In 2025, the top destination for retirement is not found on Miami’s renowned beaches or amid New York’s energetic bustle. Instead, it’s a quieter and more affordable community that has pleasantly surprised many. This outstanding choice comes from a recent nationwide study that meticulously crunched the numbers to reveal where retirees thrive.

Based on research conducted by GOBankingRates using U.S. Census data, the best place to retire at the moment is Rio Verde, Arizona. This modest town outperformed many famous retirement hubs in both Florida and Arizona. In the following sections, we’ll explore why Rio Verde earned the top honor and highlight several other strong contenders from across the country.

Rio Verde: Arizona’s top retirement pick

Situated just east of Scottsdale, Rio Verde defies expectations of a sprawling retirement city. With its compact layout and approximately 2,300 residents, it offers a distinctive charm that sets it apart from larger urban centers. Remarkably, 86.6% of the community is over 65, according to the study’s analysis of 2023 Census data, fostering a vibrant network of peers who share a similar life stage.

Affordability remains a major advantage. The analysis identified Rio Verde as markedly more cost-effective than many well-known retirement destinations. A single retiree requires approximately $897,000 to cover 15 years, whereas a couple needs around $726,000. For comparison, in Palm Beach, Florida, a single retiree might require over $11 million for the same span. Although it’s not the cheapest option, it offers exceptional value.

Living in Rio Verde also offers a peaceful, suburban-rural ambiance with convenient access to Scottsdale’s extensive amenities, such as shopping venues, healthcare centers, dining experiences, and a vibrant cultural scene.

It’s important to note that the community maintains a conservative character, and the summers are very hot, much like the rest of Arizona. Moreover, recent challenges regarding the water supply, stemming from Scottsdale cutting off water from Rio Verde Foothills (where the community still relies on hauled water), warrant a thorough investigation.

Other great places to retire across the US

Although Rio Verde stands out as the top pick, there are several other attractive retirement destinations to choose from. The following locations, focused on Florida and Arizona, benefit from warm climates, robust retiree infrastructures, and an array of community amenities.

Pensacola, Florida: A budget-friendly option that features Gulf Coast beaches and a historic downtown feel, typically available at a lower cost compared to many other coastal cities.
Sun City West, Arizona: A purpose-designed retirement community located near Phoenix, equipped with a wide array of amenities and specially curated activities for seniors.
The Villages, Florida: A vast retirement megacity located in central Florida, celebrated for its extensive golf cart culture and its energetic, continuous social scene.
Timber Pines, Florida: This one offers a charming community along Florida’s Nature Coast with a more leisurely pace compared to larger Florida hubs.
Green Valley, Arizona: A well-established retirement community situated south of Tucson, renowned for its affordability and well-organized social and recreational activities.

This list shows that retirees have a diverse array of options. The ideal retirement destination for you will depend on factors such as budgetary considerations, desired lifestyle, and climate preferences.