This Orange County hub was built as a planned community in the 1960s and 1970s, and it seems the planners did their jobs well. Today Irvine is routinely named one of the most livable cities in America, a center for education (led by the University of California at Irvine) and technology (leading employers include Broadcom, Samsung, Toshiba, and Verizon).

It boasts the lowest crime rate among the 100 biggest cities in America. Irvine also ranks high in healthcare and recreational activities, all in a fabulously mild, sunny climate. It's not one of the most affordable places to retire, and transit connections could be much better. But if you want to live an active lifestyle in perfect weather, and you can afford the tab, Irvine is our choice for the best city for retirement in the United States.

Perfect for: high quality of life in spectacular weather.
Maybe not if: you're retiring on a budget.

The Valley of the Sun is shining indeed for retirees. Snowbirds have been flocking to Scottsdale's golf courses and resorts in large numbers since the 1960s, and many of them have laid down roots for good. A low crime rate and a rich cultural scene make Scottsdale the Mecca of established Arizona retirement communities.

The sprawling car-dependent city has seen a new buzz on its downtown waterfront, which the New York Times has described as "a desert version of Miami's South Beach" for its infectious energy. As more seniors seek a car-free living, however, Scottsdale will need to continue in that direction to raise its low walkability, bikeability, and transit ratings and stay one of the best places to retire in Arizona.

Perfect for: active retirement living, indoors and out.
Maybe not if: you want to get around without a car.

A sizable over-65 population, a robust array of recreational options and affordable prices put Hialeah high on the list of where to retire in Florida.

A large Cuban-American community adds distinctive spice to this Miami-area city, where some 92 percent of households speak Spanish at home. From the supermarkets full of tropical delicacies to the lake full of flamingos in Hialeah Park, every day is a taste of the Caribbean on U.S. soil. As the nation's Hispanic population grows - and grows older - Hialeah just might be the new face of American retirement.

Perfect for: if you want your golden years to move to a salsa beat.
Maybe not if: you don't speak Spanish - or aren't willing to give it a try.

On the state's other coast, Cigar City remains the grand dame of Florida retirement communities, a magnet for retirees seeking the sunshine. Along with those balmy Gulf Shore breezes, Tampans enjoy hitting the links and the theater alike. While it's not the top of the list in any single category, Tampa offers an outstanding senior-friendly lifestyle at a surprisingly affordable cost of living, making it one of the best places to retire on a budget.

A new riverwalk connecting the museums of the Tampa Arts District brings a whole new dimension to the city's recreational mix. If Tampa officials succeed in improving the pedestrian-friendliness of the downtown neighborhoods, retiring in Florida will remain a cliche for generations to come.

Perfect for: classic golf 'n' gulf retirement living.
Maybe not if: walking is your thing, although the situation is improving.

This desert town is booming. High on the list of needs for retirement locations is safety and affordability and Henderson boasts both. Just 16 miles down the road from the glitz and kitsch of Las Vegas, Henderson is now the second-largest city in Nevada.

Henderson is celebrated for its many miles of walking trails. However, the city could do more to make its business and residential areas more walkable.

Perfect for: a safe, comfortable hideaway just down the road from Las Vegas.
Maybe not if: you want to walk or bike to run daily errands.

Surprised to find New Orleans among the top retirement communities? Don't be. The Big Easy is easy to get around (on foot, bike, or streetcar), easy to afford, and there is easy access to world-class healthcare. The crime rate has improved dramatically in the past decade and keeps getting better, too. And of course, New Orleans' rich, vibrant spirit helps keep retirees young at heart. The food, the architecture, and the music are among America's best.

If you're not inclined to go quietly into retirement, there's no more colorful retirement location than the Crescent City, where there's always something going on.

Perfect for: living large on a regular-size budget.
Maybe not if: you're looking for peace and quiet.

At our next stop up the Mississippi, Louisiana's capital and second largest city help to make Louisiana one of the best retirement states.

High ranks for retirement recreation, affordability, non-stop sunshine, and an extensive system of senior care centers boost the Red Stick into the upper tier of top retirement cities. Spicy Cajun and Creole cooking and riverboat casinos lend a distinctly Louisiana flavor to this old French river town, while the reasonable cost of living will make your retirement savings go further.

Perfect for: affordability, warmth, and senior care.
Maybe not if: you have special medical needs.

Just north of Dallas, Plano offers a low crime rate, mild winters, and an array of performing arts and recreation centers that make it the best place to retire in Texas. A quickly developing downtown and the DART light-rail system are helping improve the mobility issues common to cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

But among all the new shopping centers and apartment complexes, you can still spot the occasional longhorn steer, just to remind you that you're still deep in the heart of Texas.

