20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire: 2023
Whether you're closing in on retirement or have some solid work years ahead, many doctors dream of retiring in the perfect place. Mountain vistas, sandy shores, good year-round weather, or arts and culture could be just what you're looking for.
Additionally, our readers have told us that outdoor recreation, access to good healthcare, and affordable taxes topped their requirements for retirement hot spots.
These criteria informed our selection of the top 20 places for doctors to retire.
In all slides, the population is based on 2022 US Census data, and median home prices are based on the median of all home sales in the past year.
20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire: 2023
1. Jacksonville, Florida
Nestled on the Atlantic coast of northeastern Florida, Jacksonville gets kudos for no state income tax (including on retirement income); good year-round weather; and access to excellent healthcare with Mayo Clinic, UF Healthcare Jacksonville (University of Florida), Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, and St. Vincent's HealthCare, as well as Nemours Children's Health and Wolfson Children's Hospital.
Jacksonville is home to the Players Championship and 22 golf courses, and retirees here will enjoy year-round golf, swimming, beaching, and boating. The city's NFL team, the Jaguars, plays here, and "Jax" is also home to several minor league sports teams in baseball, hockey, and soccer.
From the beaches to San Marco, from Riverside to Julington Creek, Jacksonville neighborhoods offer a diverse mix of historic bungalow-lined streets, Mediterranean-style architecture, luxury homes, and golf course living. JAX International Airport and a cruise port make travel a breeze.
20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire: 2023
2. Martinsville, Virginia
With its low cost of living, this southern Virginia city is just miles from the border of North Carolina. Small, historic Martinsville is home to a scenic blueway (a connected waterway) with river access and miles of greenway. Average summer temperatures hover around 80 °F, whereas winter averages bottom out in the 40s.
Virginia's average combined state and local sales tax rate is 5.75%, and its statewide median property tax is below average as well. Martinsville has good weather, trout-filled rivers, and incredible scenic lake and mountain views (the Blue Ridge Mountains are visible throughout the town), and trail hiking and biking are popular outdoor pursuits.
The Martinsville Speedway hosts several NASCAR races each year, and there's a natural history museum, Piedmont Arts, a nonprofit art museum, and a heritage center, making Martinsville ripe for retirement living.
20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire: 2023
3. Bozeman, Montana
Rural living in Bozeman is a recipe for endless outdoor recreation, a well-connected airport, and a thriving arts and culture scene. With excellent healthcare, no state sales tax, and income tax rates capped at 6.65%, Montana is a fine retirement destination for those still looking for adventure.
Because Bozeman is a mountain town, it gets between 63 and 82 inches of snow annually, so skiing and snowmobiling conditions are excellent. Its low population density and beautiful scenery, with access to quick jaunts to national parks like Yellowstone and Grand Teton, make Bozeman a perfect outdoor playground for fly-fishing, mountain biking, and whitewater kayaking.
Bozeman is home to Montana State University, which lends a youthful vibe to the town and leads to abundant literary, arts, and cultural activities. The town boasts free public transportation and excellent healthcare services.
20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire: 2023
4. Evans, Colorado
On the border of an agricultural area, Evans is a parks-laden suburban Midwest haven outside Greeley, Colorado. With incredible views of the Rocky Mountains, 300 acres of park space, and low crime rates, residents of Evans enjoy a laid-back lifestyle and a lower cost of living compared with other cities in Colorado. Hiking and biking trails flank the river throughout the town, and the University of Northern Colorado gives Evans a young vibe with a variety of eclectic pubs, breweries, and eateries.
For a cozy town, Evans offers museums; arts and culture; surprisingly impressive cuisine; and nearby Pawnee National Grassland for camping, birding, and other outdoor pursuits. An hour outside Denver and to the international airport makes travel from Evans stress-free.
20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire: 2023
5. Rehoboth, Delaware
Delaware has long been called a retirement oasis because its lack of sales tax, low property tax, and low cost of living make it a don't-break-the-bank dream for retirees. There's zero state tax on Social Security income and up to a $12,500 exclusion from pension incomes for retirees 60 or older.
