Looking to retire? This Virginia city ranks No. 2 nationwide

A Virginia city ranks among the top spots in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Places to Retire list. See which location made the cut.

For many soon-to-be retirees, Virginia might not be the first state that comes to mind when planning their golden years. But according to U.S. News & World Report’s newly released 2025 Best Places to Retire rankings, the Commonwealth is proving to be a formidable contender among traditional retirement destinations. While Florida claimed several spots in the rankings, a Virginia city emerged as one of the nation’s top retirement havens—outperforming favorites like Sarasota and Fort Myers. With a winning combination of housing affordability, quality healthcare, and coastal charm, this Virginia destination is challenging the notion that the best retirement living is found only in the Sunshine State.

How the rankings work

U.S. News analyzed data for 150 metropolitan areas across the United States to determine the best places for retirees. The comprehensive evaluation considered key factors that matter most to retirees, including residents’ overall happiness, housing affordability, tax rates, and healthcare quality. This Virginia city’s high ranking suggests that it’s excelling in these crucial areas.

Photo courtesy of Scott Smith/Flickr.

Virginia Beach claims #2 spot nationwide

Virginia Beach landed in second place on U.S. News & World Report’s prestigious list, surpassed only by Naples, Florida. The coastal city’s strong performance was driven by impressive scores in both housing affordability (7.1) and healthcare accessibility (3.7), making it an attractive option for retirees mindful of their nest eggs.

More than just a summer destination

Despite its reputation as a tourist hotspot, Virginia Beach offers year-round appeal for permanent residents. The city’s relaxed atmosphere and friendly community have transformed what many know as a vacation destination into a thriving retirement haven. Beyond the oceanfront, residents enjoy a mix of urban amenities and suburban tranquility that caters to various lifestyles.

Virginia’s other contenders

Looking further down the rankings, Richmond also made an appearance, securing the #76 spot. The capital city scored a 5.9 in housing affordability and 4.3 in healthcare quality. While this placement isn’t as impressive as Virginia Beach’s showing, Richmond’s rich American history, vibrant cultural scene, and position as the Commonwealth’s capital continue to attract retirees seeking an urban setting with a distinctly Southern charm.

What this means for Virginia

Virginia Beach’s strong showing in these rankings highlights the Commonwealth’s emerging status as a retirement destination. While Florida and Arizona have traditionally dominated retirement discussions, Virginia’s combination of four-season living, quality healthcare, and relatively affordable housing is attracting retirees looking for an alternative to the typical Sun Belt retirement.

This article may have been created with the assistance of AI.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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