Southwest Florida continues to set the national pace for retirement living, with the Cape Coral–Fort Myers and Naples–Immokalee–Marco Island metro areas ranking first and third, respectively, among the best places to retire in the United States, according to a new analysis by StorageCafe.
Cape Coral–Fort Myers claimed the top overall spot nationwide, reflecting a region already shaped by its older population. Nearly 29% of residents are age 65 or older, well above the national average. Life expectancy in the metro area stands at 80.6 years, and average retirement income reaches about $42,000. The study cited the area’s extensive waterways, outdoor recreation, warm climate and established senior infrastructure as key advantages.
Naples–Immokalee–Marco Island ranked third nationally and stood out for longevity. The metro area leads the nation with an average life expectancy of 84 years, the highest among the top-ranked retirement destinations. Seniors account for more than 32% of the population, and average retirement income is among the highest in the country, at roughly $59,000. The report also highlighted the region’s air quality, health care access and lifestyle amenities as factors driving its appeal.
A coastal neighborhood in Collier County highlights the region’s appeal as one of the nation’s top retirement destinations, driven by longevity, quality of life and access to health care and outdoor amenities.
Andrii Mischykcha
Together, the Southwest Florida metros helped propel the Southeast to dominance in the rankings. Half of the nation’s top retirement metros are located in the region, underscoring Florida’s continued role as the country’s retirement capital. North Port–Sarasota–Bradenton ranked fourth nationwide, while Port St. Lucie rounded out Florida’s presence in the top five.
Nationally, the study found retirement patterns shifting amid a rapidly aging population. In 2026, more than 4 million Americans are expected to turn 65, part of what demographers call the ongoing “Peak 65” wave. As retirees face rising health care and living costs, affordability and access to care are weighing more heavily alongside traditional draws such as climate and recreation.
Outside Florida, large metropolitan areas also performed strongly. The New York–Newark–Jersey City metro ranked second overall, buoyed by its concentration of health care providers, world-class hospitals and public transit, despite a higher cost of living. Madison, Wisconsin, and Boise, Idaho, also placed in the top 10, reflecting growing interest in Midwest and Mountain West cities that balance lower costs with safety and quality healthcare.
The analysis evaluated more than 100 large U.S. metro areas using factors including life expectancy, cost of living, safety, health care access, senior housing availability and lifestyle amenities. The results suggest that the best places to retire in 2026 are not defined by climate alone, but by a mix of resilience, affordability and access to essential services.
Top 10 Retirement Destinations in the U.S.1. Cape Coral–Fort Myers
Life expectancy: 80.6 years
Per capita retirement income: $42,094
2. New York–Newark–Jersey City
Life expectancy: 80.3 years
Per capita retirement income: $37,544
3. Naples–Immokalee–Marco Island
Life expectancy: 84 years (highest in the U.S.)
Per capita retirement income: $59,122 (highest in the ranking)
4. North Port–Sarasota–Bradenton
Life expectancy: 80.1 years
Per capita retirement income: $42,160
5. Port St. Lucie
Life expectancy: 78.9 years
Per capita retirement income: $35,693
6. Kiryas Joel–Poughkeepsie–Newburgh, New York
Life expectancy: 79 years
Per capita retirement income: $38,147
7. Durham–Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Life expectancy: 79.6 years
Per capita retirement income: $36,920
8. Virginia Beach–Norfolk–Newport News, Virginia
Life expectancy: 78.9 years
Per capita retirement income: $36,774
9. Madison, Wisconsin
Life expectancy: 80.5 years
Per capita retirement income: $36,455
10. Boise City, Idaho
Life expectancy: 78.8 years
Per capita retirement income: $31,781