Top 10 Most Beautiful Regions in the U.S. for Retirement

Bellingham is a fantastic spot for adventurous adults. The weather may be cold, but you can enjoy snow activities. The air throughout the region is exceptionally clean. You can also indulge in various outdoor activities here designed primarily for adults. The only drawback is that the cost of living here is higher than the national average. The average cost of a home here is $250,000 (reference cost). This place is mainly suitable for those who love adventure and like new things. Located near the Canadian border, this coastal city used to be an industrial center. For decades, Bellingham focused on developing the timber industry and coal mining. Still, today, this city in Washington state captivates tourists with its natural beauty and developed culture. With an age of just over a century, Bellingham is quite a young city, but the streets are full of signs with information about its history. Whether choosing Bellingham as a stopping point before reaching the San Juan Islands or wanting to learn about the increasingly developing artistic and musical life, there are many things waiting for visitors in this city.

Travelers can explore the city by walking, cycling, or hopping on a bus. The streets are not too crowded, and parking is quite easy, even in the city center, so renting a car might be an ideal option. Most of the city's cultural activities are concentrated in the central area and the streets around Western Washington University. With a young population, the city always has vibrant entertainment and cultural activities. Visit the sculpture garden at the university, admire works by top American artists like Richard Serra and Beverly Pepper. Visit the Whatcom History and Art Museum, the Spark Invention Museum, or participate in cultural activities at the Pickford Film Center. Explore the majestic nature around the city to learn more about the geographical and natural features of Washington state. Less than an hour from Bellingham Bay is the San Juan Islands, or head east to Mount Baker, the year-round snow-covered volcano, a paradise for skiers. Bellingham has an international airport and is not far from major cities like Seattle or Vancouver. Travelers can stay at hotels near the coastline, in the Meridian commercial area, or rent guesthouses near Mount Baker and the rural area northeast of the city to enjoy nature.

Venice is also an enchanting city for mature individuals looking to live in peace after retirement. It stands out as one of the cities with stable living costs in the state. With living expenses and housing costs significantly lower than real estate values in Fort Lauderdale and Napa, it becomes one of the finest places in the United States for retirement living. Venice boasts three significant advantages: firstly, it's not too far from larger cities. Secondly, the city exudes tranquility. Thirdly, it maintains a warm climate throughout the year. The city is home to approximately 31 city parks. Dubbed one of the happiest seaside towns in America in 2015, Venice is one of Florida's best-kept secrets. Guiding visitors straight to the Gulf of Mexico, the city, influenced by the Mediterranean, welcomes you with an alluring main street adorned with shops, restaurants, and houses in the 1920s style.

With shaded areas, meticulously landscaped boulevards, and 14 miles of white sandy beaches stretching from Casey Key to Manasota Key, it's effortless to see why this area is a family favorite. Plenty of entertainment opportunities await to be enjoyed on a warm sunny day, such as swimming, sunbathing, and kayaking. However, the area is truly renowned for an activity that sets it apart from anywhere else in Florida. Formerly a fishing and farming community, Venice is now known as the Shark Tooth Capital of the World. Located south of Sarasota, this picturesque vacation spot is where adventurous families come to not only play in the surf but also continue an exciting hunt for prehistoric shark teeth. On any given day, you might spot people sifting through the sand to find treasures from prehistoric times while 52-foot sharks lurk in the Gulf of Mexico waters.

3. Boise, Idaho

Boise offers a delightful experience for outdoor enthusiasts as numerous outdoor activities regularly take place here. The average housing cost is lower than the national average, but the cost of living is slightly higher than the national average. The dry weather conditions persist throughout winter, but harsh weather conditions need not be a concern. Additionally, it is the capital of the state where you'll find all essential amenities whenever needed. Boise, Idaho. With over a quarter of the state's area covered by national forests, Idaho is a popular destination for outdoor activities. Hike in the summer, ski in the winter, and indulge in year-round camping and fishing. Explore Boise city with unique cultural tourist spots. Nestled between the Boise River and the Rocky Mountains, walk or bike along the 25-mile Boise River Greenbelt that winds through the city. Discover delightful restaurants, vibrant evening entertainment, and captivating cultural attractions in Old Boise. The Discovery Center of Idaho, with its hands-on exhibits, will satisfy both young and old visitors. Learn about history at the Pioneer Village, Idaho History Museum, and Old Idaho Penitentiary. The Basque Museum and Cultural Center is the only place in the U.S. dedicated to immigrants from the small Basque region in the Spanish Pyrenees.

