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- Population: 93,342
- National rank: 72

, particularly the area surrounding the capital city of Florence, located in the northwestern tip of the state, offers Southern-style retirement complete with a jazz and blues music scene. Retirees can indulge in year-round at the Alabama Renaissance Faire, Arts Alive, Singing River Music Fest, W.C. Handy Music Festival, and local historical museums, farms, and taverns. Add in the affordable classes and shows at the Tennessee Valley Arts Center, and Lauderdale County looks to be Alabama's prime retirement venue for individuals interested in entertainment, while also boasting .

- Population: 106,807
- National rank: Not ranked

Matanuska-Susitna Borough, nicknamed Mat-Su Valley, in south-central Alaska, offers an excellent and eclectic retirement spot with libraries, walking trails, miles of scenic drives, and more. year-round through dog sledding trips, wildlife viewing excursions, farm tours, and the Alaska State Fair. The local chamber of commerce of the community of Wasilla, the commercial center of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, promotes the area's along with affordable housing, a growing economy, and excellent government services.

- Population: 1,035,063
- National rank: 165

With Tuscon as the capital of , retirees can take part in all the excitement the area has to offer, such as community center programs, antique grounds, concerts, trails, wildlife viewing, golf courses, fairs and festivals, parks, pools, stadium venues, and more. Several of the ideal locations in which to retire in Pima County, , include Green Valley, Catalina Foothills, Ora Valley, and Casas Adobes, as these areas are friendly, quiet, low-crime neighborhoods, based on resident reviews.

- Population: 17,243
- National rank: 41

Tucked into the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, sparsely populated Sharp County became a retirement destination with the creation of Cherokee Village, the county's first retiree-focused community. Today, the county offers many outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, boating, swimming, and golf, along with a low cost of living. Housing costs are low, even compared to the rest of the state. The median home cost in Sharp County is just $105,500, . For those who need to get a taste of city life, Memphis is about a two-hour drive away.

- Population: 262,387
- National rank: 330

provides the beauty of California's Pacific Coast with easy access to San Francisco. The county includes the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Woods National Monument, Point Reyes National Seashore, and several other state parks and beaches. A ride over the Golden Gate Bridge at the southern end of the county gets you into San Francisco, which boasts many cultural institutions and pro sports leagues. Seniors who have been bitten by the travel bug aren't far from San Francisco International Airport.

- Population: 6,787
- National rank: 305

The Spanish Peaks are a main attraction for active retirees who settle in Huerfano County. The county's , making it a financially responsible choice for seniors on a fixed income. Though Huerfano County sees up to 93 inches of snow annually, it also experiences , compared to the U.S. average of 205. Accordingly, the county's Comfort Index rating of 7 out of 10 indicates that the overall climate, with an average summer high of 82 degrees and an average winter low of 19 degrees, remains neither too hot nor too cold for long periods of time.

- Population: 164,568
- National rank: 182

Middlesex County—just 30 miles northeast of New Haven—sits on the Connecticut River and comprises 25 municipalities that offer a range of rural and suburban living options for retirees. Stretching from the city of Middletown in the north to the coastal enclaves of , Middlesex County combines a rich history with access to larger cities like New York City and Boston via the Shoreline East and Amtrak trains. The Middlesex County Area Transit program, part of a statewide agency called the , provides transportation for residents over the age of 60, as well as people of all ages who have disabilities.

- Population: 234,045
- National rank: 28

Sussex County has been promoted by publications such as The Wall Street Journal as an ideal location for retirement, citing a wide range of factors that contribute to its appeal. It boasts a serene saltwater bay shoreline—shared with seagulls and snow geese—along with miles of nearby farmland. Location is another likely draw since Sussex County is about a two-hour drive to Baltimore, a practical day trip for many residents.

- Population: 429,336
- National rank: 1

Niche is not the only source ranking Sarasota County as a leading retirement spot; U.S. News & World Report also brands the county as a mix of paradise and reality, . While retirees can enjoy year-round warmth and award-winning beaches in Sarasota County, they also have access to exciting arts and cultural opportunities, in addition to neighborhood services and that include golfing, boating, and fishing.

