The best places to retire according to US News and World Report - See the list

Published October 27, 2026 6:30 AM EDT

FILE - Two chairs on a lake dock. (Getty Images)

Many people work their entire life to get to this point – retirement.

And with retirement comes the consideration of where to live out the rest of one’s golden years.

U.S. News and World Report gathered data and ranked the top places to live for retirees in 2027. 

Map: Top 20 best cities to retire in the US in 2027

For the full ranking, click here. 

Midland ranks No. 1 again 

Dig deeper:

Midland, Michigan, has secured the title of the No. 1 spot for the best place to retire in the U.S. for the second consecutive year, according to the newly released 2027 rankings by U.S. News & World Report. 

The Midwestern city clinched the top spot due to standout scores in overall affordability and retiree-friendly taxes, demonstrating that older adults can find financial peace of mind without having to compromise on quality of life.

Big picture view:

The updated list reflects a major shift in retiree priorities, with affordability taking center stage amid rising economic pressures. U.S. News adjusted its scoring weights across more than 850 evaluated cities to mirror these concerns, prompting dramatic shifts on its leaderboard.

Notable moves include West Virginia’s Weirton claiming the No. 2 spot, Homosassa Springs, Florida, taking No. 3, and Paducah, Kentucky, leaping into the top 10 at No. 8.

Traditional retirement havens in Florida and Texas dominated the broader list of the top 250 destinations, buoyed by favorable tax codes and low living expenses. 

With high-ranking entries such as The Woodlands and Spring in Texas alongside Florida’s Homosassa Springs and Palm Coast, the 2027 index underlines a clear national trend: today’s retirees are seeking locations where their savings stretch the farthest.

The Source: Information for this article was taken from a U.S. News and World Report news release on the best places to retire in 2027. Data from Applied Geographic Solutions and U.S. News’ international resources contributed to the ranking. This story was reported from San Jose. 

Lifestyle