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Methodology -

U.S. News & World Report's Best Places to Live rankings evaluate cities based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau, FBI, Department of Labor, and internal resources. The rankings consider data in several categories including quality of life, value, and desirability. This ranking uses results from a February 2024 survey of American preferences.

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30. Pensacola, FL -

Pensacola, FL, has beautiful white sand beaches that draw in people worldwide. There is also a metropolitan area that shares its tradition while giving space to new entrepreneurs. There are colleges and a lot of culture to discover.

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29. Jacksonville, FL -

Jacksonville attracts beach lovers with its Atlantic coast location, featuring popular shorelines like Amelia Island and Ponte Vedra. It is also renowned for its golf courses. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy camping, hiking, and cycling in recreation areas like Hanna Park.

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28. Naples, FL -

Naples has world-renowned beaches, huge gold courses, and countless fine dining and shopping options. This city is geared toward an older demographic and even has 'snowbirds' or people from the north who flock to the warmth during winter. 

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27. Syracuse, NY -

Though Syracuse experiences more than 114 inches of snow per year, it is often a very affordable place for families and retirees. Location is a big factor for Syracuse's appeal as residents can be in New York City or Buffalo in just a few short hours.

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26. Ocala, FL -

Ocala is known for being the horse capital of the world and has deep equestrian ties. Here you'll also find Victorian-era homes as well as an active food scene and bustling nightlife.

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25. Raleigh, NC -

Raleigh is a youthful, friendly, and diverse place for retirees to call home. There is a strong sense of community here that draws people in. There are also a lot of gorgeous green spaces and family-friendly locations.

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24. Orlando, FL -

Orlando, Florida, is home to countless retirees and is really split into two scenes. There is the downtown part where nightclubs, restaurants, and post-game celebrations line the streets, and then residential Orlando with lakefront bungalows. Here you'll also find famous theme parks.

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23. Melbourne, FL -

Melbourne, Florida, part of the populous Space Coast, attracts urbanites, families, professionals, and retirees with its unique blend of space-related and down-to-earth attractions.

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22. Lakeland, FL -

Named for its 38 beautiful lakes, Lakeland combines Old Florida history with natural beauty, featuring historic sites like Polk Theatre and Munn Park alongside numerous parks for enjoying the beautiful weather.

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21. Rochester, NY -

Residents in Rochester are known for being warmer and more welcoming than other downstate cities. This friendly place is a blend of history and innovation. For decades, people were calling the suburbs their home but now the revitalization of the downtown area is drawing people in.

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20. Trenton, NJ -

Trenton is a mix of history and modern attractions. While it was the location of Revolutionary War battles, it now boasts modern museums and other entertainment options.

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19. Toledo, OH -

Toledo isn't as popular with tourists, which can actually be a good thing for the retirees who call it home! There is a low cost of living here alongside lots of outdoor activities.

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18. Sarasota, FL -

Sarasota has a unique charm and vibrant arts scene, plus a beachy atmosphere and an excellent selection of restaurants. The duality of Sarasota is what attracts many retirees, being both a beach town and a gastronomic hub. 

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17. Winston-Salem, NC -

Winston-Salem, known by the locals as Winston, is unlike rapidly growing cities such as Charlotte and Raleigh. Winston's steady growth has preserved its small-town feel and led to the transformation of old factories into loft apartments, fostering a thriving environment for entrepreneurs and small businesses.

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16. Green Bay, WI -

Located in northeast Wisconsin, Green Bay features excellent summer activities on the Fox River, including waterskiing and riverfront dining. Green Bay also offers a mix of big-city amenities and a small-town Midwestern feel, with a thriving entertainment scene.

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15. Manchester, NH -

Manchester is the largest metropolitan area in New Hampshire. There is a young, vibrant community here as there are numerous colleges. This well-educated community comes in at number 15 on our list.

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14. Fort Wayne, IN -

In Fort Wayne, you'll find a low cost of living and quiet neighborhoods. Residents have access to entertainment and a thriving art scene. Fort Wayne has over 360 places of worship and the northeast is home to an Amish community.

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13. Philadelphia, PA -

Philadelphia has many distinct sections. There are areas for young professionals and others for families and retirees. Philly is known for being both edgy and sophisticated. There you'll find a well-established culture.

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12. Tampa, FL -

Tampa offers a laid-back beach lifestyle combined with the amenities of a large city, including professional sports, museums, and diverse entertainment and dining options.

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11. Ann Arbor, MI -

Ann Arbor is an attractive retirement destination due to its blend of rural charm and urban sophistication, offering a rich cultural scene, low crime rates, and a high walkability score.

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10. Pittsburgh, PA -

Pittsburgh is a technology and education hub. There has been a rise in job opportunities here that draws in people across the nation. It also offers a cheaper housing market than many other large cities.

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9. Youngstown, OH -

Youngstown is still reflective of the steel industry collapse of the 1970s but is updating every day. Today you can find new businesses, bars, galleries, shops, and more in its once desolate downtown area.

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8. Daytona Beach, FL -

This popular tourist destination is also home to numerous retirees. Daytona Beach has loads of spots for fishing, great golf courses, and is home to the international speedway so NASCAR fans are happy here too!

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7. York, PA -

York, PA, was once the home of the Continental Congress or the birthplace of the Articles of Confederation. It was even the capital of the U.S. for a brief period of time. It is a place filled with history!

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6. New York City, NY -

New York City is infamous for having the world's best restaurants, museums, parks, and cultural activities. While costs are very high and it's known for being a fast-paced city, it comes in at our number six best spot to retire in the US.

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5. Allentown, PA -

Allentown has a lot of historic charm to it. It is Pensylvania's third-largest city and has a bustling business district with lots of restaurants and retail establishments.

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4. Scranton, PA -

Scranton is the sixth-largest city in Pennsylvania but it has a very small-town feel. Scranton has a low crime rate and cost of living so a lot of families call Scranton home.

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3. Lancaster, PA -

Lancaster, PA, offers a lot to various groups of people. From farm landscapes to a busy business district, Lancaster has it all. Here you'll find close-knit religious groups, college students, and everything in between.

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2. Reading, PA -

In Reading you'll find a low cost of living alongside low crime rates. It's also very close to other popular places like Philadelphia and Lancaster. Fun fact: Reading is also home to the real Reading Rialorad from the Monopoly board game!

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1. Harrisburg, PA -

Number one on our list of the best places to retire in the US is Harrisburg, PA. This capital city is close to the great outdoors and boasts trails alongside the Riverfront Park. Residents can also hike the famous Appalachian Trail.

Sources: (U.S. News & World Report)

See also: Top tips for a happy retirement

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