(NewsNation) — When it comes to nice weather and affordability, Florida has some of the best spots to retire, according to a new report.
This year, Sun City Center, Florida, topped Realtor.com’s list of best retirement towns thanks to its “magic combo” — a warm beach and a big city nearby. Another Sunshine State community, The Villages, also cracked the top five.
But retirees don’t have to travel South to find an affordable home and a strong social circle. Three New Jersey towns — Manchester, Monroe and Whiting — made the top ten.
Out West, King City, Oregon, ranked third on the list. Communities in California, like Seal Beach, Sun City and Laguna Woods, were also among the best.
Realtor.com compiled its list based on several factors, including housing prices, the median age of residents and real estate listings indicating a retiree-friendly area.
1 – Sun City Center, Florida
- Percentage of retiree-friendly listings: 84%
- Median age of residents: 71
- Median list price: $315,000
Why it’s appealing: It’s only a thirty-minute drive outside Tampa which gives residents easy access to amenities like medical care but without the day-to-day stress of living in a big city.
The entire community is also accessible by golf carts or scooters, which means retirees can ditch their cars. It also has lower homeowners association dues than other places in the state.
“The senior community here at Sun City Center has better control over HOA fees, which they are able to keep lower,” real estate agent Irma Sanabia said in the report.
2 – Green Valley, Arizona
- Percentage of retiree-friendly listings: 83%
- Median age of residents: 74
- Median list price: $349,900
Why it’s appealing: Roughly thirty minutes south of Tucson and close to Madera Canyon, Green Valley is a great option for outdoor enthusiasts who still want to be near a city.
After ranking fourth in 2023, the community rose to second place in 2024 thanks to its access to natural wonders. Residents can also enjoy golf courses, pickleball courts, swimming pools, and hiking trails, the report noted.
3 – King City, Oregon
- Percentage of retiree-friendly listings: 81%
- Median age of residents: 63
- Median list price: $375,000
Why it’s appealing: The Pacific Northwest town just outside Portland earned its spot due to its focus on sustainable living and easy access to some of the best hospitals in Oregon.
“As a bonus, King City has a 0% sales tax rate, which helps contribute to the low cost of living that makes this such a desirable retirement location,” the report said.
4 – The Villages, Florida
- Percentage of retiree-friendly listings: 93%
- Median age of residents: 73
- Median list price: $400,000
Why it’s appealing: With more than 50 golf courses, a mix of restaurants and several town squares, it’s easy to see why The Villages experienced a population boom of 4.7% from July 2022 to July 2023.
Residents can access everything the planned retirement community has to offer for only $195 a month.
5 – Manchester, New Jersey
- Percentage of retiree-friendly listings: 83%
- Median age of residents: 65
- Median list price: $309,900
Why it’s appealing: Manchester maintained its fifth-place spot from the year before due to its location near coastal hotspots and major cities like Philadelphia and New York City.
“In this midsized East Coast township, retirees can enjoy a four-season lifestyle. In addition to sunny summers, they can expect to see the occasional white Christmas, too,” Realtor.com said.
6 – Monroe, New Jersey
- Percentage of retiree-friendly listings: 70%
- Median age of residents: 56
- Median list price: $424,000
Why it’s appealing: Like other New Jersey towns on the list, Monroe offers close access to major cities in the Northeast for retirees looking to live close to family.
The town in Middlesex County boasts condos priced in the $200,000s and has plenty to do outside at nearby Cheesequake State Park.
7 – Seal Beach, California
- Percentage of retiree-friendly listings: 72%
- Median age of residents: 61
- Median list price: $369,000
Why it’s appealing: The town in Orange County enjoys beautiful weather that rarely gets above 90 degrees. It also has great wildlife and parks, including the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge. California has another going for it: no state Social Security taxes.
8 – Sun City, California
- Percentage of retiree-friendly listings: 86%
- Median age of residents: 58
- Median list price: $370,000
Why it’s appealing: As its name suggests, the neighborhood 30 minutes south of Riverside has plenty of sun. Sun City has several retirement communities that offer a variety of amenities like golf courses, tennis courts and swimming pools.
9 – Laguna Woods, California
- Percentage of retiree-friendly listings: 99%
- Median age of residents: 75
- Median list price: $409,900
Why it’s appealing: Affordability is the main appeal for this Orange County community where the median list price is $409,000. Retirees have plenty to do at nearby beach towns like Newport Beach, Laguna Beach and Dana Point.
10 – Whiting, New Jersey
- Percentage of retiree-friendly listings: 78%
- Median age of residents: 69
- Median list price: $179,000
Why it’s appealing: Located between several major northeastern cities, Whiting offers retirees plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature at an affordable price.
“This is also the perfect spot for anyone who wants easy access to the beach in their golden years but has found themselves priced out of the more expensive coastal towns,” Realtor.com said.