- Population: 24,183
- National rank: 27

Union County promises both adventure and solitude within its mountain community borders, which contain . The crisp and clean high-altitude air is enjoyable throughout the year, signified by a 7.6 out of 10 and the county also sees only about four inches of snow annually. The county seat of Blairsville, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains and less than two hours from Atlanta, is a popular retirement spot, which makes it safe and financially sensible for retirees.

- Population: 1,015,167
- National rank: Not ranked

Retiring in the consolidated city-county of Honolulu on the island of Oahu famously offers gorgeous weather and year-round fun—but it comes at an expense, . The publication reports that while the average household income for individuals aged 65 and older is the highest in the U.S. at 33.8%, the cost of living is a staggering 87% above the U.S. average. However, the high cost of living is somewhat countered by the affordable health care system across the county and state, which has led to the Honolulu area being home to some of the country's healthiest residents, .

- Population: 7,948
- National rank: 1106

is one reason why retirees choose to live in Lemhi County, and Salmon was voted the best town in the county in which to retire, . Desirable weather, health care access, and year-round entertainment also make Lemhi County a comfortable retirement spot. The scenic byways, canyons, rivers, mountains, hot springs, biking and hiking trails, and ghost towns make Lemhi County an especially appealing option for retirees who enjoy outdoor activities.

- Population: 17,750
- National rank: 288

For those who prefer the quiet life, Hancock County provides small-town living at an affordable price—the. The area is known mainly as an agricultural region—. The county isn't all farms though, as the Mississippi River forms its western border and provides opportunities for a riverfront lifestyle. History buffs may enjoy the county's role in American history. Before he became President, at Fort Johnson and Fort Edwards in Warsaw, and from 1839 to 1846, was home to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its leaders Joseph Smith—who was murdered here—and Brigham Young.

- Population: 63,575
- National rank: 209

Warrick County, in southwestern Indiana, provides small-town living, but its proximity to Evansville allows residents access to the amenities . The Ohio River serves as the county's southern border, and along it lies , a riverfront path that runs from Angel Mounds State Historic Site, through downtown Newburgh to the Locks & Dam Park. Many lakes dot the county, providing ample opportunities for paddling, boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking. The county also has four golf and country clubs, including Victoria National Golf Club, 2021-2022 ranking of the country's best courses.

- Population: 17,536
- National rank: 106

This Iowa county, named after former New York Sen. Daniel Dickinson, , giving retirees extra bang for their buck in the northwest region of the state. , the county provides dozens of recreational and sports-related outdoor activities for retirees to enjoy in the warm weather, while also hosting the during the cold winter months. for housing choices, diversity, health and fitness opportunities, weather, and more, making it clear why retirees choose this region of Iowa.

- Population: 6,049
- National rank: 43

In Kansas, there really is no place like home, as Dorothy so famously uttered in "The Wizard of Oz," and retirees appear to feel the same way about Greenwood County—located in the southeast section of the state—which offers . Retirees can enjoy the Farm and Art Market, , and are among the outdoor activities provided for the intimate population of about 6,200 neighbors. It's no surprise that as the sixth best place to retire in Kansas.

- Population: 8,700
- National rank: 107

Mostly rural farming communities comprise Lyon County, which is located within , a 170,000-acre recreation area that straddles Kentucky and Tennessee. Additionally, several lakeside retirement communities spread throughout the county's 257 square miles enable retirees to enjoy outdoor activities like biking, hunting, and fishing. For inside entertainment, the Lyon County Senior Center offers an array of activities, for seniors in the area.

- Population: 32,270
- National rank: 337

Southwestern Louisiana is very affordable—but the summers can be brutal. Compared to the rest of the country, it costs 18.7% less to live here, and the government provides additional financial relief at tax time. The Louisiana state government allows retirees aged 65 andup to exclude some benefits from their taxable income for state income taxes. This includes up to $6,000 of annual retirement income—$12,000 if taxpayers are married, filing jointly, and both have retirement income—as well as Social Security benefits that incur federal taxes. Those savings may be needed to ensure good air conditioning in July and August when the can top 91 degrees.

- Population: 55,417
- National rank: 55

Residents of Hancock County can enjoy the splendor of Maine's coast, which includes Acacia National Park, a on Mt. Desert Island. As one of the, outdoor lovers can take advantage of a number of activities, including hiking, climbing, boating, fishing, tidepooling, and stargazing. The picturesque coastal town of Bar Harbor lies next to the park and hosts the renowned Bar Harbor Music Festival, as well as a daylong Fourth of July bash every year. Living in Hancock County does require a tolerance for—the county averages 66.6 inches of snow per year, and low temperatures in January hover around 8 degrees.