Perfect for: retirement Texas-style.
Maybe not if: you don't drive, or don't want to.

Looking for that San Diego sunshine without paying San Diego prices?

Take a look at the South Bay area, where Chula Vista offers the same year-round temperate weather and easy access to Pacific Ocean beaches at a lower cost of living. Throw in a low crime rate and you've got a winning combination in Chula Vista.

Perfect for: gentle, sunny weather every day of the year.
Maybe not if: you enjoy four distinct seasons.

This historic stretch of coastline where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean has been attracting visitors since the Jamestown colonists landed in 1607.

Since its mild weather and sandy shores make Virginia Beach one of the best beach towns to retire, we're not surprised. In Virginia Beach you'll have access to a lively boardwalk, an all-star lineup of public golf courses and other retirement activities. With a low crime rate and affordability, we wouldn't be surprised if Virginia Beach remains a great answer to the question "Where should I retire?" for another 400 years.

Perfect for: a retirement rich in history and beach living, and easy on the wallet.
Maybe not if: well, we hate to keep saying it, but you'll enjoy this city much less without a car.

Garland is one of the most affordable places to retire in the Dallas-Forth Worth area; complete with light-rail access to Dallas and a reviving downtown of its own. This little town is far away from the beach life that some seek out in retirement. However, being a part of the larger Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, you'll never be far away from a sister city to visit!

Many never want to live anywhere else after living in Texas and let us not forget, we are speaking from experience here.

Perfect for: enjoying the DFW Metroplex at a nice price.
Maybe not if: you're more of the beach type.

Everything a major city has to offer, plus spectacular weather and your choice of lively urban or spacious suburban-style living: San Diego remains one of the best places to retire in California.

With a large Military presence, it could be an ideal area for those who have served our country and are still looking to be around the military atmosphere.

Perfect for: big-city amenities under the California sun.
Maybe not if: you want to stretch your retirement dollar.

Honolulu isn't cheap, but where else can you combine that South Pacific allure with all the conveniences of American life?

There is a variety of different activities and much fun to be had on this Parodistic Island! With a climate that most would consider comfortable, you can enjoy the outdoor beauty year around.

Perfect for: getting away from it all without roughing it.
Maybe not if: you don't have a *lot* of money to spend.

Its "big-city problems" have gotten a lot of attention. However, Los Angeles still offers a lifestyle that earns its glamorous reputation. In an effort to ditch its auto-centric past, L.A. has a booming light rail system that you can use to get from place to place.

Much to see and do in this city but especially for those of you who enjoy the arts. There are 841 museums and art galleries in Los Angeles County alone.

Perfect for: living the dream as only L.A. can.
Maybe not if: you're allergic to crowds.

The quickly rising "Mile High City" tops the list when it comes to the outdoors, healthcare, bike-friendliness, and a kaleidoscopic range of arts and culture.

The city of Denver really does bring in the beauty of what the great American outdoors has to offer while at the same time, providing a rich and diverse culture. With its breathtaking mountain ridges no one can deny its beauty.

Perfect for: world-class museums in the morning, world-class ski slopes in the afternoon, world-class cuisine for dinner.
Maybe not if: you don't do well in high altitudes.

Gilbert is the safest, best-educated, and fastest-growing city in the Phoenix area. Thus far only 6.5% of Gilbert residents are over 65 but as the secret gets out about its high quality of life, don't expect that percentage to stay that low.

It has an unassuming charm that just makes you feel good. For those who like the laid-back small town feeling more than the city life, you may want to check this place out.

Perfect for: a relaxed desert hideaway.
Maybe not if: you want to take public transit. Gilbert's connectivity has not kept up with its booming growth.

No longer the sleepy industrial town of decades past, Long Beach today offers a vibrant mix of cultures along with its spectacular beaches. And it's one of the most walkable, bikable cities in our top 25.

Many things to do in and around this beach town and the community is an active one. There is something for everyone here to be enjoyed.

Perfect for: dining out on a different cuisine every night of the week.
Maybe not if: you want an escape from city clamor.

Visitors come for Mickey and the gang. Residents stay for the good health care and safe streets. This Orange County hub also offers major-league sports (baseball's Angels and hockey's Ducks), and one of California's best farmer's markets in a gorgeously restored 1919 Spanish-style hall downtown.

With one of the most popular vacation destinations in the US just a few miles away you are sure to have regular family visits.

Perfect for: living like every day is a vacation.
Maybe not if: you want to keep your budget low and your driving limited.

