Best ZIP Codes for Retirees: Where to Spend Your Golden Years (2025)
Data-backed rankings of the best retirement destinations based on affordability, healthcare, climate, safety, and quality of life
Choosing where to retire is one of life\'s most important decisions. After decades of work, you deserve a location that maximizes your fixed income, provides excellent healthcare access, offers enjoyable weather, and ensures safety and community. The right ZIP code can make retirement affordable and fulfilling—the wrong one can drain savings and compromise quality of life.
This comprehensive guide analyzes the best retirement ZIP codes in America using data-driven criteria that matter most to retirees: affordability, healthcare quality, climate, safety, and amenities. Whether you\'re on Social Security alone or have substantial retirement savings, we\'ll help you find your ideal retirement destination.
Our Ranking Methodology
We evaluate retirement ZIP codes based on five weighted criteria:
Data Methodology Note: Rankings and statistics in this article combine official U.S. government data (Census Bureau for demographics/housing, NOAA for weather, FBI for crime) with modeled estimates for schools and some economic indicators. While we strive for accuracy, specific figures should be verified with official sources for critical decisions. Learn more about our data sources and methodology.
Top 30 Retirement ZIP Codes in America
| Rank | ZIP | Location | Score | Median Home | Healthcare | Climate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 34986 | Port St. Lucie, FL | 9.4/10 | $285K | Excellent | Warm year-round |
| 2 | 85351 | Surprise, AZ | 9.2/10 | $315K | Excellent | Dry & sunny |
| 3 | 32162 | The Villages, FL | 9.1/10 | $295K | Excellent | Warm year-round |
| 4 | 28273 | Charlotte, NC | 8.9/10 | $265K | Very Good | Four seasons |
| 5 | 37027 | Brentwood, TN | 8.8/10 | $425K | Excellent | Mild winters |
| 6 | 29483 | Summerville, SC | 8.7/10 | $275K | Very Good | Mild year-round |
| 7 | 78209 | San Antonio, TX | 8.6/10 | $315K | Excellent | Warm year-round |
| 8 | 89074 | Henderson, NV | 8.5/10 | $385K | Very Good | Dry & sunny |
| 9 | 33647 | Tampa, FL | 8.4/10 | $295K | Excellent | Warm year-round |
| 10 | 85254 | Scottsdale, AZ | 8.3/10 | $485K | Excellent | Dry & sunny |
| 11 | 75070 | McKinney, TX | 8.2/10 | $335K | Very Good | Warm summers |
| 12 | 28117 | Mooresville, NC | 8.1/10 | $285K | Very Good | Four seasons |
| 13 | 32837 | Orlando, FL | 8/10 | $265K | Very Good | Warm year-round |
| 14 | 85718 | Tucson, AZ | 7.9/10 | $245K | Good | Dry & sunny |
| 15 | 78256 | San Antonio, TX | 7.8/10 | $295K | Very Good | Warm year-round |
| 16 | 37215 | Nashville, TN | 7.7/10 | $485K | Excellent | Mild winters |
| 17 | 33543 | Wesley Chapel, FL | 7.6/10 | $315K | Very Good | Warm year-round |
| 18 | 29406 | Charleston, SC | 7.5/10 | $325K | Very Good | Mild year-round |
| 19 | 28601 | Hickory, NC | 7.4/10 | $185K | Good | Four seasons |
| 20 | 85268 | Fountain Hills, AZ | 7.3/10 | $425K | Very Good | Dry & sunny |
| 21 | 33511 | Brandon, FL | 7.2/10 | $285K | Good | Warm year-round |
| 22 | 78259 | San Antonio, TX | 7.1/10 | $315K | Very Good | Warm year-round |
| 23 | 29607 | Greenville, SC | 7/10 | $245K | Good | Mild year-round |
| 24 | 85142 | Queen Creek, AZ | 6.9/10 | $395K | Good | Dry & sunny |
| 25 | 32043 | Green Cove Springs, FL | 6.8/10 | $225K | Good | Warm year-round |
| 26 | 37122 | Mount Juliet, TN | 6.7/10 | $365K | Very Good | Mild winters |
| 27 | 28115 | Mooresville, NC | 6.6/10 | $295K | Very Good | Four seasons |
| 28 | 75013 | Allen, TX | 6.5/10 | $395K | Very Good | Warm summers |
| 29 | 85375 | Sun City West, AZ | 6.4/10 | $265K | Very Good | Dry & sunny |
| 30 | 33618 | Tampa, FL | 6.3/10 | $275K | Good | Warm year-round |
Top 10 Retirement Destinations: Detailed Profiles
Overall Score: 9.4/10
Port St. Lucie tops our rankings with its unbeatable combination of affordability, healthcare access, and year-round sunshine. Located on Florida\'s Treasure Coast, this rapidly growing city offers retirees median home prices around $285K—significantly below Tampa or Miami—while providing excellent healthcare through Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital and numerous Medicare Advantage options. The warm climate averages 75°F year-round, perfect for golf, fishing, and outdoor activities. Low crime rates and a thriving 55+ community make it ideal for active retirees.
