Retirement Retired Life

13 Safe and Vibrant U.S. Cities Where Retirees Are Thriving

Retirement should be safe, fun, and full of life. These cities check all the boxes.

By Adam Palasciano

Edited by Kaitlin Milligan

Updated June 4, 2025

Retirement is finally here. You've worked hard, hopefully had enough time to build your wealth, and now you want to enjoy your golden years.

Once you retire, you are no longer tied to your place of employment. For many people, that means it is time to start looking for a new place to call home.

When thinking about where to settle down, a fun and safe city might be near the top of your wishlist. Here, we set out to find cities with low violent crime rates and thriving communities with a range of amenities.

Following are 13 of the safest and most vibrant cities to retire to in the U.S.

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State College, Pennsylvania

Population: 40,745

Home of Penn State University, State College boasts a lower violent crime rate than the median among U.S. cities. That's true of each city on this list.

You'll love State College's buzzing atmosphere thanks to the college scene. And you will find yourself right at home if you're a college sports enthusiast.

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Glens Falls, New York

Population: 14,603

Glens Falls is situated near the scenic Adirondack Mountains. It is a charming city with a rich history and abundant natural beauty.

The city offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and skiing. With a vibrant arts scene, diverse dining options, and a welcoming community, Glens Falls provides a perfect balance of small-town charm and outdoor adventure.

Naperville, Illinois

aerial view of the Chicago Suburb of Naperville

Population: 149,936

Naperville is a suburb of Chicago. It's a safe and welcoming city that offers a high quality of life and top-ranked schools, beautiful parks, and a buzzing downtown area.

Residents enjoy a range of recreational activities and plentiful dining options.

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Wausau, Wisconsin

aerial view of the Wausau Skyline in Wisconsin

Population: 39,833

Wausau is nestled along the Wisconsin River in the picturesque heart of the state. It offers a blend of natural beauty and urban amenities.

Known for outdoor recreational opportunities and a friendly community, Wausau offers a lovely atmosphere with a range of activities for residents and visitors alike.

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Population: 118,488

Cambridge is a vibrant city renowned for its prestigious universities, including Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The city offers a rich intellectual and cultural environment, with numerous historic sites, museums, and art venues. It is known for its innovative spirit and lively blend of academic pursuits, technology, and creative industries.

Cambridge has a higher cost of living than many other places on this list. But if you have a high level of financial fitness, it is worthy of consideration as a place to retire.

Note: Cambridge has less violent crime than the national median, but its rate of property crime is above the median. Consider investing in a home security system to prevent theft.

Yonkers, New York

Population: 208,121

Yonkers is located just north of New York City and offers a unique blend of suburban living and urban amenities.

Known for its rich history, Yonkers boasts a diverse population, picturesque Hudson River views, and a range of cultural attractions.

Residents enjoy access to parks, shopping centers, and convenient access to nearby Manhattan.

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The Villages, Florida

Population: 81,444

The Villages is a unique retirement community known for its active and engaging lifestyle.

Located not too far from Orlando, you'll find an abundance of amenities here, including numerous golf courses, recreational centers, and social clubs.

The community creates a welcoming and fulfilling environment full of retirees.

Wenatchee, Washington

Population: 35,433

Nestled near the stunning Cascade Mountains, Wenatchee is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts.

With the Columbia River flowing nearby, Wenatchee offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. The city also boasts a thriving arts scene, local wineries, and a warm community spirit.

Note: Wenatchee, though fairly free of violent crime, has a rate of property crime higher than the national median. Once again, consider a home security symptom to deter theft.

Frisco, Texas

Population: 219,587

Frisco is a rapidly growing city in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex that offers a dynamic blend of suburban and urban living.

Known for its top-rated schools, world-class sports facilities, and thriving business community, Frisco provides residents with a high quality of life. You will find diverse shopping and dining options and various recreational activities.

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McKinney, Texas

Population: 207,507

McKinney is located just north of Dallas and combines historic charm with modern amenities.

With its beautifully preserved downtown square, funky arts scene, and excellent schools, McKinney offers a friendly atmosphere. Residents enjoy a range of recreational activities and dining options in this rapidly growing city.

Portland, Maine

Portland Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Population: 68,424

Portland is located along the rugged coast of New England. It exudes coastal charm and cultural richness.

Known for its picturesque waterfront, historic Old Port district, and renowned seafood culinary scene, Portland offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, arts and music, and a thriving craft beer culture.

Glendale, California

Population: 189,221

Glendale sits at the southeastern end of the San Fernando Valley. It has a well-regarded arts and entertainment scene.

You will also enjoy its proximity to Griffith Park, which is often compared to Central Park in New York.

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Santa Clarita, California

Population: 221,345

Santa Clarita is located in the picturesque Santa Clarita Valley. It offers a perfect blend of suburban living and natural beauty.

With its pristine parks and scenic hiking trails, Santa Clarita provides residents with a high quality of life and a lot of fun activities. The city also boasts top-rated schools and a thriving entertainment industry.

Bottom line

Finding a city with a super-low crime rate is a key consideration for retirees seeking a safe and peaceful environment.

Whether seeking historic charm or a great arts scene, retirees can pick a place on this list to settle down and enjoy their golden years with peace of mind and a sense of security.

Whether you plan to retire early or years from now, the cities on this list are good candidates to call home.

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