News Summary
Orlando, Florida, has been awarded the title of the best city to retire in the U.S. for 2025 according to WalletHub’s recent study. The city’s ranking is based on affordability, activities, quality of life, and health care, making it an attractive destination for retirees. Notable factors include Florida’s lack of income taxes and a wealth of resources for seniors, such as healthcare facilities and recreational opportunities. Other cities in the top five include Scottsdale and Minneapolis, with Fort Lauderdale emerging as a noteworthy contender.
Orlando Named the Best City to Retire in the U.S. for 2025
Orlando, Florida, has been recognized as the best place to retire in the United States for 2025, according to a recently released study by WalletHub. This ranking is a result of a comprehensive evaluation of 182 cities across several key factors that are significant to retirees.
Key Findings of WalletHub’s Study
The WalletHub analysis assessed cities based on four main criteria: affordability, activities, quality of life, and health care. In addition to Orlando, which took the top position, Scottsdale, Arizona, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, also received high marks in this study. Following them, Miami and Tampa rounded out the top five cities for retirement.
One noteworthy aspect contributing to Orlando’s superior ranking is its favorable tax environment. Florida’s absence of income, estate, or inheritance taxes makes it financially appealing for retirees. Furthermore, Orlando provides a wealth of resources and activities that cater specifically to the over-65 demographic, enhancing the overall retirement experience.
Activities and Health Care
The city scored exceptionally well in terms of recreational opportunities, ranking third overall in the analysis. Orlando boasts a high concentration of music venues, fishing facilities, and art galleries, ensuring diverse entertainment options for seniors. Orlando’s health care services are also a strong suit; it ranks 19th for the number of gerontologists per capita, which is crucial for the aging population.
In terms of home health care, Orlando excels with the sixth-highest number of facilities available for elderly residents and features some of the top hospitals specializing in geriatrics, securing the seventh-best ranking in this category. This level of healthcare support is vital for retirees seeking peace of mind regarding their medical needs.
Cost of Living and Services
While Orlando may not have the lowest cost of living, it boasts competitive pricing in key areas. The city ranks as the ninth cheapest for homemaker services and the 20th cheapest for adult day health care, making it manageable for seniors who may require extra assistance as they age.
Other Noteworthy Rankings
In the WalletHub analysis, other states identified as favorable for retirement include Minnesota, Colorado, Wyoming, and South Dakota. Notably, Fort Lauderdale has emerged as a rising contender, ranking seventh overall in the study.
Methodology and Sources
The comprehensive analysis utilized data from a variety of reliable sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This thorough methodology ensures that the rankings are based on accurate and relevant information to assist retirees in making informed decisions about their future.
Published on September 2, 2025, the study presents valuable insights and trends for retirees seeking ideal locations to settle down, highlighting the factors they should consider to optimize their retirement experience.
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Additional Resources
- Southern Living: Best Place to Retire in America – Orlando, FL
- USA Today: Best Retirement Cities in America
- Florida Voice News: Florida Tops 2025 Retirement Rankings Led by Orlando
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Retirement
- Google Search: Best Places to Retire in the US
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