Overall Score: 9.2/10
Surprise, Arizona has become a retirement hotspot thanks to its dry climate, outstanding recreation, and growing healthcare infrastructure. Part of the Phoenix metro area, Surprise offers access to world-class medical facilities including Banner Health and HonorHealth systems. The community features multiple 55+ developments, championship golf courses, and spring training baseball. Median homes around $315K provide excellent value, and Arizona\'s lack of Social Security taxation makes it financially attractive. The dry, sunny climate (300+ sunny days annually) appeals to those fleeing humid or cold climates.
Overall Score: 9.1/10
The Villages is America\'s premier 55+ community, purpose-built for active retirement. This master-planned community offers unmatched amenities: 50+ golf courses, recreation centers, pools, theaters, and shopping within the development. Healthcare is exceptional, with The Villages Regional Hospital and UF Health on-site. The community\'s car-free golf cart lifestyle, organized activities, and social clubs create a vibrant, engaged atmosphere. While median homes reach $295K, the comprehensive amenities, healthcare access, and built-in social network justify the investment for many retirees.
Best States for Retirement
🥇 Florida: The Retirement Champion
Florida dominates retirement rankings for good reasons: no state income tax (including Social Security), warm year-round weather, extensive healthcare infrastructure, and countless retirement communities. From affordable inland towns to upscale coastal areas, Florida offers options for every budget.
🥈 Arizona: Desert Retirement Paradise
Arizona attracts retirees seeking dry heat, stunning landscapes, and outdoor recreation. Phoenix and Tucson metro areas offer world-class healthcare, while smaller communities like Prescott and Sedona provide four-season mountain climates. Social Security benefits are exempt from state tax, and property taxes remain reasonable.
🥉 South Carolina: Affordable Southern Charm
South Carolina offers southern hospitality, mild climate, and exceptional value. Charleston, Greenville, and Hilton Head areas combine culture, healthcare, and affordability. Social Security benefits are exempt from state tax after age 65, and property taxes are among the nation\'s lowest.
Honorable Mentions
- Tennessee: No income tax, mild climate, Nashville/Memphis healthcare
- Texas: No income tax, diverse cities, warm weather (but high property taxes)
- North Carolina: Mountains and beaches, excellent healthcare, moderate costs
- Nevada: No income tax, Las Vegas/Reno amenities, dry climate
Tax-Friendly Retirement ZIP Codes
States with No Income Tax
Nine states impose no state income tax, maximizing your retirement income:
Social Security Taxation by State
38 states do not tax Social Security benefits: This includes all no-income-tax states plus states like Arizona, South Carolina, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Mississippi that exempt Social Security.
12 states tax Social Security: Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and West Virginia tax benefits (often with income thresholds).
Budget-Friendly Retirement ZIP Codes
Retiring on Social Security
The average Social Security retirement benefit in 2025 is approximately $1,800/month ($21,600/year). These ZIP codes offer quality retirement living on this budget:
Healthcare Considerations for Retirees
Proximity to Major Medical Centers
Retirees should live within 30 minutes of a major hospital system. ZIP codes near Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins, or university hospital systems offer optimal healthcare access. Consider specialties relevant to your health needs—cardiology centers, cancer treatment, orthopedics, etc.
Medicare Advantage Plan Availability
Some ZIP codes offer better Medicare Advantage plan options with lower premiums, better coverage, and additional benefits (dental, vision, gym memberships). Florida, Arizona, and Pennsylvania typically have the most plan choices and competitive pricing.
Specialist Access
Larger metro areas provide better access to specialists—cardiologists, oncologists, endocrinologists, neurologists. Rural retirement areas may require travel for specialized care. Balance accessibility with your specific health needs.
Helpful Resources
Medicare Plans Comparison
Compare Medicare plans in your retirement destination
Compare Plans →Senior Moving Services
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55+ Active Adult Communities by ZIP Code
What Are Active Adult Communities?
Age-restricted (55+) developments designed specifically for retirees. These communities offer amenities like golf courses, fitness centers, pools, clubs, and organized activities. They provide instant social networks, maintenance-free living, and security—perfect for active retirees seeking community engagement.
Top 55+ Communities
- 32162 - The Villages, FL
America\'s largest 55+ community with 130,000+ residents, 50+ golf courses, extensive amenities
- 85351 - Sun City Grand, AZ
Del Webb community with golf, recreation centers, clubs, and desert lifestyle
- 85375 - Sun City West, AZ
Original Sun City community with established amenities and active lifestyle
- 33647 - Del Webb Tampa, FL
Modern 55+ community near Tampa with resort-style amenities
Find Your Perfect Retirement ZIP Code
Use our comparison tool to evaluate retirement destinations side-by-side. Compare housing costs, healthcare access, climate, taxes, and amenities to make your best retirement decision.