Charlotte Rises Up the Ranks as a Top Retirement Destination
In a heartwarming turn of events, Charlotte, known as the Queen City, has scored a fantastic achievement on the 2025 list of the “Best Places to Retire” in the U.S. It leaped to an impressive No. 9 spot, up from a surprising No. 75 in 2024! Now, let’s unpack what makes this city such an alluring choice for retirees.
A Deeper Dive into the Rankings
Charlotte received a solid score of 6.8 out of 10 this year, which is a small but meaningful increase from last year’s 6.7. But how did this happen? Well, the folks behind the rankings made a couple of smart changes to their methodology this year. They switched the focus from metropolitan areas to individual cities, giving everyday retiree needs a clearer spotlight.
The scoring model also put a significant emphasis on happiness, weighing it at a whopping 27% of the total score! Other important factors included affordability at 25%, health-care quality at 15%, retiree taxes at 13%, desirability at 12%, and the job market at 8%. As you can see, it’s not all about sunshine and golf courses; happiness and financial security really take center stage!
What Retirees Are Looking For
Dawn Bradbury, who plays a key role in shaping these rankings, shed some light on what retirees really want. She exclaimed, “The 2025 Best Places to Retire rankings reflect top cities across the country that best meet retiree needs and desires.” She pointed out that these future retirees are keen on stretching their dollars while seeking places that bring joy and excitement. That’s why it seems the Midwest and South are catching the eyes (and hearts) of folks looking for their golden years.
Charlotte’s Neighboring Cities Shine Too
Charlotte isn’t flying solo in this stellar ranking performance. Raleigh, our neighbor to the east, claimed a top spot at No. 6 with an equally appealing score of 6.8. Other cities in the Carolinas had notable placements, with Charleston coming in at No. 13, Greenville in South Carolina at No. 30, and Hickory at No. 39. Here’s how the rest of our Carolinian companions fared:
- Greensboro – No. 60
- Winston-Salem – No. 64
- Spartanburg – No. 67
- Columbia – No. 78
- Asheville – No. 104
- Fayetteville – No. 119
- Myrtle Beach – No. 121
Taking the top honors were cities like Naples, Florida, Virginia Beach, and New York City, proving that retirees have broad tastes when it comes to choosing where to spend their golden years. Don’t worry though—Charlotte and its friends are putting on a great show!
Charlotte’s Continued Success
It’s not just this retirement ranking that makes Charlotte shine. Earlier this year, it snagged a spot at No. 5 on another list highlighting the “Best Places to Live” in the country. This climb of three spots from the previous year shows just how much the city is appealing to people moving to this vibrant area.
Ultimately, Charlotte’s charm, affordability, and friendly community are setting the stage for a wonderful retirement experience. Whether you’re looking to kick back in the sun or stay active among the blossoming city life, Charlotte is waving hello! It’s a fantastic time to think about retiring in this charming Southern city!
