Where to spend your golden years.

It’s all about lifes challenges and joys, and the need to learn from mistakes.

Its perfect for anyone pondering retirement, with the opportunities it presents, the many decisions it requires.

A colorful illustration referencing retirement themes

Look for a part-time job?

Stay in your home or downsize?

Move to a different city?

An aerial view of a blue hole in New Mexico

Retirement came to me suddenly five years ago.

My company offered a buyout so significant it was impossible to pass up.

Financially, I was comfortable, and freelancing allowed me to keep working at my own pace.

A sailbaot off the coast of a Michigan city

We traveledthe long-awaited cruise to Alaska, Maui as often as possible.

And there was more time to pursue passions.

I even joined a group for senior tap dancers.

A woman looks at a painted bison sculpture in Great Falls, Montana

But in the end, the biggest decisions revolved around where to liveand thats still a work in progress.

The area offers abundant outdoor recreation, including boating, fishing, and swimming on the Shenango River Lake.

Mercer Countys 11 hospitals and 276 health care establishments provide accessible medical care.

A pink and blue sky over the city of Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Founded in 1804, Johnstown is the largest city in Cambria County, with a population of 17,809.

It is situated about 80 miles from Pittsburgh International Airport.

The median home value in the county is $115,900.

A man in a kayak, wearing a hat, paddles through a blackwater swamp in the American south

Residents have access to six area hospitals and 266 health care establishments.

Withdrawals from pre-tax accounts are not taxable in Pennsylvania, potentially a significant saving for state residents.

Outdoor activities are plentiful, and Canoe Creek State Park provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking.

Blue map of the USA, with the northeast indicated by a darker blue color

Illustration by Bashel Lubarsky

Altoona is about a 2.5-hour drive from Pittsburgh International Airport.

Affordable real estate is available in the Blair County area, with a median home value of $156,700.

With 12 area hospitals and 293 health care establishments, residents have convenient access to medical care as well.

Hermitage Pennsylvania casino

The Buhl Timblin Casino at Buhl Park Farm, located on Lake Julia in Hermitage, Pennsylvania.Courtesy of Visit PA

Like everywhere in Pennsylvania, withdrawals from pre-tax accounts are not subject to state tax.

Today, visitors can enjoy the canal for boating, kayaking, and scenic cruising.

A bike path, part of the 750-mile Empire State Trail, follows much of its route.

An aerial view of Johnstown Pennsylvania

Johnstown, Pennsylvania, seen from above.William Sherman/iStockphoto/Getty Images

(Fun fact: New York Citys Madison Square Garden was modeled after the Auditorium.)

The median home value is $171,100.

Health care is provided through the countys 14 hospitals and 379 health care establishments.

A funicular car

A funicular car at the Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark in Altoona, Pennsylvania.John M. Chase/Getty Images

And while Social Security income is not taxable, withdrawals from pre-tax accounts are partially taxed.

The Endicott History and Heritage Center tells the stories of those companies with photos and artifacts.

Less than eight miles from Union, Binghamton University provides athletic and cultural events as well as continuing-education opportunities.

A clock on a street in Utica, New York

Utica, a city in New York state’s Mohawk Valley.iStockphoto/Getty Images

The Bundy Museum of History & Art and the Roberson Museum and Science Center are found in Binghamton.

Ross Park Zoo and Cider Mill Stage are both nearby.

For hiking, waterfalls, forests, and natural beauty, IBM Glen provides 200 acres of outdoor activities.

A forest path in early autumn

The city of Union, New York, offers easy access to outdoor activities, including hikes in nearby IBM Glen.Jonathan William Cohen/iStockphoto/Getty Images

Today, the city has a population of 53,821.

The median county home value is $145,100.

Billed as The City of Firsts, its the birthplace of basketball and of Theodor Geisel (a.k.a.

Interior of a hotel and casino in Massachusetts

MGM Springfield in Springfield, Massachusetts.Courtesy of MGM Springfield Casino and Hotel

The state of Massachusetts does not tax Social Security income, but withdrawals from pre-tax accounts are taxable.

MGM Springfield has a casino, a cinema, concert venues, restaurants, and a hotel.

Recreational boating is available at Riverfront Park, too.

