Sometimes your must-haves aren’t what you imagine. For example, happiness isn’t always increased by living extravagantly or by being close to your kids. “There’s zero evidence that those who live near their children are happier,” says Michael Finke, who studies retirement and happiness. “On the other hand, the biggest mistake people make is not considering the value of friendship and of social spending [traveling, eating out] as sources of happiness in retirement.” We took that into account along with what retirement experts call the Big Three contentment-makers: Money—Is the community affordable/tax-friendly, so that your money can last through retirement? Health—Does the community have medical facilities and other resources that help you stay healthy? Relationships—Are there nearby places, events or opportunities for spouses or single retirees to bond and have fun together? These five towns scored high on our happiness meter.
The 5 Best Places To Retire
1. Wilmington, North Carolina
Living on a coast boosts happiness, health and well-being, according to a 2020 report. Stretched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River, with the nearly two-mile restaurant-and-shop-filled Riverwalk in the historic downtown, Wilmington keeps water views front and center. The University of North Carolina Wilmington and Cape Fear Community College offer lifelong learning opportunities, and the arts scene has exploded in recent years. In between beach walks and town strolls, residents bid to be extras in the many film and TV productions shot here in “Wilmywood” as well.
2. Lewes/Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Delaware tied with Montana as the No. 1 retirement destination in 2020, according to a United Van Lines study. (Florida and South Carolina ranked No. 2 and 3.) Many newcomers are East Coasters who find bliss in the Sussex County sand, charm, parks and low-key lifestyle. A big target: the Delaware Beaches—anchored by Lewes and Rehoboth Beach (where President Biden has a home). And the state’s famous tax friendliness isn’t just for corporations. Social Security income isn’t taxed, there’s no sales tax and property taxes are low.
3. Fredericksburg, Texas
Smaller towns and rural areas make some people the happiest. And this history-rich Hill Country charmer (population 11,000), an hour and a half west of Austin, packs in more activities than many places its size. Tourists and retirees alike—a third of residents are over 65—enjoy wine-tasting rooms, art galleries, a charming Main Street and loads of history (along with the Pioneer Museum Complex and the large National Museum of the Pacific War, LBJ lived nearby).
4. Ogden, Utah
Utah claimed honors as the fourth-happiest state (after Hawaii, Maryland and Minnesota) in 2022, in a WalletHub ranking. Not quite an hour north of Salt Lake City, Ogden (population 87,000) touts itself as having the benefits of both a small city and a mountain town without the usual high costs of either. Houses are relatively inexpensive and outdoor sports of all kinds—fishing, hiking, snow sports—are practically out the front door. It’s the gateway to Snowbasin and Powder Mountain ski areas. Historic 25th Street supplies the food and culture, while George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park with its paleontology and history museums and dinosaur sculptures makes retirees feel forever young.
5. Charlottesville, Virginia
College town amenities and the nearby Shenandoah National Park make this a convenient and super fun place to retire. And just a couple of hours away from Arlington, the second-happiest city in America (according to a 2022 Smart Asset report), you can bet that happiness will be contagious! The University of Virginia attracts cultural events, restaurants, shops, festivals and more. And UV Medical Center is the state’s best. Planned communities, many golf-centered, are an extra draw for retirees to the town and surrounding Albemarle County. Next, 10 Questions Every Couple Should Ask Before Retiring