- Population: 52,322
- National rank: 17

for its wealth of outdoor activities, health and fitness opportunities, weather, diversity, and housing, which is why retirees often opt to settle in this area. , and the plentiful summer activities and recreational opportunities, including , fishing tournaments, crab derbies, and art and seafood festivals, are often viewed as far outweighing this slightly elevated cost.

- Population: 227,942
- National rank: 30

When not sinking their toes into the sand or sunbathing on a boat, retirees in Barnstable County enjoy , artistic centers, opera houses, theaters, and festivals. The region also offers miles of outdoor recreational opportunities, including sailing, whale watching, and cycling along the , a scenic, 25-mile paved bike trail running through 7 of the county's 15 towns.

- Population: 22,251
- National rank: 53

Along with an overall grade of A, . The county offers many outdoor recreation and exercise activities for retirees, specifically on the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, , was voted the most beautiful place in America in 2011 by viewers.

- Population: 5,155
- National rank: 124

Big Stone County is home to and roughly three dozen other bodies of water, affording active retirees endless opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating in the summer, biking and birding in the fall and spring, and cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. Additionally, the county seat of Ortonville is home to , a large complex of catered and assisted-living facilities.

- Population: 17,846
- National rank: 299

With just 29.2 people per square mile, Winston County is a place for those who seek some peace and quiet. Outdoors lovers can explore the Tombigbee National Forest, and go fishing, boating, and birding at the , which is a National Audubon Society-designated that spans Winston, Noxubee, and Oktibbeha counties. , located in the southern part of the county, is the legendary birthplace of the Choctaw Indian tribe. The tribe still has a presence in Winston County and is with a restaurant and casino that will open along Highway 25 in 2024.

- Population: 31,018
- National rank: 79

Nature enthusiasts and live music lovers alike are sure to love spending their golden years in Stone County, Missouri, where the cost of living is . Situated in the southwestern portion of the state, Stone County is home to Table Rock Lake and surrounded by the Ozark Mountains, providing active retirees with ample opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and water sports. Although it's still a rural area, it became a popular relocation place for people of all ages during the pandemic, growing 3.4% to about 32,000 people. It's also a stone's throw away from Branson, which is known as the Live Music Capital of the World thanks to its 40+ theaters offering an abundance of concerts, comedy shows, and other entertainment geared toward both old and young alike.

- Population: 43,790
- National rank: 967

The TV show "Yellowstone" has helped put Ravalli County on the map. The Kevin Costner western , which is nestled between the Sapphire Mountains and the Bitterroot Mountains. Those who enjoy outdoor adventures can take full advantage of the 1.6-million-acre , which offers hiking, hunting, rafting, fishing, biking, skiing, and more. Life in Ravalli County can be rugged—. For those who live outside of towns, it can be more difficult to get basic services like mail, utilities, and emergency response. However, the communities are tight-knit, and neighbors are known for their willingness to help each other.

- Population: 5,053
- National rank: 78

Retirees in Thayer County can enjoy establishments and activities like the . Alexandria State Recreation Area, which includes 55 acres of mature forest and two bodies of water, is also a popular spot for seniors who love the outdoors to picnic and fish. Thayer County also ranks #1 on Niche's list of .

- Population: 49,158
- National rank: 280

With hundreds of miles of open space surrounding Lake Tahoe, Douglas County is considered a hidden jewel of Northern Nevada. However, when retirees in the area also want to enjoy city life, the county is located less than 50 miles from the , where they can partake in a vibrant restaurant and event scene. Bordering California to the west, Douglas County also gives retirees the option to cross over to the Golden State at their leisure.

- Population: 49,961
- National rank: 177

Nestled between White Mountain National Forest and Lake Winnipesaukee, Carroll County is part of the gorgeous New England landscape. A "friendly tax structure, low crime rates, low poverty rates, outstanding schools, vibrant communities, and renowned medical facilities," are all reasons for retirees to consider settling in the area, . Plus, senior living services such as the are available to make retiring a safe move.

