More than 850 cities were scored on six factors—quality of life, affordability, healthcare, retiree taxes, job market, and retiree population and migration—with affordability given heavier weight this year.
Texas emerged as a bigger retirement draw, placing six cities in the top 15 versus three last year, including Spring at No. 5 and The Woodlands at No. 4.
Florida still held a strong presence with two top-15 cities, but Midland took the top spot with 2025 housing costs of $206,176, a value index of 8.7, and a 65-plus population share of 21%.