Multiple Rankings Agree This Is America's Best Retirement State In 2025

When it comes to planning for retirement, the right state can make all the difference — and for 2025, multiple rankings point to Florida as the ultimate destination for retirees. Notably, the financial advice site WalletHub listed Florida as the top option for retirees looking to make a significant move in their golden years. The business management magazine Kiplinger has also acknowledged that the Sunshine State is the unchallenged leader in retirement living.

This palm-tree-filled state has long been a favorite destination for those seeking sun-soaked days, vibrant communities, and relaxing beachside amenities. From pristine sandy stretches and world-class golf courses to diverse cultural offerings and bustling city centers, Florida offers a mix of relaxation and stimulation that appeals to a wide range of ages. But beyond its natural beauty, Florida consistently ranks highly for financial factors that matter most to many retirees, including tax-friendly policies, affordable healthcare options, and a cost of living that can suit a variety of budgets.

Active adults also find ample opportunities to pursue hobbies such as pickleball, yoga, dance, birdwatching, and more. Other social opportunities, like volunteer work, keep life exciting for those who may be far away from family and are long past their traditional workforce years. Taken together, these factors explain why Florida keeps topping surveys, guides, and studies aimed at retirement planning. So in 2025, retirees looking for a mix of lifestyle, community, and practicality may find that the best decision they can make is moving to the Sunshine State.

Older individuals looking for a warm-weather destination to retire might be interested in checking out the safest destinations to retire abroad in 2025. However, if you want to stay stateside, there's no question that the best — and hottest — place you could go is Florida. For those tired of shoveling snow or bundling up against harsh winters, the Sunshine State offers an inviting alternative: mild winters, long stretches of sun-filled days, and gentle balmy evenings that encourage an active outdoor lifestyle all year round.

Whether you want to walk along a pristine beach, cycle through scenic trails, or enjoy a morning round of golf without worrying about getting frostbite, Florida's weather makes it easy to stay outside and stay moving. Popular retirement communities like the age-restricted The Villages in Central Florida offer a series of nature trails, boardwalks, and more where you can safely take in the fresh, tropical air. Cypress Lakes Village, on the other hand, is ideally located close to many beaches, as it sits on the Interstate 4 corridor.

A warmer climate offers retirees many health benefits. Sunshine helps boost vitamin D levels, supports joint mobility, and encourages a more physically active lifestyle — whether it's gardening, swimming, or simply strolling through your local community. Many retirees find that they sleep better, feel more energetic, and enjoy improved mental health when they can consistently spend time outdoors.

Affordability is also a big draw for retired individuals who choose the Sunshine State to drop their bags. While the state certainly has its luxury pockets, if you steer clear of Florida's luxury retirement destination Esplanade by the Islands, then you'll find retired life here to be financially advantageous. Residents don't even have to pay state income or estate taxes.

This is huge for retirees, as they won't have to pay state taxes on retirement income such as Social Security benefits, pensions, and IRAs. The money you save in taxes can go toward the bundle of amenities offered at many of the retirement villages and communities dotted around the state that are exclusively open to people over the age of 55. Neighborhoods geared toward older adults often include activity centers — like fitness complexes, pools, walking trails, tennis courts, and golf courses — into their residential packages.

These activities go hand in hand with Florida's emphasis on social connection. The state is packed with age-friendly communities where neighbors don't just live near each other — they participate in shared activities, group outings, and clubs built around hobbies from pickleball and bridge to woodworking and salsa dancing. These networks make it easy to form friendships and maintain an active social life, something many retirees find just as valuable as sunshine or low taxes. With its balance of affordability, amenities, and built-in community, Florida offers retirees a lifestyle that feels both financially sustainable and richly connected.