- Population: 95,488
- National rank: 56

Famous parks, zoos, and the Cape May Peninsula, which is located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay, lure many retirees to at the southernmost tip of the Garden State. Gov. Phil Murphy set a goal to bring in up to 150 million visitors to New Jersey annually by 2023, particularly in this county, where . Situated less than an hour from Atlantic City, Cape May County also offers retirees a plethora of restaurants, gambling venues, and a vibrant arts and nightlife scene.

- Population: 20,084
- National rank: 193

The Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce calls Lincoln County the offering retirees endless leisure opportunities: racetrack and casino betting, biking or hiking in the nearby Lincoln National Forest, outdoor concerts and sporting events, beaches, lakes, golf courses, and museums, plus various fairs and festivals. The county boasts a ; local temperatures typically reach a low of 23 degrees in the winter and a high of 84 degrees in the summer.

- Population: 1,391,678
- National rank: 323

Retiring in Nassau County comes at a price—, primarily due to the fact that it is less than an hour from New York City. With such close access to according to Business Insider, retirees can engage with an endless list of possibilities for entertainment, food, sporting events, theater and the arts, and more. —offer suburban havens outside the bustling city.

- Population: 67,944
- National rank: 10

Carteret County has long been a destination for retirees, with its moderate climate, coastal living, and abundance of activities, and it has the stamp of approval to prove it. In, it was North Carolina's first coastal county to receive RetireNC's, a recognition of the county's ability to provide services and amenities targeted toward creating an enriched senior lifestyle. Among those amenities are plenty of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, golfing, and relaxing on Emerald Isle Beach,. The in Morehead City offers a wide variety of indoor activities, including twice-monthly senior dances. The county boasts quality healthcare options, with, the state's only hospital that's part of the.

- Population: 10,869
- National rank: 410

, Barnes County, , has a population of just under 11,000 locals. The county seat of Valley City offers . There is also a vibrant through Valley City State University, which promotes performances that are open to the community year-round.

- Population: 40,479
- National rank: 212

provide retirees with many options to find a place to call home. Nestled on Lake Erie in the northwestern region of the state, Ottawa County's , making frugal senior budgets go further. With money-saving housing, plentiful health care, and affordable transportation and shopping, retirees have more money to enjoy or .

- Population: 40,688
- National rank: 97

Delaware County features enjoyable lake living, with as the prime spot for retirees to settle. Home to Grand Lake O' the Cherokees and Natural Falls State Park, . Retirees can locate affordable housing in this northeastern section of the state, including .

- Population: 23,234
- National rank: 134

According to Niche, Curry County is the best county for retirees in the Beaver State, and the town of . With additional high grades in Niche for climate, health and fitness opportunities, and outdoor activities, retirees in this southwestern portion of the state also have access to a multitude of amenities in a safe area with a low crime rate. The one benefit that Curry County cannot offer, like so many other choice retirement spots nationwide, .

- Population: 18,198
- National rank: 123

, making the area very senior-friendly. Lake Chillisquaque, Montour Preserve, Danville Riverfront Park, and —are just a few of the locations that retirees who particularly enjoy the outdoors can visit. Montour County Senior Center in Danville also provides several , including personal enrichment classes and health and wellness services.

- Population: 129,735
- National rank: 117

Washington County is the southernmost county in the Ocean State. the region centers around casual coastal living. Residents can explore the affluent coastal resort area of Watch Hill, home to the luxurious Ocean House hotel, scenic Napatree Point, and the Flying Horses Carousel, which is considered the . Further east, retirees can enjoy iconic seafood hotspots, with South Kingstown's Matunuck Oyster Bar offering top-rated seafood and salt pond sunsets, while the Coast Guard House and Monahan's Clam Shack in the provide sweeping ocean views along the seawall.

- Population: 186,007
- National rank: 22

Beaufort County covers 923 square miles in the south-central portion of South Carolina, with plenty of activities for retirees, from learning about to attending any of the area's annual water, shrimp, or film festivals to enjoying all the resort town of Hilton Head has to offer. —noting April, May, and October as the most pleasant months of the year—and a 7.5% lower cost of living than the U.S. average.

- Population: 7,412
- National rank: 191

This quaint county of just over 7,000 residents in South Dakota is a great place to call home for retirees looking for peace and quiet. And those thinking of settling here can anticipate a . Parkston and Freeman, both with populations hovering around 1,500 residents, are the top locations in the county for retirees, with Niche awarding both of the small and personable towns a .

