Best Places to Retire in the US

Best Places to Retire in the US US News & World Report puts Midland, Michigan, on top By John Johnson Posted Nov 1, 2026 12:05 PM CST Midland, Michigan, comes in at No. 1. (Getty/Roberto Galan) A new ranking of the best places to retire in the US gives its top honor to a city not in the sunny climes of Florida but in Michigan. Midland is No. 1 in the US News & World Report ranking, which assesses factors including housing affordability, access to health care, traffic and walkability, state taxes, and resident happiness. One big reason the city of about 43,000 people scores well is that it offers a relatively low cost of living compared to cities of similar sizes. Roughly 21% of its population is over 65. The top 10 cities: Midland, Michigan Homosassa Springs, Florida Weirton, West Virginia The Woodlands, Texas Spring, Texas Rio Rancho, New Mexico Altoona, Pennsylvania Paducah, Kentucky Lynchburg, Virginia Palm Coast, Florida See the full rankings and methodology. Read These Next Woman: 5 weeks after sex assault on flight, no word from United, FBI. Olivia Rodrigo makes delivery to Amy Acton during show. Our concern over plastic straws may need an update. Will real chocolate become a...