While you’re working, where you live is often dictated by jobs. But retirement flips the script — now you get to choose a place that fits your lifestyle, whether that means affordable living, sunshine, or peace and quiet. Before packing your bags, take a cue from other retirees — sometimes knowing where not to move is just as valuable as knowing where to go.
GoBankingRates (GBR) recently compiled a list of the top cities that are losing retirees ages 65 and over [1]. Here are some of the places retirees are ditching – and where you may want to go instead.
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The 5 cities retirees are abandoning
In Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, the 65-and-over population dropped 25% from 2018 to 2023. The city is undeniably affordable — 73% cheaper than the average U.S. city, per BestPlaces — but its livability score from GBR sits at a modest 70.
It’s worth noting that New Mexico is one of a few states that taxes Social Security benefits. Thanks to a 2022 law, though, only higher earners should face those state taxes. The city’s not-so-great livability score may be driving the exodus.
Healthcare could be a concern for retirees in New Mexico. The state ranks just 38th nationwide, according to U.S. News & World Report — and as health issues often increase with age, easy access to quality care matters more than ever [2].
Meanwhile, North Hills, New York saw a 23.5% decline in retirees. It, too, received a livability score of just 70. However, BestPlaces puts the cost of living for North Hills, NY at 60.6% higher than the average U.S. city, and 32.2% higher than the average city in the state of New York [3]. Retirees may be leaving North Hills because they can’t afford to stay.
In Oak Brook, Illinois, the number of retirees 65 and over declined by 22.8% over the five-year period. Oak Brook received a livability score of 75. However, the cost of living there is 8.1% higher than the national average and 15.4% higher than the average for the state of Illinois [4]. In addition to high costs, retirees may be fleeing in search of better weather, particularly during the winter.
Fort Myers Beach, Florida, lost about 21% of its retiree population, earning a livability score of 69. It’s also slightly pricier than the average U.S. city — about 4% more, according to BestPlaces [5]. Florida has always been a retirement magnet for its sunshine and no state income tax, but things are changing. Skyrocketing insurance premiums, hurricane risks, and tougher condo laws are driving up costs — and driving many seniors out.
Rounding out the list is East Cleveland, Ohio, which saw a 21.1% decline in seniors. With a livability score of just 67 and potentially harsh winter weather, the city’s affordability clearly isn’t enough to keep retirees put.
East Cleveland offers lower costs — about 17% cheaper than the average U.S. city — but healthcare could be a dealbreaker [6]. Ohio ranks only 34th nationwide, according to U.S. News, which may be one reason retirees are moving out.
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Cities where retirees are moving to
SmartAsset took a look at where retirees are heading these days — and the clear winner was Mesa, Arizona, which saw the biggest influx of seniors [7].
Despite it being 13% more expensive than the typical U.S. city, Arizona on a whole offers benefits such as warm weather, numerous state and national parks and low taxes. U.S. News also ranks Arizona 13th in terms of healthcare [2].
North Las Vegas, Nevada saw the second-largest increase in retirees, despite it being 10.6% more expensive than the average U.S. city [8]. However, U.S. News puts it 36th in terms of healthcare. That’s something seniors should look into carefully, because at that stage of life, access to quality healthcare is crucial.
Paradise, Nevada, saw the third-largest increase in retirees. Like North Las Vegas, it’s 10.6% more expensive to live in Paradise than the national average [9]. But as a state with no income tax, that gives retirees more financial leeway. Nevada’s warm climate may also be a draw for seniors.
Oklahoma City, OK had the fourth-largest increase in retirees. Its cost of living lands at 14.5% below the national average [10]. However, it ranks 48th in terms of healthcare, which should raise a red flag.
Finally, Spring Valley, Nevada had the fifth-largest number of seniors setting up residence in 2023. Like the previous two Nevada cities on this list, the cost of living in Spring Valley is 10.6% higher than the national average [11].
How to decide where to retire
There are different criteria to consider when deciding which city to call home in retirement. These include:
- Cost of living
- Access to healthcare and amenities
- Climate
- Proximity to family and friends
At the end of the day, only you can decide what matters most in retirement. Some of the cities retirees are leaving are budget-friendly, while others gaining popularity are more expensive. Maybe being near family is your top priority — even if it means paying more for housing or everyday expenses. The best move? Do your research, weigh your options and choose the place that feels right for you.
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[1]. GoBankingRates. “Retirement towns facing the biggest population declines”
[2]. U.S. News & World Report. “Health care”
[3]. Best Places. “North Hills, NY cost of living”
[4]. Best Places. “Oak Brook, IL cost of living”
[5]. Best Places. “Oak Brook, IL cost of living”
[6]. Best Places. “East Cleveland, OH cost of living”
[7]. SmartAsset. “Where retirees are moving – 2025 study”
[8]. Best Places. “Las Vegas, NV cost of living”
[9]. Best Places. “Paradise, NV cost of living”
[10]. Best Places. “Oklahoma City, OK cost of living”
[11]. Best Places. “Spring Valley, NV cost of living”
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.