Both Rehoboth (and nearby Rehoboth Beach for coastal living) are booming retirement destinations and are perfect for active retirees. From champion golf courses to plentiful culinary destinations, the area offers townhomes, single-family residences, waterfront properties, condos, and 55+ communities. The Delaware Art Museum, Delaware Botanic Gardens, and New Castle Historical Society offer plentiful activities, and warm summers and mild winters make outdoor recreation a pleasure.
Known as the "Nation's Summer Capital," Rehoboth Beach is a quaint coastal 1-square-mile community sporting eclectic shops, eateries, live music, sun, fun, and a charming seaside town to call home.
20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire: 2023
6. Portland, Maine
Maine doesn't tax Social Security income, and withdrawals from retirement accounts are only partially taxed. The marginal state tax rate is 5.80%.
Portland offers a lot for retirees to do, including scenic drives, guided nature hikes, cruises, and museums, and the Boston Ballet and the Red Sox are a few hours away. The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and Wolfe's Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment also add to Portland's amenities as a retirement destination.
Additionally, Maine's coastal scenery, lighthouses, and small-town charm make it remarkably friendly to retirees with a youthful welcoming vibe. The housing market is competitive, with Greek Revivals, Federalist townhomes, Queen Anne cottages, and Cape Cods dotting the coastal community.
Retirees who live and love Portland are active, outdoorsy, and athletic because the coastal climate provides excellent kayaking, paddling, and biking and year-round access to beaches and state parks. Portland was named a foodie city for its abundance of local cuisine, including lobster rolls, chowder, and crab cakes, as well as outstanding pubs and breweries.
20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire: 2023
7. Tucson, Arizona
Fond of spending time in nature, exploring historic sites, and trekking to Mexico? Tucson may be your dream retirement destination. Known for its vibrant and bustling arts and culture scene, Southwestern cuisine, and outdoor recreation activities, Tucson may be more affordable than many other year-round good-weather options. Property owners aged 65 or over qualify for zero property taxes on their primary residence, and the tax rate hovers between 2.59% and 4.50%.
With an inexpensive cost of living and an abundance of 55+ communities, Tucson's thoughtful landscaping, hiking trails, golf courses, museums, and revitalized downtown district provide something for everyone.
It's also a hobbyist's mecca, where artists, photographers, astronomers, painters, jewelry creators, and car collectors enjoy a rich community of clubs and organizations devoted to their interests. With an international airport and sweeping views of the Sonoran Desert, Tucson could be a Southwest lover's paradise.
20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire: 2023
8. Burlington, Vermont
On the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, Burlington in northwestern Vermont offers exceptional quality of life and year-round activities including skiing, sailing, climbing, paddling, and hiking. Nestled between the Green Mountains and the Adirondacks, it offers mountain and valley views, plenty of green space, fall color, and snowy winter adventure.
With its rural atmosphere and small-town vibe, Burlington is a peaceful, tight-knit community in which to spend your golden years. Social Security is partially taxed, and the marginal state tax rate is 3.35%. Downtown presents a plethora of shops and restaurants, museums, and American folk and decorative art in many of Burlington's historic buildings.
Vermont ranks fourth in the nation in healthcare access and affordability owing to its low nurse-to-patient and doctor-to-patient ratios, health outcomes, and healthcare equity.
20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire: 2023
9. Bend, Oregon
Bend, where the high desert of Oregon meets a towering pine forest, regularly makes the best places to retire list for amenities like its numerous golf courses, sunshine, and snow-capped views of the Cascade Range. For outdoor enthusiasts, there's miles of single-track and urban hiking and biking trails, paddling, rafting, skiing, and world-class fly-fishing.
Bend has an energetic arts and culture community, with galleries and performing arts venues. It is an artsy, trendy metropolis brimming with craft breweries, fine cuisine, and shopping galore.
Neighborhoods dotted with chalets, bungalows, Craftsman-style homes, raised ranches, and riverfront properties make Bend a desirable place to call home. Not to mention, Oregon has no state sales tax, and Social Security isn't taxed. St. Charles Medical Center is a level II trauma center with award-winning services in women's health and emergency medicine.
20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire: 2023
10. Franklin, Tennessee
With 37% of Franklin residents being over 50, the city makes a fine retirement community. An hour outside Nashville, Franklin has developed a music reputation, featuring some of country music's best live performances every night of the week. Franklin sports a mix of some of the best specialty and antique shops, restaurants, arts, and culture, including numerous entertainment-studded annual festivals.
