Big Shakeup in U.S. News 2025 'Best Places to Retire' Rankings

Rest of the Top 25

Green Bay Best Places to retire — Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Image credit: © Walter Arce | Dreamstime.com

The U.S. News report noted that the South holds a strong presence in the 2025 rankings. This year, 15 of the top 25 Best Places to Retire are in the South. Southern cities were able to secure top spots due to their strong scores across affordability and retiree taxes.

Florida has maintained a consistent presence in U.S. News’ Best Places to Retire rankings, securing eight placements in the top 25 this year due to high scores in desirability, happiness and retiree taxes.

Washington, D.C., scored the No. 12 spot due to high scores in happiness, health care and job market. San Francisco earned the No. 14 placement due to high happiness, health care, job market and desirability scores.

Best city to retire, Charleston — Charleston, S.C. Image credit: © Sean Pavone | Dreamstime.com

11. Green Bay Wis.
12. Washington, D.C.
13. Charleston, S.C.
14. San Francisco
15. South Bend, Ind.
16. Lexington, Ky.
17. Pensacola, Fla.
18. Tampa, Fla.
19. Port St Lucie, Fla.
20. Melbourne, Fla.
21. Anchorage, Alaska
22. Seattle
23. Oklahoma City, Okla.
24. Fort Myers, Fla.
25. Omaha, Neb.