A covered bridge with autumnal trees

A covered bridge spans the Saco River in Conway, New Hampshire.Getty Images

The median home value in Carroll County is $348,900, the highest on this list.

The county has two hospitals and 82 health care establishments.

(The countys median home value is $205,600.)

aerial view of Vineland, NJ

Vineland, New Jerset at sunset.Nick Vendetta/Adobe Stock

Three hospitals and 248 health care organizations serve its residents.

In addition, parks and recreational areas offer golf courses, soccer fields, and walking paths.

Rowan College provides continuing-education opportunities as well as a performing-arts center.

Aerial view of Concord, New Hampshire

The New Hampshire State House, in the city of Concord.iStockphoto/Getty Images

New Jersey taxes withdrawals from pre-tax accounts, but Social Security income is not taxable.

With a population of 44,769, Concord is a major city in Merrimack County.

Residents enjoy convenient access to health care with 40 hospitals and 252 medical establishments in the county.

Interior of the Colonial Theatre in Massachusetts

Inside the Colonial Theatre, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.Courtesy of Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

The median home value in the county is $330,600.

New Hampshire does not tax Social Security income or withdrawals from pre-tax accounts.

Many of the citys homes and buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Blue map of the USA, with the southeast indicated by a darker blue color

Illustration by Bashel Lubarsky

Two lakesOnota and Pontoosucare also popular for outdoor activities.

With a population of 42,771, Pittsfield is the largest city in Berkshire County.

Health care is available through five hospitals and 231 medical establishments.

An aerial view of downtown Waycross, Georgia

Waycross, a city in Ware County, Georgia.iStockphoto/Getty Images

The median home value in the county is $283,800.

The state of Massachusetts does not tax Social Security income, but withdrawals from pre-tax accounts are taxable.

Theyre also within driving distance of a major airport, across the state border in Jacksonville, Florida.

An aerial view of the fountain in downtown Danville, VA

The seven jets of the JTI fountain in downtown Danville, Virginia reference the city’s Tobacco Warehouse Distirct, which spans seven blocks.iStockphoto/Getty Images

Danvilleshighly anticipated casinoopened at the end of 2024, but it’s still a place with small-town charm.

Litchfield Beach might just be the perfect place to retire.

Another green flag for Litchfield?

A beach in South Carolina

Litchfield Beach, in South Carolina.Courtesy of Visit Myrtle Beach

The number of hospitals and health care facilities in the surrounding area27 and 185, respectively.

What else makes Wheeling such a great place to retire?

Its hard to grow bored in a place as multidimensional as the Friendly City.

A neighborhood in Wheeling, West Virginia

Homes in a Wheeling, West Virginia neighborhood.Stan Rohrer/Getty Images

As far as affordability goes, lets look at the hard numbers.

Alexandria, Louisiana

Alexandria bills itself as a small Southern city with big-city amenities.

Canoeing, kayaking, and birding are also popular activities.

A pink flowering tree next to a house in Mississippi

A crepe myrtle tree in bloom in Natchez, Mississippi.G. Douglass Adams Photography/Courtesy of Visit Natchez

Of course, theSunshine State as a whole is a popular choice for retirees.

Curious as to how youll stay busy in Sebring?

Paducah, Kentucky

Courtesy of Kentucky Department of Tourism

Paducahs biggest claim to fame is its creativity.

A toy horse sculpture in a North Carolina town

Morris the horse, on a street corner in downtown Tryon, North Carolina, references the town’s equestrian roots.Courtesy of VisitNC

In 2013, it was designated aUNESCO Creative Cityfor its rich history of quilt-making.

Its cost of living is also an important factor.

For starters, its a favorite among outdoorsy types.

Overview of the city of Alexandria, Louisiana

The city of Alexandria, Louisiana.Getty Images

As far as affordability and other financial implications, Paris has a few things going for it.

Health care is available through 17 hospitals and 416 medical establishments in Bannock County.

Salt Lake City International Airport is about two hours away.

Cars racing on a track in Florida

The Sebring International Raceway hosts racing events each year in Florida.Philippe Nanchino/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

Two hospitals and 24 health care establishments are available to serve county residents.

Downtown has historic buildings, including Victorian homes, as well as restaurants and hiking trails.

With a median home value in the county of $292,700, housing is generally affordable.