The cost of living comes in lower than that of many US cities, and homes range from historic to custom-built new construction, in downtown and riverfront neighborhoods with wide sidewalks and breathtaking mountain views.
Tennessee has a friendly tax climate for retirees, with no income tax, and private and public pensions aren't taxed either. Franklin also offers excellent healthcare, including Vanderbilt University Medical Center and a high supply of primary care doctors.
20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire: 2023
11. Fredericksburg, Texas
In the heart of Texas Hill Country, much of Fredericksburg is dotted with 19th-century German-style architecture, with many homes on the historic register. With dozens of wineries, peach groves, and bluebonnet fields, Fredericksburg makes a name for its natural beauty and friendly residents.
With a thriving downtown brimming with antique shops, art galleries, wine-tasting rooms, live music, and eateries, Fredericksburg feels like a charming German village. Winter temperatures rarely fall below 43 °F. Texas has favorable financial perks for retirees, including a low cost of living, a homestead exemption for property taxes, and no state income tax, and it doesn't tax Social Security income.
There's no lack of fun things to do in and around Fredericksburg, including visiting Texas Wine Country; Enchanted Rock State Natural Area; the National Museum of the Pacific War; Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Golf Course; and state and national historic parks for hiking, climbing, and camping.
20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire: 2023
12. Gig Harbor, Washington
Picturesque Gig Harbor, with its views of Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and boat-filled waterways, may be one of the best places to retire in Washington, with a low tax rate and a full social calendar. Each June, the annual Maritime Gig Festival brings residents and tourists to spend time on the water, either paddling, boating, or enjoying water sports.
Opportunities for day trips to nearby Seattle, Tacoma, Bainbridge Island, and Poulsbo provide adventure, award-winning craft spirits, fine cuisine, golf, hiking, and year-round outdoor recreation.
With excellent healthcare and tax-friendly policies — there is no state income tax, Social Security and pensions are tax-free, property tax rates are well below average, and retirees 61 or older pay no property tax — Gig Harbor may be the Pacific Northwest's coastal retiree haven.
20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire: 2023
13. Boone, North Carolina
Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina, Boone offers small-town Southern charm and a haven of outdoor recreation for retirees. The home of Appalachian State University, Boone has numerous cultural attractions ranging from small art galleries to the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, which features local and international artists, as well as unique shopping destinations, fine dining, and bluegrass music.
From hiking to camping, skiing, and whitewater rafting, Boone is an outdoor playground with spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Grandfather Mountain. Linville Caverns is also nearby for exploring nature inside a mountain.
Retirees over 65 enjoy exemptions on up to $35,000 of retirement income from state taxes, and Social Security isn't taxed. Income tax was also lowered to a flat rate of 4.9% in 2022.
20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire: 2023
14. St. Louis, Missouri
With its excellent hospital systems, including St. Louis General and Mercy, low housing costs, and no estate or inheritance taxes, retirees will enjoy "The Lou."
Known as the "Gateway to the West," St. Louis has many tight-knit suburbs with family-friendly reputations, filled with various style homes such as three-story Victorians, wood-framed farmhouses, and traditional ranches. Retirees can bike or rollerblade through Forest Park or attend pro baseball or hockey games with the Cardinals or Blues.
The city's iconic 630-foot Gateway Arch honors the 19th-century explorations of Lewis & Clark. Barbecue restaurants and blues music abound, and the city boasts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, the Fabulous Fox Theatre, and the St. Louis Zoo.
20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire: 2023
15. Athens, Georgia
Athens consistently rates among the best places to live, with its dense suburban feel and many bars, restaurants, and shopping. Georgia's year-round warm weather, tax-friendly policies, and low-cost housing also help. Georgia offers a tax exclusion on up to $35,000 of retirement income earned by retirees aged 62-64 and up to $65,000 for those 65 or older.
With a storied music scene; award-winning restaurant cuisine; and numerous attractions such as the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, the Georgia Museum of Art, and downtown galleries and boutiques, Athens enjoys a robust retirement climate.
