15 Up-And-Coming Cities That Are Perfect for Retirees

Whether you're planning to retire early or continue your career through your 70s, it's never too soon to start thinking about where you want to spend the rest of your life.

While some people have always dreamed of retiring to senior-friendly states like Florida, others prefer to avoid the crowds and the high costs that come with a hot housing market. If that describes your situation, keep reading.

The 15 cities on our list are growing but still affordable, making them perfect for soon-to-be retirees.

Georgetown, Texas

Out of any city on our list, Georgetown, Texas, experienced the most considerable growth for a small city. According to U.S. Census data, the town's population grew by 10.6% between 2022 and 2023.

The town is about a half-hour north of Austin, meaning residents are close to some of the country's best food, museums, and entertainment. However, Georgetown has such a strong arts and culture scene that you may settle in for a while after moving.

The city has also continued to grow rapidly, reaching an estimated 106,907 residents in 2025, up 58.5% from its 2020 estimate base. Georgetown is now above the 100,000-resident mark, so it is better described as a fast-growing city than a small town.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

New Mexico's capital city experienced steady growth over the last four years, with a 1% increase in population between July 2023 and July 2024. Yet, even with all that growth, it isn't a major urban hub by any means. According to the most recent census, Santa Fe has around 87,000 residents.

So if you're looking for a retirement city that's warm but not too warm, occasionally snowy but rarely humid, and big but not too big, Santa Fe could hit the spot. 

The city's fantastic Southwestern architecture makes you feel right at home in the high desert, but the elevation ensures you experience more seasons than Arizona's endless summer.

The latest Census estimate puts Santa Fe at 89,837 residents in 2025, and 26.2% of residents are 65 or older, giving the city a relatively large retiree population.

Queen Creek, Arizona

Queen Creek is the fastest-growing town in Arizona. Between 2023 and 2024, Queen Creek's population grew by 8.1%.

Technically, Queen Creek could be called a Phoenix suburb (it's about 35 miles to the southeast), but it offers a quieter retirement than towns closer to the city center.

Queen Creek retains its rural, agricultural roots. You can pick your own fruits and vegetables at several local farms, visit the working olive press, and enjoy parks and trails across the nearby cities, mountains, and state parks.

The town's growth has continued, with the Census Bureau estimating 89,770 residents in 2025, up 8.2% from 2024 and 51.4% from its 2020 estimate base.

Bend, Oregon

Are you more interested in moving to a midsize hub over a small town? Bend consistently ranks as one of the fastest-growing midsize cities in the country. 

The city government also has a comprehensive plan to accommodate the population of nearly 160,000 it expects to see by 2050.

While Bend isn't on Oregon's gorgeous coastline, the Deschutes River ensures the city stays lush despite its location in Central Oregon's high desert. 

The Cascade Mountains provide plenty of skiing and hiking opportunities to the west. At the same time, the sunny, dry weather ensures you can enjoy the Ponderosa pine forests and high desert scenery year-round.

Bend's population reached an estimated 107,342 in 2025, up from 106,926 in 2024. For retirees, the city offers plenty of outdoor recreation, though housing costs are relatively high.

Leander, Texas

Multiple small Texas towns experienced high population growth rates from 2022 to 2023, including Leander, which was the region's fastest-growing city. Like Georgetown, Leander is within 25 miles of Austin. 

And for a town in Central Texas, it's also surprisingly wet. Multiple splash pads and water parks offer hours of entertainment for grandkids, nieces, nephews, and water-loving adults alike.

Leander's population has continued to climb, reaching an estimated 91,132 in 2025, a 53.8% increase from its 2020 estimate base. That growth means retirees can find newer housing and amenities, although the area is increasingly suburban rather than small-town.

Fort Myers, Florida

If your heart is set on retiring in Florida, you can bring that dream to life while dodging the crowds that keep housing costs high in Miami and Key West.

Fort Myers was one of the top 25 growth metro areas in 2024, alongside six other Florida cities.

If outdoor adventure is your scene, Fort Myers has ample sailing, diving, and kayaking opportunities. Or, if you prefer indoor activities, the city's theater, murder mystery train ride, and citrus harvest factory should keep you occupied.

The city's population reached an estimated 101,581 in 2025, up 17.5% from its 2020 estimate base. That continued growth has added services and housing, but retirees should also consider Florida's insurance and hurricane risks when budgeting for a move.

Westfield, Indiana

Westfield was among the nation's fastest-growing cities in recent Census estimates, continuing a growth trend that has made the Indianapolis suburb increasingly popular. A 2023 Census Bureau report showed Westfield was the sixth-fastest growing city in the U.S. Thanks to Indiana's low cost of living, it's a fantastic option for retirees on a budget. 

In Westfield specifically, residents and visitors enjoy the city's rich restaurant scene, nearby nature center, and sports complex.

The city's population reached an estimated 66,258 in 2025, up 42.7% from its 2020 estimate base. Westfield also has a relatively high median household income, which reflects the area's growing suburban economy. For retirees, that can mean plenty of amenities.

Meridian, Idaho

Meridian is one of three Boise suburbs that consistently makes the U.S. Census Bureau's list of fastest-growing American cities, and it's not hard to see why people are drawn to the area. 

