The Ten Best Places to Retire

Sarasota in Florida

Florida is still one of the best places for retirees and Sarasota may just be the perfect place for you. Located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, it has more than 30 miles of beautiful beaches and a climate that's perfect for boating, tennis and golf. This is not a big city but it definitely has an urban feel, thanks to first rate entertainment.

Williamsburg in Virginia

If a feel of the colonial South is your idea of the best place to retire in, consider Williamsburg. The romance of 18th century colonial spirit is in the air and if you like to be surrounded (and reminded) of your British colonial heritage and would like access to one of its 15 golf courses, this is the place for you.

St. Simons Island in Georgia

If your idea of a great retirement is something akin to the eternal summer, consider St. Simons Island. Located just a few miles off Brunswick in Georgia, this island basks in the sun for more than six months of each year. Prices for houses are not cheap these days, but you'll get to share sandy beaches and beautiful marshes with the island's 13,400 population, so there's plenty of space for you.

Walla Walla in Washington

With a nice, solid local population of only 30,000, Walla Walla was voted recently as one of the best places to retire in America. If you want a quiet lifestyle in a town where people know one another, then this is the place for you. Walla Walla is that town you've been dreaming of when you want to escape the rat race - complete with bookstores, restaurants and art galleries, where local colleges offer lots of activities such as lectures and classes for retirees. And if you're used to big city prices, you'll love the fact that your future house in Walla Walla will be a nice, affordable surprise.

Fayetteville in Arizona

Fancy living in the Ozarks? If you're a country boy or girl at heart, Fayetteville has plenty to offer you as one of the best places to retire in. This southern town is known for its affordable housing and low cost of living, not to mention the lively outdoors. Imagine fishing in crystal clear lakes and enjoying the fall foliage in a place with a low crime rate and unemployment. Try it for a year and locals guarantee you'll stay 10, 20, maybe more years of peace.

Bellingham in Washington

Situated between Vancouver and Seattle, Bellingham offers plenty of great seaside and mountain views, fresh water lakes and Victorian-inspired historical districts. As one of the best places to retire in, Bellingham offers plenty of recreation and natural charm.

San Diego in California

Still can't get enough of the California spirit? One of the best places to retire to if you want an all-California town is San Diego, with its beautiful weather and sandy beaches. This is the perfect place for retirement if you intend to stay active. The beaches and famous Balboa Park are just a few of the places you can go to for play and entertainment. You'll love the fact that this town remains as one of the most competitive in the fields of electronics, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Prepare to spend a little on housing, though. San Diego is not entirely cheap.

Charleston in South Carolina

The south is still one of the best places to retire in and Charleston is the lovely town where you can enjoy lots of activities within a thriving economy. Historic, romantic and beautiful, Charleston may just be the location of your dream home, as long as you don't mind the heat of the summer.

Loveland in Colorado

If the name doesn't get you, the place will. With its spectacular views of the mountains and easy access to outdoor activities, Loveland is one of the best places to retire in. Go skiing, fishing or hiking in this rural Eden and enjoy a metropolitan living in an affordable setting.

Holland in Michigan

Holland is one of the best places to retire in, thanks to its spectacular view of Lake Michigan and amenities for sailing and beach fun. If you don't mind the winter cold outside, you can still enjoy plenty of activity indoors. Don't worry, though. Streets and sidewalks in Holland are heated so snow shouldn't be much of a concern. Not only that, you can plan trips to the Grand Rapids at any time you like, considering that it's only half an hour away.