Quilting displays at the National Quilt Museum in Kentucky

Quilts on display at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky.Courtesy of Kentucky Department of Tourism

Social Security is not taxable in Idaho, but the state taxes withdrawals from pre-tax accounts.

Ten hospitals and 462 medical establishments provide health care in the county.

Water sports at Centennial Waterfront Park and Dierkes Lake attract residents and visitors alike.

Facades of buildings in Paris, Tennessee

Paris, Tennessee’s historic downtown area.Getty Images

Residents health care needs are served by six hospitals and 64 medical establishments.

The closest international airports are in Spokane and Kelowna134 and 132 miles away, respectively.

Housing is affordable, with the median home value in Okanogan County at $282,200.

Blue map of the USA, with the west indicated by a darker blue color

Illustration by Bashel Lubarsky

Plus, the state of Washington does not tax Social Security income or withdrawals from pre-tax accounts.

The agricultural area offers plenty of outdoor activities and a lively calendar of cultural events.

Nearby Conconully State Park and Bridgeport State Park have camping, hiking, boating, and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Exterior of the performing arts center at Idaho State University

The L.E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center, on the campus of Idaho State University, in Pocatello.Courtesy of Idaho State University

Snowfall in winter brings skiing and snow sports.

Downtown, theres public art, restaurants, shops, and a lively schedule of events.

Social Security income is partially taxable, and Montana taxes withdrawals from pre-tax accounts.

People listen to a concert at the Montana Folk Festival

The Montana Folk Festival, held each summer in Butte, features performances and demonstrations by musicians, dancers, and craftspeople.Courtesy of Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development

Russell Museum of Western art.

The city is just east of Lake Tahoe along the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

The historic downtown features shops, restaurants, breweries, museums, and more.

A bridge over the Snake River in idaho

The Perrine Bridge spans the Snake River just north of Twin Falls, Idaho.Getty Images

Two hospitals and 57 medical establishments provide health care for the countys residents.

Salt Lake City International Airport is a little over 80 miles from Evanston.

Withdrawals from pre-tax accounts are taxable.

The courthouse in Pomeroy, Washington

The Garfield County Courthouse, on Pomeroy, Washington’s Main Street, was built in 1901.Getty Images

Two hospitals and 58 medical establishments provide health care in the county.

The international airport in Boise is roughly 60 miles away.

Denver International Airport is 120 miles away.

Aerial view of a small Washington state town

The town on Omak, in eastern Washington state.iStockphoto/Getty Images

Health care is provided through four hospitals and 368 medical establishments in the county.

Pueblo Zoo is home to about 400 animals representing 140 species.

Instead of casinos and five-star hotels, this Vegas offers an incredible culture centered around history and outdoor recreation.

Downtown street in Great Falls, Montana

Downtown Great Falls, Montana.Janie Osborne/Travel + Leisure

They may also enjoy seeing Fort Duncan Museum, located inside Fort Duncan Park.

(Note Texas does not impose a state income tax.)

Take the Great Texas Balloon Race, for example.

Exterior of the Nevada State Museum in Carson City

The Nevada State Museum, in Carson City.Courtesy of Travel Nevada

As far as financial considerations go, the median home value in Gregg County is $185,800.

Texas does not tax Social Security benefits or IRA, 401(k), or pension income.

If youre someone who plans to road-trip through your golden years, though, youre in luck.

Murals and displays at a state park visitor center

A display in the visitor center at Bear River State Park, in Evanston, Wyoming.Courtesy of Wyoming Office of Tourism

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Retiring doesnt have to mean living in a small community or coastal town.

You may also need to factor health care facilities into your moving decision.

Another reason to consider settling down there is affordability.

View from a car window on a highway in Oregon

Signage along the road exiting Ontario, Oregon, a city on the state’s eastern border with Idaho.Joseph Haeberle for The Washington Post via Getty Images

Relocating to Poplar Bluff, which is home to about 16,000 full-time residents, is also fairly affordable.

Within Butler County, the median home value is $138,800, and the monthly taxes are $587.

Missouri doesnt tax Social Security income, but other forms of retirement income are at least partially taxed.

A riverwalk space in Colorado

The Pueblo, Colorado Riverwalk, along the Arkansas River.Paul Brady/Getty Images

The village now acts as a museum with artifacts in restored buildings.