Shops, city parks, and a racetrack keep the city lively year-round. Boise's many attractions are just a short drive away, and Idaho's many national and state parks are within easy access.

Meridian's population reached an estimated 142,988 in 2025, up 21.4% from its 2020 estimate base. That makes Meridian a much larger city than it was when it first gained a reputation as a Boise suburb, but it's still small enough to enjoy a simple small-city lifestyle.

Lincoln, California

California probably isn't the first state that comes to mind when you picture an affordable retirement. 

However, plenty of small towns in California are expanding, which could make them prime retirement locations in the next few years. For instance, Lincoln recently surpassed the 50,000 population mark.

As a Sacramento suburb, life in Lincoln combines big-city perks (concert venues, fine dining, and ample entertainment districts) with small-town fun, such as the local farmers market and high school rodeos.

The latest Census estimate puts Lincoln at 57,367 residents in 2025, up 15.3% from its 2020 estimate base. It also has a sizable older population, with 27% of residents age 65 or older.

Frisco, Texas

Within a five-year span, the population in the small town of Frisco increased by 26.9%. The city is just a 25-minute trip from Dallas, but there's no need to leave the city to enjoy yourself thoroughly. 

Along with regular city parks, Frisco is home to a hidden limestone quarry with a swimming hole and waterfall.

Frisco is also the new headquarters of the PGA of America, which includes offices, two new golf courses, and a conference center.

While property taxes can be high in Texas, the state lacks an income tax, which helps keep costs low for seniors on a fixed income. 

Frisco estimated 236,955 residents in 2025, up 18.2% from its 2020 estimate base. Its rapid growth has brought extensive shopping, dining, and health care options, and a more urban-suburban feel.

Buckeye, Arizona

Buckeye's population reached an estimated 125,445 in 2025, up 37.1% from its 2020 estimate base. The continued growth gives retirees access to newer development, though the summer heat is an important consideration.

Like Queen Creek, Buckeye is a Phoenix suburb, but since it's 40 minutes to the west, Buckeye has had plenty of space to cultivate its own character.

The outdoor Buckeye Aquatics Center can help you stay cool all year long, and if you're happy hiking in the heat, you can take advantage of the city's proximity to high desert trails at Skyline Regional Park.

New Braunfels, Texas

From 2022 to 2023, New Braunfels saw the second-highest population boom across the country. The Guadalupe and Comal Rivers flow through New Braunfels, providing endless tubing, rafting, and even SCUBA diving opportunities. 

As the name suggests, New Braunfels was founded largely by German settlers, making it fairly unusual in Texas's cultural landscape.

The city has continued to expand, reaching an estimated 122,492 residents in 2025, up 35.5% from its 2020 estimate base. Its river recreation and historic downtown give retirees plenty to do, while its location between Austin and San Antonio keeps larger-city amenities within reach.

Port St. Lucie, Florida

Port St. Lucie is the biggest city on our list, with more than 200,000 residents. This picturesque town is located directly on the Atlantic Coast in southern Florida, giving residents easy access to beautiful beaches and islands. 

It's also ideally situated between Orlando and Miami, so if you get tired of the city's seascapes, golf, shopping, and fine dining, you can easily spend the day enjoying Disney World or Little Havana.

The city reached an estimated 268,062 residents in 2025, up 30.9% from its 2020 estimate base. Port St. Lucie also added 9,131 residents between 2024 and 2025, ranking ninth nationally for numeric population growth among cities with at least 20,000 residents.

Spring Hill, Tennessee

If Florida's densely populated beaches and Arizona's constant heat don't appeal to you, a retirement in the South could be a good fit. Spring Hill's population is just over 50,000.

Only 35 miles south of Nashville, residents living the small-town lifestyle spend time at Spring Hill's golf club, touring historic Civil War sites, and sorting through items at the city's antique and bookstores for their next hidden gem.

Spring Hill's population reached an estimated 61,336 in 2025, up 21% from its 2020 estimate base. Its proximity to Nashville gives retirees access to major-city entertainment while maintaining a suburban pace of life.

Maricopa, Arizona

Maricopa is among the fastest-growing Arizona cities. In fact, in the year 2000, the city had just 1,200 residents. Today, that number is about 80,000.

While every other Arizona city on this list is in Maricopa County, the city of the same name is actually the biggest incorporated area in the more rural Pinal County.

Still, Maricopa is just 40 minutes away from Phoenix. Located in the Gila River Valley, it has many outdoor adventure opportunities. The city's other quirky draws include the Dwarf Car Museum and Maha Ganapati Temple.

Maricopa's population reached an estimated 78,362 in 2025, up 34.8% from its 2020 estimate base. Its lower-density setting may appeal to retirees who want newer neighborhoods without giving up access to Phoenix.

Bottom line

If you want to relocate for a better climate, pursue new hobbies, or make money on the side in retirement, any of these cities can provide you with a fantastic new place to call home.

It's a great idea to travel more and get a feel for what life could be like in these towns. Once you've explored these places, you might find that your heart is inclined to move to one of them. Just make sure your retirement financial planning aligns with it.

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