Another California location? Yes, and for a good reason! Santa Ana has a unique California feel that you won't get in other cities. With both mountains to marvel over and the beach to relax at, Santa Ana is a great retirement option for the outdoorsy type.

Big-city liveliness and small-town safety combine in this compact old Spanish outpost. With a buzzing downtown where you'll find eco and colonial architecture, as well as well-preserved 1800's housing, Santa Ana is a great city to retire to if you're a history buff.

Perfect for: the classic California retirement experience.
Maybe not if: you'd rather be on the beach - it's 10 miles from the seashore.

Not usually thought of as a retirement destination - but why not? With a manageable cost of living, a great golf scene, solid healthcare, and plenty of entertainment options, Louisville warrants attention from savvy seniors looking for a good place to retire.

Louisville is also home to many annual cultural events. Famous of which are, The Kentucky Derby, which starts with the annual Thunder Over Louisville, the largest annual fireworks display in North America.

Perfect for: four distinct seasons without any of them being too extreme.
Maybe not if: you're looking to get away from the snow for good.

The state capital may not have the glamor of the Bay Area, the glitz of L.A., or the beaches of SoCal. But it's still one of the best places to retire in California, with mild winters and the sunniest summers in the country.

That weather, along with an extensive network of bike paths, makes Sacramento one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country, too.

Gold Star: Activities, Bikability, Weather
Needs Improvement: Crime

Mesa is home to a high concentration of retirees, soaking up the desert sun and enjoying the spectacular scenery. But there's a lot more to this Arizona retirement favorite, with a lively arts scene and all the attractions and amenities of the Phoenix metro area near at hand.

Improving the pedestrian and transit options would make Mesa even more attractive to retirees. But for those who have the means to get out and about this friendly small town is a great place to reside.

Gold Star: Over-65 Population
Needs Improvement: Walkability

Make your retirement budget go further in a beautiful wooded, hilly setting, with safe, walkable city neighborhoods, world-class sports, and culture, and excellent healthcare. What's not to like? Forget the Steel City stereotypes.

As shown by its consistent appearance on "most livable" lists, Pittsburgh isn't just one of the cheapest places to retire - it's one of the best places to retire, too.

Gold Star: Affordability, Healthcare
Needs Improvement: Crime

Home to the best hospital in the United States, Johns Hopkins Hospital, and other excellent medical facilities like the Mercy Medical Center and the University of Maryland Medical Center, Maryland's largest city offers access to excellent health care. An extensive network of senior centers and community centers ensures that no retiree has to be lonely.

As long as you land in a safe neighborhood, Baltimore offers the best of senior living at a fraction of the price.

Gold Star: Healthcare, Car-Free Mobility, Activities, Senior Care
Needs Improvement: Crime

This Silicon Valley tech hub isn't the cheapest place to retire. But if you can afford to retire here, San Jose does offer excellent weather year-round, a youthful spirit, a booming restaurant scene, and one of the safest retirement cities in America.

Known as the capital of "Silicon Vally" the area boasts a plethora of Universities that appeal to the tech-savvy.
If that sounds like your kind of atmosphere, settle down in San Jose!

Gold Star: Climate, Safety
Needs Improvement: Affordability

Seniors continue to flock to St. Pete, with good reason. We don't need to sell you on the swaying palms, the sandy beaches, the perfectly manicured golf courses, or the lively social calendar in the city's many retirement communities.

Although some areas have seen increases in crime, most of St. Petersburg remains a great place to retire in Florida.

Gold Star: Climate, High Over-65 Population, Activities
Needs Improvement: Crime

Another Dallas-area retirement favorite, Irving offers the same warm weather, reasonable cost of living, and excellent healthcare as its DFW counterparts further up the list. While it's not a place where you'd want to walk or bike to get around, at least the DART light rail system puts all the attractions of Dallas a quick train ride away.

Gold Star: Senior Care
Needs Improvement: Car-Free Mobility

Regularly named one of the safest large cities in America, and set amid the scenic red-clay Franklin Mountains, El Paso offers a distinct - and distinctly affordable - twist on retiring in Texas.

Surprising to some, the city is actually closer to the Pacific coast than to the easternmost parts of Texas. Its location feels much more a part of the desert Southwest than the North Texas prairie.

Gold Star: Safety, Affordability
Needs Improvement: Car-Free Mobility

On the surface, Fremont looks like another safe, pricey Silicon Valley suburb. But with substantial Indian, Chinese, Afghan, Filipino, Vietnamese, and Mexican communities, this city is a culturally rich stew - an apt metaphor given its vast menu of ethnic restaurants in which to dine.

