![\"Asheville](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Asheville-North-Carolina-downtown-iStock-929797542.jpg\")
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GOBankingRates’ editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services – our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines<\/a> and our products and services review methodology<\/a>.<\/p>\n 20 Years<\/strong> Trusted by<\/strong> Jerry Seinfeld once quipped, \u201cMy parents didn\u2019t want to move to Florida<\/a>, but they turned sixty and that\u2019s the law.\u201d As it turns out, he wasn\u2019t entirely wrong. <\/p>\n GOBankingRates chat with professionals to discover five of 2025\u2019s most popular retirement havens<\/a> in the United States. The below cities balance factors like cost of living, housing choices and lifestyle. And, yes, Florida did make the list.<\/p>\n Sarasota, Florida<\/p>\n According to Stacy Brown, vice president of Property Management Enablement at Real Property Management<\/a>, retirees are drawn to Sarasota because of the beautiful Gulf beaches, vibrant art scene and strong medical infrastructure. And let\u2019s not forget the financial incentive: Florida\u2019s lack of state income tax<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n In Sarasota, residents enjoy a nicely balanced coastal and city lifestyle with far less congestion than Tampa or Miami. Per Brown, Sarasota ranks 105 on the Cost-of-Living Index (which measures essential goods and services like housing, food, utilities, healthcare and transportation), putting it 5% above the national average. Average rent is $2,500 per month and home prices average around $413,000.<\/p>\n Greenville, South Carolina<\/p>\n According to Fred Loguidice, founder and realtor at Sell My House Fast Virginia<\/a>, Greenville is appealing for retirees in part due to its affordable cost of living and retirement-friendly tax benefits<\/a>. Plus, \u201cit\u2019s proximity to good healthcare systems, cultural amenities, walkable neighborhoods, and moderate climate make it appealing to retirees who want balance \u2014 quietness without isolation,\u201d stated Loguidice.<\/p>\n According to Brown, the cost of living is 9% below the national average, with rents averaging $1,750 per month and home values averaging $322,000.<\/p>\n Scottsdale, Arizona<\/p>\n Scottsdale draws plenty of retirees due to its relaxed lifestyle which consists of ample sunshine<\/a>, golf and wellness-oriented community. <\/p>\n \u201cScottsdale, Arizona is a really cool place with a mix of modern city life and Old West charm,\u201d wrote one Niche.com<\/a> reviewer. \u201cThe desert scenery is beautiful, and there\u2019s a lot to do, from hiking Camelback Mountain to checking out the art scene and nightlife in Old Town.\u201d<\/p>\n Brown said the average cost of living is 13% higher than the national average with a mean rent of $3,300 per month and home prices averaging $828,000.<\/p>\n Asheville, North Carolina<\/p>\n \u201cFrom my experience, retirees who move here value community engagement, the arts, volunteering and a sense of connection to a small city,\u201d stated Brown. <\/p>\n She also emphasized the mountain views, four seasons, acclaimed restaurants, walkable streets and cultural attractions. With a population of only 90,000, Ashville offers the amenities of a large city with the feel of a small town.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.gobankingrates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icon-20.svg?webp=1&quality=75\"){kind=icon}
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