On the eastern side of the city, find the 130-mile Ridge to Rivers trail system at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Enjoy year-round outdoor activities in the Boise National Forest nearby. Ski at Bogus Basin, just north of Boise, or drive 3 hours west to the upscale Sun Valley Resort in Ketchum. Apart from skiing near Ketchum, enjoy a myriad of exciting activities across the 850,000 hectares of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Sunbathe, swim, fish, kayak, and surf on Redfish Lake. Appreciate performing arts and presentations at the Sun Valley Center for the Arts. Coeur d’Alene, far north in Idaho, has become famous for both backpackers and luxury travelers. Find all water sports on the lake, hike long trails in the surrounding wilderness, play tennis and golf at the resort, and indulge in luxurious spa facilities. Visit in June for the Ironman competition or in December to enjoy the festive holiday lights in the downtown area. Idaho contributes about one-third of the U.S. potato production in family meals. To savor the unique tourist spot of the state, visit the Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot.

4. Bartlesville, Oklahoma

Bartlesville is a city primarily in Washington County, Oklahoma, USA. The population at the 2010 census was 35,750, with an estimated 36,144 in 2019 according to the United States Census Bureau. Bartlesville is 47 miles (76 km) north of Tulsa and 18 miles (29 km) south of the Kansas border. It is the county seat of Washington County. The Caney River runs through Bartlesville. Bartlesville is the main city of the Bartlesville Micropolitan area, which includes Washington County and had a population of 51,843 in 2018. A small portion of the city is in Osage County. The city is also part of the Tulsa Combined Statistical Area with a population of 1,151,172 in 2015.

Bartlesville is notable as the longtime home of Phillips Petroleum Company. Frank Phillips founded Phillips Petroleum in Bartlesville in 1905 when the area was still Indian Territory. It is one of two places in Oklahoma where the Lenape Native American tribe resides, the other being Anadarko. Bartlesville is a small town in the state of Oklahoma. It is a 45-minute drive from Tulsa. The place is known for its laid-back, tranquil lifestyle, and affordable cost of living. There are two community colleges in the city, and the average cost of living and homes are below the national average at $120,000. Oklahoma is known for its Native American indigenous culture, and it has more Native American tribes than any other state in the country.

5. Athens, Georgia

One of the most charming towns in the United States, Athens in the state of Georgia boasts one of the liveliest college music scenes in the country. It's solidified by being home to bands including REM, B-52, Kishi Bashi, Of Montreal, and Reptar. Its current prominence as a university town is combined with its historical traditions, featuring main attractions like a Civil War-era double-barreled cannon, historic downtown district buildings, and some 19th-century University of Georgia structures. Antebellum architecture makes it a perfect wedding destination, and its proximity to Atlanta means it attracts many tourists looking for a picturesque weekend getaway.

Blue Ridge Mountains nearby also make the town a convenient stop for nature enthusiasts. The cost of living and average home price is around $140,000. The moderate weather conditions make it a quite desirable place for you to spend your retirement. The crime rate seems to be on par with the national average, but it has shown a significant improvement in recent years, making it one of the best places in the U.S. to settle down after retirement and one of the best places in America to live after retiring. The only drawback is the city's high population.

Claremont is a city on the eastern edge of Los Angeles, California, USA. Located approximately 48 km east of downtown Los Angeles, this city sits in the Pomona Valley at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Claremont has a population of about 34,926, with an estimated 36,478 people in 2018. Claremont is home to the prestigious Claremont Colleges consortium and many other educational institutions. Known for its tree-lined streets and historic buildings, in July 2007, the city was rated by CNN/Money magazine as one of the best places to live in the United States and the highest-rated in California. Claremont was also honored by Sunset Magazine as the best suburban city in the West in 2016, describing it as a 'small city blending global sophistication with the charm of a small town.'

Due to its abundance of trees and a high percentage of residents with doctoral degrees, combined with its proximity to the renowned Claremont Colleges, the city is sometimes referred to as the 'City of Trees and PhDs.' California has a free-spirited lifestyle, and they say that once you've lived there, you'll want to stay. The state has everything one needs for a good and luxurious life. Besides Claremont, you have many other choices like San Diego, Napa, Berkeley, and Santa Barbara. One of the best things here is the fantastic weather throughout the year. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park and the San Gabriel Mountains. The crime rate is also very low compared to the national average. The only limitation is that the city is somewhat pricey. However, it is one of the best places in the U.S. to settle down after retirement.

