Boomers Choose Happiness Over Affordability as the No. 1 Retirement Hot Spot in America Is Revealed

Americans approaching retirement age—and those already at that stage—are prioritizing happiness over affordability when looking for a new home.

Most are seeking a destination that’s a “place of enjoyment,” according to new research by U.S. News & World Report in its 2025 Best Places to Retire list.

“The 2025 Best Places to Retire rankings reflect top cities across the country that best meet retiree needs and desires,” said Dawn Bradbury, assistant managing editor for real estate at U.S. News, in a statement.

As a result, U.S. News adjusted its scoring and placed the highest emphasis on happiness among the six factors used to calculate each city’s overall retirement score.

The criteria were: happiness, 27%; affordability, 25%; health care quality, 15%; retiree taxes, 13%; desirability, 12%; and job market, 8%.

Naples ranked No. 1

The city of Naples, FL, was named the best place to retire in the United States.

“The pristine beaches, world-class golf courses, and year-round sunshine create an idyllic setting for enjoying retirement,” says PJ Smith, owner of Naples Golf to Gulf Real Estate.

Additionally, Naples boasts top-notch healthcare facilities, a vibrant cultural scene, and a variety of dining and shopping options, all of which enhance the quality of life for retirees.

Smith moved to Naples from Minnesota over a decade ago, and says it’s been one of the best decisions she’s ever made.

The Naples real estate market attracts buyers from across the country and internationally, many of whom are looking for second homes or places to retire, according to Smith.

“Retirees today are focused on maximizing their quality of life, and Naples delivers on that in every way,” she says. “After decades of hard work, many prioritize happiness, health, and a fulfilling lifestyle over affordability alone. Naples offers a sense of luxury and serenity that’s worth the investment.”

Although the U.S. News survey was conducted before Hurricanes Helene and Milton hit Florida, Naples has been hurricane-prone for years, and that hasn’t deterred retirees from migrating there.

In fact, 36% of Naples residents are 65 and older.

Many boomers are attracted to the area because of its 230 days of annual sunshine and wide range of amenities, which, according to Smith, “provide a truly enriching retirement experience.”

Naples—along with 12 other cities in U.S. News’ top 20 best places to retire—have median home prices exceeding the national average of $424,950, suggesting that happiness outweighs affordability in those areas.

Check out the full top 20 list of best places to retire below.

1. Naples, FL

Median list price: $749,000 ($324,050 over national median)

Happiness boosters: beaches, sunshine, golf courses, fine dining, shopping, and no state income tax

2. Virginia Beach, VA

Median list price: $425,000 ($50 over national median)

Happiness boosters: beaches, waterfront restaurants, museums, air shows, shopping, fishing, and horseback riding

3. New York, NY

Median list price: $1,599,000 ($1,174,050 over national median)

Happiness boosters: theaters, restaurants, bars, museums, parks, and cultural activities

4. Sarasota, FL

Median list price: $557,500 ($132,550 over national median)

Happiness boosters: arts community, food scene, beaches, live music, and no state income tax

5. Boise, ID

Median list price: $571,950 ($147,000 over national median)

Happiness boosters: mountain views, skiing, kayaking, hiking, cultural attractions, and college football games

6. Raleigh, NC

Median list price: $503,748 ($78,798 over national median)

Happiness boosters: craft breweries, locally owned restaurants, green spaces, art galleries, college athletics, and low property taxes

7. Jacksonville, FL

Median list price: $299,945

Happiness boosters: beaches, fishing, biking, walking, river cruises, an arboretum, and no state income taxes

8. Huntsville, AL

Median list price: $354,950

Happiness boosters: shopping, dining, golf, nature trails, parks, museums, and a botanical garden

9. Charlotte, NC

Median list price: $432,223 ($7,273 over national median)

Happiness boosters: Southern hospitality, shopping, museums, parks, NFL and NBA games, and two nearby lakes

10. Fort Wayne, IN

Median list price: $287,450

Happiness boosters: birdwatching, hiking, biking, river cruises, musical performances, and minor league baseball games

11. Green Bay, WI

Median list price: $449,900 ($24,050 over national median)

Happiness boosters: botanical gardens, farmers markets, museums, nature trails, distilleries, and NFL games

12. Washington, DC

Median list price: $617,000 ($192,050 over national median)

Happiness boosters: historic sites, trendy restaurants, performance venues, museums, public parks, professional sports, and government epicenter

13. Charleston, SC

Median list price: $698,100 ($273,150 over national median)

Happiness boosters: food scene, famous cemeteries, art galleries, nearby beaches, water sports, and Southern charm

14. San Francisco, CA

Median list price: $1,195,000 ($770,050 over national median)

Happiness boosters: dining, walking, biking, green spaces, museums, architecture, boutiques, and street fairs

15. South Bend, IN

Median list price: $197,175

Happiness boosters: Notre Dame, Mishawaka Riverwalk, museums, boat tours, symphony performances, and wineries

16. Lexington, KY

Median list price: $388,747

Happiness boosters: Kentucky Horse Park, bourbon trails, Lexington Opera House, shopping, museums, and thriving food scene

17. Pensacola, FL

Median list price: $329,150

Happiness boosters: beaches, sunset cruises, National Naval Aviation Museum, botanical gardens, lighthouse tours, kayaking, and no state income tax

18. Tampa, FL

Median list price: $459,450 ($34,500 over national median)

Happiness boosters: beaches, dolphin-watching, fishing, dog parks, museums, professional sports teams, and no state income tax

19. Port St. Lucie, FL

Median list price: $436,200 ($11,250 over national median)

Happiness boosters: golf courses, boating, fishing, hiking, pickleball, Mets spring training, nearby beaches, and no state income tax

20. Melbourne, FL

Median list price: $410,000

Happiness boosters: beaches, river cruises, botanical gardens, art galleries, street festivals, comedy shows, and no state income tax