Jacksonville Named 7th Best Place to Retire in 2025: Top Insights from New Report

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville ranks as the seventh best place to retire in the United States for 2025, according to a report from U.S. News & World Report. This report evaluated 150 cities, measuring factors such as quality of life, housing affordability, health care quality, crime rates, and weather.

In the rankings, two other Florida cities, Naples and Sarasota, took the top spots, ranking first and fourth. Jacksonville received an overall score of 6.8 out of 10, with a housing affordability score of 7.1 and a health care score of 4.8.

Jacksonville stands out due to its size, being the largest metro area by land mass in the continental U.S. The city offers a variety of attractions, including live sporting events, outdoor activities, fine arts, and diverse dining options. Its location along the Atlantic coast, abundance of golf courses, parks, and waterways contribute to its appeal. The report highlights the city’s growing restaurant scene in neighborhoods like San Marco and Southside, along with its art museums and theaters.

Housing costs in Jacksonville are below the national average, making it a better value compared to similar-sized cities. The city also benefits from a growing job market and high-ranking schools.

Jacksonville also ranks seventh in Florida for the Best Places to Live in 2025-26 and 56th in the U.S. overall for the same category.

Here are the Top 10 best places to retire:

1. Naples, Fla.
2. Virginia Beach, Va.
3. New York City, N.Y.
4. Sarasota, Fla.
5. Boise, Id.
6. Raleigh, N.C.
7. Jacksonville, Fla.
8. Huntsville, Ala.
9. Charlotte, N.C.
10. Fort Wayne, Ind.

For a complete list of ranked places, click here.