Planning a Move After Retirement? These Sunny Cities Are Worth Considering

"Retirement opens the door to new possibilities, and for many people, that means finally choosing a place to live that prioritizes comfort, climate, and quality of life. With daily commutes, work stress, and career obligations in the rearview mirror, the appeal of year-round sunshine becomes hard to ignore. Warmer weather can mean more time outdoors, a more active lifestyle, and relief from harsh, isolating winters. All of these factors play an important role in well-being during retirement."

"But not every sunny city is created equal, especially when cost of living, affordability, healthcare access, and community matter more than ever. Some warm-weather destinations are truly beautiful but fall short when it comes to taxes, infrastructure, or day-to-day convenience. The cities on this list stand out because they balance lots of vitamin D with practicality, offering retirees places where they can enjoy the climate without sacrificing stability, services, or peace of mind."

"Luckily for her, there are a range of both domestic and international cities that fit the bill. This post was updated on January 27, 2026 to provide an overview of reasons to consider sunny cities, as well as other important factors to consider.* Cost estimates are from lifestyle blogs or cost-of-living aggregators, not official government data. Living In the USA As Chuck Berry sang in his famous song, "Back in the U.S.A.": Anything you want, they got it right here in the USA. " "

Warm, sunny cities can increase outdoor activity, social engagement, and relief from harsh winters, supporting retirees' well-being. Climate advantages must be weighed against cost-of-living, affordability, healthcare access, taxes, infrastructure, and day-to-day convenience. Ideal retirement cities balance pleasant weather with practical services and stability. A range of domestic and international cities can meet those needs. Information was updated on January 27, 2026. Cost estimates originate from lifestyle blogs and cost-of-living aggregators rather than official government sources. Examples of U.S. comparisons include Sacramento and Denver average cost-of-living figures used as reference points.

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