Gold Star: Safety, The Arts
Needs Improvement: Affordability

Retirees are only just discovering the joys of Colorado retirement in this booming suburb of Denver. It can get cold in the winter, but that's a plus for anyone who enjoys skiing and other winter sports. If you don't mind the temperature, Aurora is the perfect place for an active retirement.

Gold Star: Activities, Healthcare
Needs Improvement: Low Over-65 Population

Chef-prepared meals, daily retirement activities, and free transportation to nearby restaurants and shopping make this retirement community about more than just palm trees and beautiful sunshine. (But they've got those, too.)

Location: Chula Vista, CA
Types of residence: Independent Living

From outdoor dining to strolls along San Diego Creek, Atria Golden Creek is one of the finest senior living communities in one of California's safest cities.

Location: Irvine, CA
Types of residence: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Swim under the California sun, putt on a private green or explore everything Orange County has to offer from this full-service retirement community.

Location: Irvine, CA
Types of residence: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

A wellness-oriented approach to caring for body, mind, and spirit, including on-site RNs 7 days a week.

Location: Chula Vista, CA
Types of residence: Assisted Living, Memory Care

One of the best retirement communities in one of the best places to retire, the lush Mission-style grounds include an outdoor pool and putting green, manned by one of the best-trained staffs in the country.

Location: San Diego, CA
Types of residence: Independent Living, Assisted Living

With a focus on independence, anytime dining, and a location adjacent to Seattle's biggest mall, this community is ideal for seniors seeking an active retirement.

Location: Seattle, WA
Types of residence: Independent Living, Assisted Living

A highly professional and caring staff and an emphasis on exercise opportunities make this one of the highest-rated retirement communities in the Portland area.

Location: Portland, OR
Types of residence: Assisted Living, Memory Care

Prestige Assisted Living at Mira Loma.

Location: Henderson, NV
Types of residence: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Luxury amid the grandeur of the desert southwest, Andara offers exquisite attention to detail and premier services, along with lots of sunshine.

Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Types of residence: Independent Living, Assisted Living

Upscale amenities, a packed social calendar, nearby shopping and dining, and the freedom and independence to enjoy it all your way, in one of the best retirement communities in Texas.

Location: Plano, TX
Types of residence: Independent Living, Assisted Living

A beautiful home-like setting for family-style senior living.

Location: Garland, TX
Types of residence: Assisted Living

Retirement in Arizona doesn't get much more comfortable, friendly, or fun than Tuscany at McCormick Ranch, the finest independent senior living community in one of America's best states to retire.

Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Types of residence: Independent Living

Enjoy a fine dinner, visit the on-site beauty salon and barbershop, or just see what's going on in the clubhouse. It's all here in the best retirement community in Las Vegas.

Location: Las Vegas, NV
Types of residence: Independent Living

Independent retirement living for active adults, with individual apartments. Golfers, take note: this facility is located next to the Mesa Country Club.

Location: Mesa, AZ
Types of residence: Independent Living

This Dallas-area memory care community has won the trust of families with a person-centered approach to meeting the challenge of memory loss.

Location: Plano, TX
Types of residence: Memory Care

Elegant apartments and lavish amenities emphasize this San Antonio retirement community's commitment to promoting an independent lifestyle where residents make their own choices.

Location: San Antonio, TX
Types of residence: Independent Living, Assisted Living

Ergonomic design, a holistic approach, and the Our Vitality Club life enhancement program make this one of the best assisted living communities in Houston.

Location: Houston, TX
Types of residence: Assisted Living

A senior resort community unto itself, with a theater, art studio, library, pool, tropical garden and more, all in a luxe South Florida setting.

Location: Miami, FL
Types of residence: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Retirement has a New Orleans flavor in this comfortable, cultured senior community in the heart of the Garden District.

Location: New Orleans, LA
Types of residence: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Innovative memory care helps maintain a high quality of life for retirees of all needs.

Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Types of residence: Assisted Living, Memory Care

With family-style living in a quiet, five-bedroom assisted living facility, this is a retirement home that truly feels like a home.

Location: Tampa, FL
Types of residence: Assisted Living

Families and retirees alike rave about the caring staff and friendly atmosphere. Pets are allowed, and a short-stay program is available for those who need short-term senior care.

Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Types of residence: Assisted Living

In this 1924 grand hotel, every day is like a vacation. Independent, all-inclusive living in a gorgeous landmark in the heart of St. Pete.

Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Types of residence: Independent Living

The Miami area's pinnacle of retirement and good living, a 9-story palace with shops on the ground floor, just off the fabulous Miracle Mile.

Location: Coral Gables, FL
Types of residence: Independent Living

Warm, gracious, all-inclusive independent living just minutes from the French Quarter. Let the good times roll – the party's just getting started!

