best Places to Retire rankings reflect top cities across the country that best meet retiree needs and desires," said Dawn Bradbury, assistant managing editor for real estate at U.S. News. "Retirees are seeking destinations that not only offer financial advantages but also provide an enjoyable lifestyle."
Alongside Naples, other top cities in the rankings include Virginia Beach, Virginia at No. 2, and New York City, New York at No. 3. Florida continues to perform well overall, with Sarasota and Jacksonville also appearing in the top 10.
This year, U.S. News revamped its methodology by shifting from Metro Statistical Area (MSA) data to city-based data, allowing for more localized metrics that directly impact retirees’ day-to-day living. The rankings are based on a survey of individuals aged 45 and older, gathered to understand what matters most when considering retirement destinations. Data sources include the U.S. Census Bureau, the FBI, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and U.S. News' Best Hospitals rankings, among others.
In addition to the rankings, U.S. News' Real Estate section continues to expand, offering valuable tools, rankings, and advice to help individuals navigate housing markets and retirement decisions.
2025 U.S. News Best Places to Retire – Top 10
1. Naples, Florida
2. Virginia Beach, Virginia
3. New York City, New York
4. Sarasota, Florida
5. Boise, Idaho
6. Raleigh, North Carolina
7. Jacksonville, Florida
8. Huntsville, Alabama
9. Charlotte, North Carolina
10. Fort Wayne, Indiana
For the full rankings and more information, visit the ranking page.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
