When it is time to retire, picking a spot to settle down is a top priority. Things like cost of living, proximity to family/friends, climate, healthcare, and fun activities all weigh heavily in your final decision. There's no shortage of “best places to retire lists,” but often they're just the same old recycled picks. So, we're looking at ten cities on the rise that are perfect for retirement, whether that's five years or 20 years away.

Paso Robles, California

This wine country town boasts over 300 days of sunshine every year, the perfect weather for enjoying all the activities you enjoy during retirement. Paso Robles is home to endless things to do, from sampling local wines at the town’s several hundred wineries, to enjoying a day at the spa, or an evening at a world-class restaurant. Beaches are only a 30-minute drive from the town center, including the highly rated, yet quiet, Morro Strand State Beach. With no annual snowfall, and very little rain, the mild climate is perfect for retirees who want to enjoy all that the area has to offer. ‌‌

Paso Robles also has a robust healthcare system with an average of 244 physicians per capita (the U.S. average is 170). Although the small town feel of Paso Robles is part of its charm, there is plenty of opportunity to venture to bigger cities, including nearby San Francisco to the north, or Los Angeles to the south.‌‌‌‌

Los Alamos, New Mexico

Surrounded by national forests and parks, Los Alamos has a small town feel set to the beautiful backdrop of the Jemez Mountains. Not only is the scenery beautiful, but in 2022, Los Alamos was ranked the healthiest community in the U.S. for the third year in a row by U.S. News and World Report. Of the 10 parameters that drive community health, Los Alamos ranked 100 in housing, 94 in population health, and 94 in infrastructure, all key factors for retirees in search of a new place to settle down. Its mild, high-desert climate is also perfect for those looking for low humidity and precipitation. Adding to its accolades, Los Alamos was named the #1 best town to live in New Mexico in 2023 by Niche, and the #1 best place to buy a house in New Mexico.‌‌‌‌

Pensacola, Florida

Pensacola is tucked in the northwestern corner of Florida’s scenic Gulf Coast. It’s best known for its pristine white sand beaches and oceanside resorts, and according to the U.S. News and World Report, it’s the third best place to retire in the U.S. in 2023. With its mild weather, small town feel, and lack of state income tax, Pensacola offers plenty to retirees. In general, Pensacola’s cost of living is relatively low compared to other Florida cities, and over 16% of Pensacola’s residents are over the age of 65. ‌‌

The Pensacola Beach area boasts seafood restaurants serving up local red snapper and beach bars to relax and enjoy a drink while the Navy’s Blue Angels fly overhead. Located just over the bridge, downtown Pensacola holds art festivals and other public events year-round, leaving no shortage of things to do and see.‌‌‌‌

Cody, Wyoming

If a Wild West adventure sounds like a dream retirement, look no further than Cody, Wyoming, a small town founded by daring frontiersman Buffalo Bill. Wildlife enthusiasts love Cody for its array of animal residents, including buffalo, moose, bears, elk, and eagles. The town is very popular among tourists due to its proximity to Yellowstone National Park — the east entrance to the park is only an hour away — but it is also becoming more popular among retirees. ‌‌

Cody also has a higher percentage of senior residents than many other Wyoming towns (19.5%), allowing for a greater sense of community for retirees, and the crime rate is 40% lower than the national average. There is also a large community of active artists in Cody, and every night from June through September, there is a live rodeo show. If cozy, snowy winters by the fireplace and summers spent outdoors sound like an ideal retirement, Cody could be just the ticket.‌‌

Beaufort, South Carolina

Enjoy a Lowcountry retirement in Beaufort, South Carolina, the “Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands.” Southern Living readers consistently list Beaufort as one of the best small towns in the south (it was ranked #2 in 2023) due to its beautiful scenery and southern charm. Beaufort isn’t just one island — it’s made up of 68 marshy islands boasting quiet beaches and waterfront parks. ‌‌

Beaufort is also the second-oldest city in South Carolina, chartered in 1711. It’s sandwiched between Charleston (70 miles to the north) and Savannah, Georgia (40 miles to the south), offering even more southern locales to explore. Beaufort’s warm climate allows for year-round outdoor activities, from coastal bike rides to loggerhead sea turtle viewing. The cost of living here is lower than the national average, meaning you won’t have to break the bank to enjoy this retirement spot.‌‌

Charlottesville, Virginia‌‌

This mountain hideaway is one of Virginia’s best-kept secrets. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains is Charlottesville, a historic town that was home to three U.S. Presidents (Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe), whose houses can still be visited today. The nearby Shenandoah National Park boasts some of the best mountain views in the state, and the area is also home to the Monticello Wine Trail, whose name was inspired by nearby Monticello, Jefferson’s former estate. The rolling hills of Charlottesville are also dotted with golf courses. Charlottesville was ranked the Best Retirement City for Golfers by Golf Digest due to its award-winning courses. Charlottesville’s charming downtown area offers live entertainment, restaurants, and shopping, and the nearby University of Virginia Medical Center has award-winning medical facilities.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Settled in 1623, this coastal town is loaded with top-notch restaurants, boutique shopping, and plenty of historic charm. One of the best features of Portsmouth is its walkability — even in the winter. Even though you're right in the middle of New England, the climate is relatively mild because of its location on the coast, meaning there are great outdoor and cultural activities available year-round. Even though the cost of living is slightly higher than average, you'll find that your retirement check will go much further because there is no statewide sales tax and no state tax on Social Security income. Plus, if you want big city life, Boston is only 45 minutes away.

Raleigh, North Carolina

The over-60 population of this North Carolina city has been on the rise the past decade. The weather is mild and the scenery is incredible, as Raleigh has plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy parks, green spaces, golf courses, and more. The people are friendly and the city has plenty of cultural activities, from museums to theaters.  Throw in some world-class healthcare, favorable tax benefits, and thriving retirement communities, and you might have found the perfect spot to spend your golden years.

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

If you lean toward a quieter retirement, then Lancaster may be for you. Set among the beautiful Amish farmland, Lancaster has seen a revitalization in its downtown and many of the old warehouses and buildings are being transformed into trendy bars and restaurants. Lancaster not long ago topped the list of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places to Retire in the United States and made our shortlist because of its affordable housing and low cost of living, plus access to high-quality healthcare.

San Antonio, Texas

With spectacular weather, a low cost of living, and some great medical facilities, San Antonio is an attractive alternative to many other Texas cities. It continuously ranks high in the nation for most popular cities where retirees are moving, and is a tax haven because there's no state income tax and retirement income isn't taxed. Housing costs are also typically below the national average and there are scores of museums, parks, and cultural activities that make San Antonio the perfect blend of activity and peace.