Location: New Orleans, LA
Types of residence: Independent Living

Classic Southern hospitality wins this senior living community high praise, with everything seniors need under one roof and a warm, welcoming professional staff.

Location: Mobile, AL
Types of residence: Independent Living

Lovely manicured grounds, distinctively decorated interiors, and activities from a weekly game show to a spa-grade fitness center make this community a favorite with seniors in the Nashville area.

Location: Nashville, TN
Types of residence: Assisted Living, Memory Care

Skilled nursing in a historic building, with an emphasis on dignity and compassion.

Location: Philadelphia, PA
Types of residence: Assisted Living, Memory Care

Two retirement communities sharing the same beautiful campus, offering a range of care from assisted living to skilled nursing to dementia care.

Location: Greenwich, CT
Types of residence: Assisted Living, Memory Care

A state-of-the-art memory care facility, with both open campus and secure neighborhoods for those who need varying levels of care.

Location: Boston, MA
Types of residence: Memory Care

One of the premier senior communities on Long Island gets raves for its attentive staff, its comfortable rooms, and a wide range of options, from independent senior living to dementia care.

Location: Lynbrook, NY
Types of residence: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

This premier upstate New York retirement facility shares a bright and beautiful campus near the shores of Irondequoit Bay with the local YMCA, ensuring an active lifestyle well beyond retirement.

Location: Webster, NY
Types of residence: Assisted Living, Memory Care

The classic, charming New England town of Keene is home to this award-winning senior living community, offering skilled nursing, rehabilitation, assisted living, and independent living.

Location: Keene, NH
Types of residence: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Families praise this Pittsburgh senior living community for its friendly staff, friendly residents, and lovely hotel-like accommodations.

Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Types of residence: Independent Living, Assisted Living

Individual attention is paramount in this small but active community, consistently named one of the best assisted living facilities in New Jersey.

Location: West Orange, NJ
Types of residence: Assisted Living, Memory Care

Set in a spectacularly renovated brick schoolhouse 10 minutes outside of Boston, this retirement community offers unparalleled elegance and a caring, attentive staff.

Location: Watertown, MA
Types of residence: Assisted Living

Three levels of care so retirees can “age in place” as their needs change.

Location: Detroit, MI
Types of residence: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

The best of Twin Cities retirement living, with skyline views, gourmet cooking, and luxury amenities, at a surprisingly affordable price.

Location: Minneapolis, MN
Types of residence: Independent Living, Assisted Living

Spectacular views of Lake Michigan are only the beginning of this luxury retirement community. Extensive amenities and a friendly atmosphere make this one of the best places to retire in Chicago.

Location: Chicago, IL
Types of residence: Independent Living

Residents of this St. Louis retirement community have great things to say about the hotel-style amenities, beautiful campus, and most of all, the very active, convivial community of residents.

Location: St. Louis, MO
Types of residence: Independent Living, Assisted Living

With studio, one-bedroom, and two bedroom floor plans, this Cleveland senior living community focuses on helping residents remain self-reliant.

Location: Richmond Heights, OH
Types of residence: Independent Living, Assisted Living

This Columbus retirement community wins high praise for its thoughtful design, its comfortable and cozy interiors, and one unique feature: an onsite aviary, for residents to spend time observing birds.

Location: Columbus, OH
Types of residence: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Families and residents praise the comfortable, welcoming feel of this Madison-area retirement community.

Location: Madison, WI
Types of residence: Independent Living, Assisted Living

Nestled in the tree-lined streets of an award-winning traditional development, the Gardens at Northgate Village offers small-town friendliness and big-city amenities in one vibrant community.

Location: Kansas City, MO
Types of residence: Independent Living, Assisted Living

Active Denver retirement living indoors and out, from the elegant dining room to several nearby parks.

Location: Denver, CO
Types of residence: Independent Living, Assisted Living

Breathtaking mountain views outside; lovely apartments and a full range of amenities inside - that's what's made Chateau Brickyard one of the best senior living communities in Salt Lake City.

Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Types of residence: Independent Living

All the conveniences of home in the midst of an award-winning upscale development in Denver, with a library, grocery store, and vibrant neighborhood close at hand.

Location: Denver, CO
Types of residence: Memory Care, Assisted Living

A five-acre campus in the gorgeous Montana countryside gives residents at this retirement community the best of Big Sky Country.

Location: Billings, MT
Types of residence: Independent Living

For independent retirement living among friends, Washington Crossing is a long-standing favorite for retirees in South Dakota.

Location: Sioux Falls, SD
Types of residence: Independent Living