When choosing a place to settle down, quality of life is paramount for many. But for seniors, considerations such as access to health care, community engagement, affordable housing, and access to transportation often weigh heavily, too. The AARP Livability Index is a valuable resource for those seniors seeking an ideal location to enjoy their golden years, whether for relocation or leisurely travel. Discover the best U.S. cities for seniors below.
What Is the AARP Livability Index?
The AARP Livability Index, compiled by the nonprofit organization AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons), helps older adults identify U.S. cities that align with their specific needs.
The index score is based on seven key metrics: housing, neighborhood, transportation, environment, health, engagement, and opportunity. Each city receives a score out of 100, with 73 being the highest score in the 2024 ranking, the most recently published list.
Locations on the index fall into four categories based on population size, from “small” to “very large,” ensuring that seniors can find ideal communities based on their lifestyle preferences. Below, we’ll dive into the top-ranked city for each category, explaining why its seniors are happier, healthier, and more active than in other U.S. cities.
The Most Livable Small Cities for Seniors
Great Neck Plaza, New York, not only takes the crown as the top-ranking small city for seniors, but also boasts the highest score out of any location in the country regardless of population size.
What makes Great Neck so attractive? Convenience, versatility, and health care are three important factors. This charming Long Island village is a 20-mile drive from downtown Manhattan and combines the best of both worlds: the world-class amenities and health care systems of New York City, coupled with the serenity of Atlantic Coast beaches.
Great Neck stands out for its high walkability score (15.29 out of 20), and it’s one of the most pedestrian-friendly small cities in the country. It also ranks highly in the “neighborhood proximity” category, with access to a commuter rail train station, more than 260 retail stores, and more libraries, parks, and markets than the average U.S. city.
The top small cities (with populations between 5,000 and 24,999) on the AARP Livability Index are:
1. Great Neck Plaza, New York (Score: 73)
2. Aspen, Colorado (Score: 70)
3. Gunnison, Colorado (Score: 69)
The Most Livable Mid-Size Cities for Seniors
Another New York City suburb takes the top spot in AARP’s list of mid-size cities: Cliffside Park, New Jersey. It’s situated on the Hudson River just across from Manhattan, making it an ideal choice for active seniors who want the benefits of city life without the high prices of Manhattan real estate. But there is also plenty to do in Cliffside Park itself. The city has over twice the national median number of cultural, arts, and entertainment institutions.
Due to its proximity to New York City, it’s no surprise that Cliffside Park ranks highly in public transportation accessibility. This is especially important for seniors with mobility needs — over 85% of stations and vehicles in Cliffside Park are ADA-accessible.
The only downside? While housing is less expensive than in other New York City suburbs, Cliffside Park housing costs are higher than the national average. However, the convenience and lifestyle benefits may make it worth the trade-off for some seniors.
The top mid-size cities (with populations between 25,000 and 99,000) on the AARP Livability Index are:
1. Cliffside Park, New Jersey (Score: 68)
2. Burlington, Vermont (Score: 67; three-way tie)
Fort Lee, New Jersey
Portland, Maine
3. Union City, New Jersey (Score: 66)
The Most Livable Large Cities for Seniors
Located across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Arlington, Virginia, attracts older residents looking for an urban lifestyle without sacrificing access to nature, health, and wellness. Highlights of the city include the Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon Trail, and shopping at Pentagon City. Arlington also boasts parks, live entertainment venues, world-class cuisine, and a robust health care system.
Arlington residents tend to value active lifestyles. The obesity rate is lower than the national median, and an outstanding 100% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. (The national median is 63.8% of residents.)
The city also has 72.5 organizations that provide civic engagement opportunities per 10,000 people, about double the national median. This gives seniors plenty of opportunities to get involved in social, religious, and political activities.
The top large cities (with populations between 100,000 and 499,999) on the AARP Livability Index are:
1. Arlington, Virginia (Score: 67)
2. Cambridge, Massachusetts (Score: 66; two-way tie)
Madison, Wisconsin
3. Alexandria, Virginia (Score: 64; six-way tie)
Lincoln, Nebraska
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Rochester, Minnesota
Salt Lake City, Utah
St. Paul, Minnesota
The Most Livable Very Large Cities for Seniors
San Francisco is famous for landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and its vibrant cultural centers, from the oldest Chinatown in the U.S. to its city parks and historic entertainment venues. What sets San Francisco apart for seniors in particular is the city’s healthy lifestyle mindset, with less smoking and obesity and more access to exercise than the national average.
While the steep hills of San Francisco can wear anyone out, the city’s iconic cable cars are easy to hop on, connecting the waterfront at Fisherman’s Wharf to the historic Nob Hill area.
San Francisco residents also have a higher-than-average social involvement index, meaning they’re more likely to interact with groups, peers, neighbors, friends, and family than the average U.S. senior. From socializing to exploring world-class museums or relaxing in a scenic hilltop park, this West Coast city is an exciting place for older adults to enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle.
The top very large cities (with populations greater than 500,000) on the AARP Livability Index are:
1. San Francisco, California (Score: 66)
2. Boston, Massachusetts (Score: 62; four-way tie)
New York, New York
Seattle, Washington
Portland, Oregon
3. Denver, Colorado (Score: 60; two-way tie)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
About the Data
To compile this list, we consulted the AARP Livability Index™ Top 100. AARP collected data about key metrics relating to quality of life for people of all ages to determine its ranking. You can read the full report here.
Featured Stories
More from our network
Daily Passport is part of Optimism, which publishes content that uplifts, informs, and inspires.
