18 Cities That Are Convenient Home Bases for Retirees Who Love To Travel

If you love to travel, some cities are better choices to call home than others. Factors such as proximity to a large airport and locations near major attractions can make travel more convenient and cost-efficient.

To help you narrow things down, here are 18 cities to consider retiring to if you hope to frequently travel and sightsee. We highlight each city’s biggest draw for travelers.

Grab one of the top travel credit cards and book a trip to a city or two on this list to see if one of these places would be the perfect place to spend your golden years.

If the plan is to jet off to distant corners of the world on a semi-regular basis, you'll want to be close to an international airport that offers direct flights to a large number of destinations.

For those interested in city life, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport are top options to have nearby. The tradeoff for the flight convenience is that these also tend to be very crowded airports, with huge volumes of passengers moving through each day.

For a more relaxed airport experience, Oregon’s Portland International Airport is another solid option — and retirees living in the area can also enjoy being close to plenty of natural beauty.

If you're looking to spend retirement basking in nature’s wonder, consider moving somewhere in proximity to one of the many national parks around the country.

One top option is Flagstaff, Arizona, which puts you about a 90-minute drive away from the Grand Canyon and all its glory.

Bar Harbor, Maine — also known as the “gateway to Acadia National Park” — is packed with outdoor recreation, some of the state’s best dining, and a charming downtown. Bar Harbor is so close to Acadia that you may even be able to walk to the nearest trail.

Florida is the obvious choice for this one, with cruise ports in lively cities such as Miami and Tampa. For retirees who love cruising, Fort Lauderdale could also be an excellent option. It has its own cruise port, beaches, and plenty to do across 31 neighborhoods in the greater Fort Lauderdale area.

Surprisingly, Houston is also a good destination for cruise lovers. The Texas city has great retirement communities and is not far from Port of Galveston, where you can hop aboard plenty of cruise ships.

Many retirees get into taking road trips, with some even investing in vans or RVs to make their treks around the mainland U.S. more comfy. If you would like to see the country via the open road, some cities are much more convenient starting points than others

Two major cities in Tennessee — Nashville and Knoxville — are solid options, as both are situated near major highways. Knoxville also offers a lower cost of living and lower housing prices than the national average, according to data from U.S. News and World Report.

Another option that gives residents easy access to interstates is Dallas-Fort Worth, although the cost of living is a bit pricier.

Those who love hiking, camping, or simply enjoying scenic views may want to consider retiring to cities that give them close access to mountains or mountain ranges.

Greenville, South Carolina, is a solid option, with easy access to the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, a section of the Appalachians.

Roanoke, Virginia, is another city that allows easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains, plus a bustling downtown of its own. And for those who love winter sports, Lake Placid, New York, is a great option in the Adirondacks.

Retirees can save money on travel by making sure they live in a place that has draws of its own. Some destinations around the country have so much going on that they are ideal for “stay-cations.”

One option — although it is on the pricier end — is San Diego, as it’s packed with beaches, outdoor activities, great dining, and access to Mexico.

A lesser known and significantly cheaper option is Cincinnati, which offers plenty to do and see. In this Ohio city, you will find everything from beautiful historic buildings to thriving art and dining scenes.

If you dream of waking up to the relaxing sound of the ocean year-round, you can find many stunning beaches up and down the east and west coasts that would make ideal locations for retirement.

Capitola, California, is a delightful and colorful little beach town in Santa Cruz County. It's a great West Coast option.

On the East Coast, Cape May, New Jersey, is a beloved and historic seaside town at the state’s southern point with a distinct vintage charm. St. Augustine, Florida — the oldest city in the U.S. — offers a mix of beautiful beaches and stunning historic architecture.

Being cognizant of future vacation plans can help you to choose the right city for retirement if one of your goals is to save money on travel.

While some cities may offer perks such as low taxes or a lower cost of living, factors in other places, such as access to major highways and airports, can be a big plus if you love to travel.