There's also plentiful fishing, kayaking, biking, and hiking in the numerous trails, parks, and greenways to keep outdoor lovers busy.
20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire: 2023
16. Grand Haven, Michigan
Grand Haven, a suburb of Grand Rapids in the Tri-Cities area, is one of Michigan's hottest spots for retirees. With a dense suburban feel, it's dotted with coffee shops, cafes, boutiques, and parks. Grand Haven is also known for its soft sand beaches, trolley, lighthouses, and the musical fountain that plays from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Michigan is tax-friendly to retirees, with no tax on Social Security income and only partial tax on retirement accounts. The marginal tax rate is 4.25%, and seniors are eligible for a homestead property exemption equal to up to 100% of their property taxes that exceed 3.5% of their income, up to $1200. Grand Haven also has a low crime rate.
Featuring activities from boating to beaching, hiking to biking, Grand Haven attracts year-round outdoor enthusiasts. The town's boardwalk, a 3-mile tract along the harbor, is lined with shops, eateries, and marinas. And because Grand Rapids is only a 30-minute drive away, attractions like dune adventures, windmill tours, roller coasters, and minor league baseball games are also at your doorstep.
20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire: 2023
17. Paducah, Kentucky
Paducah has a low cost of living and a blend of rural and suburban options. Kentucky is another tax-friendly state where Social Security isn't taxed, retirement accounts are only partially taxed, and the marginal state tax rate is low.
With superb restaurants and extensive amenities for a small town, Paducah is known for its architecturally beautiful historic downtown and bustling Main Street. The "Quilt City" is so named because it hosts the largest quilt show in North America, attracting thousands, and it's home to the National Quilt Museum.
With a rich craft beer and wine culture, fine dining, and festivals, Paducah offers something for everyone. Outdoor lovers will become enamored with the area's charms, including boating, fishing, kayaking, golf, and nature preserves. History buffs will enjoy the Paducah Railroad Museum and the steam engine that commemorates the importance of the railroad to the development of the town.
20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire: 2023
18. Dayton, Ohio
Dayton's access to numerous excellent healthcare facilities and cultural and leisure amenities makes it another top retirement destination. With a low cost of living and ample green spaces, Dayton sports the largest number of paved trails in the nation.
Ohio doesn't tax nonresidents' retirement income, so it may be an excellent spot for a second or vacation home. Social Security, some railroad pensions, and military benefits aren't taxed either.
Downtown Dayton is entirely walkable and brimming with eateries, shopping, festivals, and parks. Dayton is also home to the National Museum of the US Air Force and is considered the birthplace of aviation.
Dayton's RiverScape MetroPark runs along the Great Miami River, and the city is home to mountain biking, backpacking, paddling, and boating.
20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire: 2023
19. Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Lancaster is known for its budget-friendliness and free things to do. With a thriving downtown and small-town community vibe, Lancaster has unbeatable outdoor recreation, a low cost of living, affordable housing, and excellent healthcare.
Pennsylvania is home to some of the country's most tax-friendly retirement policies, including no income tax on Social Security or pensions after age 60.
The countryside in Lancaster is steeped with art, culture, crafts, and history from the Pennsylvania Dutch, as the Amish community maintains a strong presence there. Take an Amish farm tour, go on a buggy ride, and hit up amusement parks and museums.
With a plethora of trails, parks, and green spaces, opportunities for biking, hiking, kayaking, and snow sports are plentiful.
20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire: 2023
20. Tarpon Springs, Florida
Though it started as a winter resort, Tarpon Springs, the city of golf courses and aquariums, has become a retiree haven. The town is known for its Greek culture (a legacy of the Greek sponge divers who settled there in the 1900s), natural beauty, and unique history.
Beaching, boating, and largemouth bass fishing are top outdoor activities, though many other types of water recreation are also available. The historic downtown overflows with art galleries and antique stores.
Florida has no state income tax, and Social Security benefits and pensions aren't taxed either. There's also no inheritance or estate tax, enabling retirees to keep more money for things like traveling out of Tampa International Airport, less than 20 miles away, or one of the many cruise ports in the surrounding cities. Free concerts on the beach and incredible sunsets earn Tarpon Springs a spot on the best-places-to-retire list.
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