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Originally posted at: Dolores Catania’s White Collared Button Front Vest

Retirement no longer means slowing down. It’s more often than not the beginning of a vibrant new chapter filled with travel, outdoor adventures, fitness, and social engagement. For active adults, choosing the right place to retire means more than just sunshine and affordability. It’s about easy access to hiking trails, pickleball courts, biking paths, water sports, cultural outings, and wellness amenities.

Are you dreaming of staying in the United States or venturing abroad? Let’s explore some of the best places to retire for active adults looking for both community and lifestyle in the US or internationally. 

What Should Active Adults Look for in a Retirement Destination?

Before jumping into location options, it’s important to define what “active” means for you. Do you prefer the energy of city life with access to dance classes and yoga studios? Or are you the type to hike mountains and kayak lakes?

Here are some factors to consider:

• Year-round outdoor accessibility
• Walkable neighborhoods and good public transit
• Access to healthcare and wellness services
• Cultural activities and social clubs
• Recreational amenities (e.g., tennis, biking, swimming)
• Safety and cost of living

Read more: Securing Your Retirement Income.

Where Are the Best Places to Retire in the USA for Active Adults?

Here is a short list of places in the USA that have many of the amenities that active retired adults look for. 

Asheville, North Carolina

Why it’s great for active retirees: Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, and nature lovers. The city offers a laid-back vibe with a strong emphasis on wellness and the arts.

• Miles of scenic trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway
• Thriving yoga and wellness community
• Art galleries, breweries, and live music
• Mild four-season climate

Bonus: It has an impressive local food scene with many organic and farm-to-table options that align with a health-focused lifestyle.

Boulder, Colorado

Why it’s great for active retirees: This outdoorsy town offers some of the best hiking and biking trails in the country, plus a strong community focused on health and sustainability.

• More than 150 miles of trails
• Excellent access to skiing in winter
• Abundance of yoga studios and fitness centers
• Eco-conscious and very walkable

Bonus: Boulder is frequently ranked among the happiest and healthiest cities in the U.S.

St. George, Utah

Why it’s great for active retirees: This hidden gem offers red rock beauty and access to some of the country’s most spectacular national parks – Zion, Bryce Canyon, and more.

• Mild winters perfect for year-round golf
• Great for hiking, climbing, and paddleboarding
• Active adult communities and wellness centers
• Close proximity to Las Vegas for urban escapes

Bonus: Lower cost of living compared to other Western destinations.

Sarasota, Florida

Why it’s great for active retirees: Sarasota combines beachside beauty with a surprising number of cultural attractions and parks. It’s also a top pick for those who enjoy golf, boating, and group fitness classes.

• Dozens of golf courses and tennis courts
• Kayaking in the mangroves of Lido Key
• Bike-friendly with multiple paved trails
• Opera, ballet, and theater available downtown

Bonus: Warm weather year-round and no state income tax.

Bend, Oregon

Why it’s great for active retirees: This Pacific Northwest town is a mecca for people who love the outdoors. From skiing at Mt. Bachelor to fly fishing in the Deschutes River, there’s no shortage of active pursuits.

• Craft beer culture with a sporty vibe
• Trails for walking, running, and mountain biking
• Clean air and gorgeous scenery
• Dog-friendly parks and communities

Bonus: Offers the feel of a mountain town with modern amenities and strong community spirit.

Read more: How to Rock the Transition to Your Next Best Life in Retirement

What Are the Best International Places to Retire for Active Adults?

If you’re open to international retirement, these destinations offer not just beautiful settings and affordability but also plenty of activities and active communities.

Portugal – Algarve Region

Why it’s great for active retirees: Portugal’s southern coast offers beaches, golf, and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. It’s a favorite among international retirees thanks to its mild climate and relatively low cost of living.

• Dozens of golf courses and beach trails
• Great for walking, biking, and sailing
• English widely spoken in tourist areas
• Public healthcare is excellent and affordable

Bonus: Consistently ranked one of the safest countries in the world.

Costa Rica – Atenas or Tamarindo

Why it’s great for active retirees: Whether you’re drawn to the jungle or the beach, Costa Rica delivers adventure, biodiversity, and year-round outdoor activities.

• Surfing, hiking, and ziplining in abundance
• Blue Zones like Nicoya promote longevity
• Strong community of retirees from abroad
• Many yoga retreats and wellness spas

Bonus: The country is deeply committed to sustainability and environmental protection.

Spain – Valencia or Málaga

Why it’s great for active retirees: With its Mediterranean coast, historic cities, and vibrant lifestyle, Spain offers the perfect mix of culture and coastal charm. Cities like Valencia and Málaga provide excellent infrastructure for older adults.

• Walkable city centers and public transport
• Tapas, dancing, and festivals to stay social
• Plenty of parks and beach promenades
• Fitness and swimming classes tailored to seniors

Bonus: Healthcare is ranked among the best in Europe.

Mexico – San Miguel de Allende or Lake Chapala

Why it’s great for active retirees: These two towns are home to large foreign resident communities, and both offer rich culture, vibrant street life, and a surprisingly active lifestyle scene.

• Art workshops, volunteer opportunities, and walking tours
• Mild climate with plenty of sunshine
• Pilates, tai chi, and group hikes available
• Affordable private healthcare

Bonus: Flights from the U.S. are short and affordable for visits back home.