This city is home to the two largest universities in the United States, Cornell University and Ithaca College. Ithaca is renowned for Cornell University, an Ivy League institution with 20,000 students (most studying at the university's Ithaca campus). Ithaca College is located south of the city in the town of Ithaca. The city boasts numerous waterfalls and is rich in culture. You'll find many areas for natural walks. The crime rate is exceptionally low compared to the national average. The town's uniqueness lies in warm summers and cold winters, making it suitable for adults seeking weather variation. The average home cost is above $200,000 (reference cost), and the cost of living is higher. Overall, it is one of the best places in the U.S. to settle down after retirement.

Ithaca, New York, is a city and the county seat of Tompkins County in the U.S. state of New York. The city has a total area of km², with land area covering km². According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the city has a population of 30,014, and the metropolitan area has a population of 101,564. Ithaca, New York, is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. The city is also the largest community in the Ithaca-Tompkins metropolitan area (which also includes separate towns of Ithaca, Cayuga Heights village, Lansing village, and other towns and villages in Tompkins County). Ithaca is situated on the southern shore of Cayuga Lake in Central New York. It is named after the Greek island of Ithaca.

The Woodlands is a city in Texas, ranking among the best places in the U.S. to settle after retirement. Texas' economy has flourished in recent years, making The Woodlands an ideal post-retirement destination. The city offers various community services catering to retirees' needs. The crime rate in this suburban area is low, and the cost of living is also reasonable. However, due to the economic upturn in recent years, housing prices are significantly increasing. The average price of a home is around $280,000 USD (reference cost). The only limitation is that the city is not very culturally diverse.

The Woodlands - a master-planned community spanning 28,000 acres north of Houston, has consistently made Niche's list of the best cities in the U.S. For the first time, it claims the top spot. Niche, an online platform aiding people in choosing schools and places to live, announced on March 15 that The Woodlands ranks #1 in the list of the Best Cities to Live in America for 2021. The Woodlands is a city in Texas with a population of 113,819. It is located in Montgomery County and stands out as one of the best places to live in Texas. Living in The Woodlands provides residents with a dense suburban feel, and most residents own their homes.

Boulder is the capital city and the largest city in Boulder County, Colorado, USA. The city covers an area of km2, and the population according to the 2000 census by the U.S. Census Bureau was people. This city is the main city in the Boulder, CO metropolitan statistical area and a major city in the Front Range urban corridor. Situated at the base of the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of 5,430 feet (1,655 m) above sea level, located 25 miles (40 km) northwest of Denver. Boulder's estimated population is 105,673 people in 2019. It is home to the main campus of the University of Colorado, the largest university in the state. The city consistently receives high rankings for arts, health, happiness, quality of life, and education.

Boulder is a city for mature individuals who want to maintain good health and live peacefully after retirement. The city is considered the greenest and healthiest in the nation. The city boasts an enormous 30 golf courses and 30 parks within a 30-mile radius. The city is also home to the University of Colorado. One of the most notable features is that it experiences all four seasons, meaning it has a humid continental climate. You'll have the opportunity for winter sports like skiing. The city will get 300 sunny days each year, making it one of the best places in the U.S. where you can settle after retirement. The crime rate is also lower than the national average.

Kauai is the oldest island in the Hawaiian archipelago. With an area of 1,456.4 km2, it is the 4th largest island in the Hawaiian Islands and the 21st largest in the U.S. Known as the 'Garden Isle,' Kauai lies 170 km across the Kauaʻi Channel, northwest of the island of Oahu. The U.S. Census Bureau defines Kuai as Kauai Tracts 401 to 409 of Kauai County, Hawaii, encompassing the entire county except for the islands of Kaula, Lehua, and Niihau. The population of Kuai according to the census is 65,689 people. Tourism is the largest economic sector of Kauai. In 2007, 1,271,000 tourists visited Kauai. The two largest groups were from the continental U.S. (84% of tourists) and Japan (3%).

This city is a paradise for retirees. There are plenty of recreational activities for retirees here, such as golf, hiking, beaches, and popular water sports. The crime rate is also lower than the national average. The only limitation is that the cost of living is also very high here, and the average home price is $425,000. Being far from the mainland may be a change for some people. It is one of the best places in the U.S. where you can settle after retirement.