U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in rankings and consumer advice, today unveiled the 2020 Best Places to Retire in the United States. The rankings offer a comprehensive evaluation of the country’s 125 largest metropolitan areas – up from 100 last year – based on how well they meet Americans’ expectations for retirement, with measures including housing affordability, desirability, health care and overall happiness.

Four Florida metro areas and two North Carolina metro areas rank in the top 10. Up from No. 2 last year, Fort Myers, Florida, tops the list due to increases in desirability, health care quality, job market strength and happiness. Sarasota, Florida, jumps from No. 3 to No. 2 this year, due to increases in desirability, health care and job market scores, despite falling in the areas of happiness and housing affordability. 

This year, U.S. News increased the number of metropolitan areas evaluated from 100 to 125, to provide a more accurate reflection of where Americans can retire. The 2020 Best Places to Retire were determined based on a methodology that factored in happiness, housing affordability, health care quality, desirability, retiree taxes and job market ratings. These measures were weighted based on a public survey of individuals across the U.S who are nearing retirement age (ages 45-59) and those who are of retirement age (60 or older) to find out what matters most when considering where to retire. Survey respondents said happiness and housing affordability were their most important criteria when selecting a retirement spot. 

For a full list of cities.