- Population: 157,843
- National rank: 48

Residents of Sullivan County don't have to make a choice between a laidback lifestyle or being on the go—they can have them both in Sullivan County, located in the northeast part of the state along the Virginia border. Outdoors lovers will appreciate the recreation opportunities within the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and in Cherokee National Forest, and anglers will for smallmouth bass on South Holston Lake and going flyfishing for trout at South Holston River. and on South Holston Lake. For a livelier pace, it doesn't get faster than NASCAR racing at Bristol Motor Speedway. Bristol, which straddles the Tennessee and Virginia border, is also home to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and a lively dining scene. All of this comes at an affordable price—the than the rest of the country.

- Population: 9,974
- National rank: 26

Founded in 1836, Sabine County, located in Deep East Texas along the Louisiana border, is one of Texas' original counties, a point of pride among the locals. Residents enjoy a quiet and relaxing lifestyle that the area's natural beauty. Water lovers will appreciate its 85 square miles of water, which includes the Toledo Bend Reservoir and Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Those, along with the Sabine National Forest on the county's eastern border provide ample opportunities for fishing, camping, hunting, hiking, and boating. Sabine isn't all quiet though, with events like Pineland Day, Milam Settlers Day, and the annual , which cuts through the county along the historic El Camino Real de los Tejas trail—aka Route 21—with 111 miles of yard sales to explore.

- Population: 176,533
- National rank: 1278

Located in the southwest corner of Utah, Washington County covers . Once known for its former cotton colonies, the county is now popular for . When not enjoying outdoor recreation, retirees here frequent the St. George Utah Senior Citizen Center, which offers an array of activities including dancing, games, and arts and crafts. A could be a welcome compromise for active seniors anxious to spend their golden years in the great outdoors.

- Population: 45,811
- National rank: 292

This southeast section of the Green Mountain State is perfect for retirees who love all four seasons, mountains, and . With dozens of , orchards to explore, playhouses and museums to visit, and restaurants and spas to enjoy, retirees have plenty of recreational and cultural activities on hand to keep busy all year round. to retire, giving them both a grade of A-.

- Population: 10,916
- National rank: 15

With, coastal living is attainable and affordable in Virginia's Northern Neck, a peninsula along the Rappahannock River and Chesapeake Bay. Although the area has , the area's than the national average. This is a boon for paddlers and boaters who want to spend their golden years exploring the county's vast waterways. Foodies can revel in Lancaster County's location on and in the . History buffs can explore the county's history, which, as well as nearby Richmond and Washington, D.C., both of which are close enough for weekend getaways.

- Population: 17,631
- National rank: 157

Comprising over 700 islands northwest of the state of Washington in the Salish Sea, , art festivals, and top-notch seafood. Friday Harbor, the county seat and the only incorporated town in the county, boasts along the border with Canada. However, this prime outdoor living comes at a price; .

- Population: 12,125
- National rank: 87

Retirees who really want to get away from it all can escape to southeastern West Virginia, where Summers County has just one incorporated city, along with several unincorporated areas tucked into the Allegheny mountains.,, and highlight the beauty of this area, offering vast opportunities for active retirees who want to spend their days, hiking, biking, birding, paddling, fishing, swimming, camping, and golfing. Residents enjoy this beauty at a fraction of the price—the cost of living in Summers County. Hinton, the county seat, has a history as a railroad town, and today it's one of the stops on that goes between New York and Chicago three times a week.

- Population: 22,813
- National rank: 65

For retirees who do not want to own a home, the in Vilas County offers retirees an opportunity to live mortgage-free in the state's northernmost section. With activities like golfing, hunting, and geocaching, retirees keep busy at the local casino, bowling alley, and museums. Factor in a , and it is clear why retirees enjoy calling this Wisconsin county their home.

- Population: 7,768
- National rank: 1418

Surrounded by mountains, Washakie County is in the Bighorn Basin. Part of the Bighorn Range cuts through the northeastern tip of the county, providing opportunities for in the winter and in the summer. For those who prefer a therapeutic soak, the warm waters of are a short drive to neighboring Thermopolis. Towns here host several throughout the year, including an annual BBQ and Bluegrass Festival, Nowoodstock Music Festival, and the Wyoming Singer-Songwriter Contest. The county scores higher than its peer group in terms of overall health,.