New Zealand – Queenstown or Nelson

Why it’s great for active retirees: If you’re up for an adventurous retirement, New Zealand offers unmatched natural beauty and a relaxed, health-conscious population.

• Hiking, biking, and water sports galore
• Clean environment and excellent air quality
• Strong public health and safety systems
• Close-knit communities

Bonus: Retirement visas are limited but accessible if you meet investment or income requirements.

How Can You Decide Which Place Is Right for You?

Here are a few ways to narrow down your decision:

• Visit first: Spend a few weeks or even months in the place you’re considering. Try out daily life, join a local fitness class, and visit senior or retiree groups.
• Make a list of priorities: Is climate most important to you? Community? Cost of living? Proximity to family? Rank your top needs.
• Look into visa and tax rules: If retiring abroad, understand the local visa requirements and how your retirement income will be taxed.
• Test your health access: Research nearby hospitals, clinics, and specialists. Make sure emergency services are close and reliable.

Is It Better to Retire in the U.S. or Abroad?

It depends on your lifestyle, health, and financial goals. Retiring abroad can offer a lower cost of living and new cultural experiences, while staying in the U.S. provides familiarity, ease of healthcare access, and legal simplicity.

Many active retirees even split their time, spending summers in the U.S. and winters in a warmer international destination.

Stay Active, Stay Curious

Whether you’re kayaking in Oregon, learning flamenco in Spain, or hiking the cloud forests of Costa Rica, the best retirement spot is one that keeps you moving, socially connected, and inspired.

Retirement is no longer the end of the road; it’s your time to fully live on your terms. So choose a place that keeps your spirit and body in motion, and enjoy this well-earned chapter.

Read more: Rewriting the Retirement Rulebook: How to Make Every Day Feel Like a Fresh Adventure.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What type of retirement are you planning? Are you planning on staying active? Are you already retired and living in a place where you can stay active daily? Tell us about it in the comments below. 

Is it coming back for another season?

It’s been a tumultuous year so far, with lots going on personally, as well as unsettling current events on a global scale. All around me it seems friends and family are struggling with health issues, mental health, conflict and uncertainty. And I’m certainly not feeling my usual optimistic, ambitious self.

It even took me several weeks to sit down and write this essay. I just couldn’t find the inspiration or the motivation. So, I decided to use my reality as the topic and write about it while I figure out how to dig myself out of this rut.

My most acute issue is my loss of motivation and the feeling of listlessness. I awaken early with a to-do list but by mid-afternoon, I have expended my energy stores, and I’m ready to call it a day. I’ve been thinking about how to adapt to this current situation in order to continue to live a full and fulfilling life as I celebrate my 70th birthday next month and muster the positive outlook for the years to follow.

This is my plan.

Limit the Doom Scrolling

The constant stream of news, Op Eds, influencer presence, all focusing on what is traumatic and disturbing, seeps into my subconscious even after I’ve turned off the screen. It remains on my mind and contributes to my malaise. I have decided to block as many of the news brief social media sites as I can and only watch the latest news once a day to stay current and informed.

Replace Those Sites with Good News

We are bombarded with sensationalism until it appears all there is in the headlines is tragedy and upheaval. But there are always kind people doing kind things for complete strangers, I will seek out those stories, curate my feed so I have plenty of good news to lift me up and reassure me of the goodness of humankind. Here’s a link to one I like: https://www.facebook.com/thatgoodnewsgirl.

Get Out into Nature

I’m constantly amazed at how, no matter what is happening in the constructed world, nature prevails. Eight years ago, there was a devasting fire where I live in Northern California that burned hundreds of thousands of acres around me. But today, when I hike into the hills, I have to search for evidence of it. Nature has thrived, recovered its vitality and grown new, healthy vegetation to cover the scars. I draw confidence for the future from its resilience.

Exercise – Get Out of My Head and Into My Body

Even when I have to drag myself up the trailhead, by the end of the first mile my spirit has lifted and my body feels strong again. Breathing deeply and challenging my muscles releases dopamine and endorphins that support a positive mood. I will remember this and go more often.

Do Good for Others

There is a growing need for those with time, skills and energy to provide for those experiencing food insecurity, financial hardship, loneliness and the need for all kinds of assistance. I will find a way to share what I have and what I can do for others as a chef and an able-bodied volunteer. I am grateful for my security and doing for others will give me a sense of purpose.

Be Here Now

This is the title of a book I read long ago, that has stayed with me ever since. Be Here Now. The simple advice found in the title is profound and I will consciously practice it. I will be in the present moment, resisting the urge to forecast future doom, or reaching back to relive the unhappiness or the misfortunate of the past. There is a peace in this moment that is available and abundant if I settle into it. So I will.

Be Kind, Be Honest and Offer Support – And Ask for Help When Needed

Now more than ever I need to remember to reach out to others to offer them my love and care. I remember during the peak of the Covid pandemic when I would honestly express my concerns, they would not only be met with a comforting response, but others would feel free to express what was weighing heavy on them. I will be sure to regularly check in with those in my circle and lean into our relationship for support.

Learn to Rest, Not Quit

Things might be unsettled for a while. I need to maintain my sense of well-being over time. I will remember to take time out, rest my mind, body and heart, regenerate my energy and get back out there to do what I can and live my best life, no matter what is happening around me.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How often do you watch the news? Where do you look for good stories? How do you show kindness to others? What keeps you going?

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