Theres also a country club with a golf course.

Adams County has the cheapest real estate on our list; the median home value is $116,900.

Blue map of the USA, with the southwest indicated by a darker blue color

Illustration by Bashel Lubarsky

However, it also has the second-highest monthly transportation costs, at $1,455.

Fortunately, Iowa is tax-friendly, since it exempts all types of retirement income, including Social Security.

Two wineries in the city are stops on the scenic Route du Vin wine trail.

Montezuma Castle exterior in New Mexico

The Montezuma Castle building in Las Vegas, New Mexico.Courtesy of New Mexico Tourism Department

Retirees should account for about $577 in monthly food expenses and $1,239 in transportation costs.

There are even more options in Cleveland and Pittsburghabout 75 and 67 miles from Youngstown, respectively.

Seniors can also look forward to an active lifestyle there.

Vintage cars in a New Mexico museum

The Route 66 Auto museum in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, houses vintage cars, gas pumps, and other Route 66 memorabilia.Courtesy of New Mexico Tourism Department

Mill Creek MetroParks, which total 5,000 acres, feature hiking trails, golf courses, and multiple lakes.

Its set toundergo major renovationsto enhance its facilities and add a new events pavilion.

And that’s just the beginning when it comes to the town’s cultural offerings.

A quiet lake in Oklahoma

Hugo Lake, just east of Hugo, Oklahoma.iStockphoto/Getty Images

With eight hospitals and more than 400 health care establishments, Saginaw County also considers senior well-being.

Estimated monthly food costs are $588, and transportation expenses are $1,211.

Houses on a lake in Texas

Homes on Sabine Lake, in Port Arthur, Texas.iStockphoto/Getty Images

Eagle Pass, Texas, seen from above

A spring day in Eagle Pass, Texas, near the US-Mexico border.iStockphoto/Getty Images

Summer in the gardens at the Gregg County Courthouse in Arizona

A garden path in Longview, Texas, near the Gregg County Courthouse.Getty Images

Two boats on the Colorado River in front of a town

Boaters on the Colorado River at Parker, Arizona.David McNew/Getty Images

Two people look at art at the Albuquerque Museum in New Mexico

Taking in a gallery at the Albuquerque Museum.Courtesy of New Mexico Tourism Department

Exterior of a museum in Oklahoma

Muskogee, Oklahoma is home to the Five Civilized Tribes Museum, which showcases art from the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee, and Seminole tribes.Lori Duckworth/Courtesy of Oklahoma Tourism

A view of Lake Havasu City and London Bridge in Arizona

Lake Havasu City, in Mohave County, Arizona.iStockphoto/Getty Images

Blue map of the USA, with the midwest indicated by a darker blue color

Illustration by Bashel Lubarsky

A boat on a reservoir in South Dakota

Boating on Lake Francis Case, in Gregory County, South Dakota.Jim West/Alamy

Looking through tree branches to the skyline of Toledo, Ohio

The Toledo, Ohio skyline reflected in the Maumee River.iStockphoto/Getty Images

Interior of an art museum in Poplar Bluff, Missouri

The Margaret Harwell Art Museum, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, displays works by local and state talent.Courtesy of Margaret Harwell Art Museum

Reflections in a window on a street in Corning, Iowa

Reflections of buildings in a window in Corning, Iowa.Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post via Getty Images

A street corning in Farmington, Missouri

Downtown Farmington, Missiouri.Courtesy of Discover Farmington

A gazebo in a green garden in Ohio

A gazebo at Fellows Riverside Gardens, part of Youngstown, Ohio’s Mill Creek MetroParks complex.iStockphoto/Getty Images

Fireworks explode over boats on the Saginaw River in Michigan

Summer fireworks over the Saginaw River in Bay City, Michigan.Craig Sterken/500px/Getty Images

Three mature guests sit in a Frank Lloyd Wright designed hotel in Iowa

The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Historic Park Inn Hotel in Mason City, Iowa.,.Josh Noel/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Exterior of a castle-style museum in Saginaw, Michigan.

The Castle Museum in Saginaw, a mid-sized town in Michigan.Getty Images

Looking down on the city of Muncie, Indiana on a clear day

A view of downtown Muncie, Indiana, which is home to Ball State University.Nicholas J. Klein/Getty Images