
3. Pelican Bay, Naples, Florida — Best for Affluent Retirees
Pelican Bay is Naples’ most exclusive beachfront community and one of the finest retirement neighborhoods in the United States. Florida’s zero state income tax and generous homestead exemptions make it a top-tier destination for retirement tax planning.
Pelican Bay’s private beach clubs, championship golf, and world-class dining cater to affluent retirees with substantial retirement portfolios. Healthcare access is exceptional, with Naples Community Hospital and specialist networks fully integrated with Medicare and Medicare supplement insurance plans.
Estate planning attorneys and certified financial planners (CFPs) serving Pelican Bay residents are among Florida’s most experienced. Retirees here typically leverage trust planning, charitable giving strategies, and tax-efficient retirement withdrawal plans to maximise their financial legacy.
Long-term care insurance uptake is high in this community, reflecting residents’ sophisticated approach to retirement risk management. Pelican Bay is the benchmark for luxury retirement neighborhood living in America.
4. Kenmore, Seattle, Washington — Best Pacific Northwest Retirement Spot
Kenmore, a suburb north of Seattle on Lake Washington, is one of the Pacific Northwest’s best-kept retirement secrets. Washington State has no income tax, meaning retirees pay zero state tax on Social Security benefits, pension income, and retirement distributions — a massive financial advantage.
Kenmore offers waterfront living, lush green spaces, and a quiet community feel while remaining close to Seattle’s world-class healthcare facilities and Medicare-enrolled specialist networks.
The neighborhood’s senior living options are expanding, with new 55+ communities and assisted living facilities meeting growing retirement demand. Certified financial planners and retirement income advisors in the greater Seattle area offer comprehensive retirement planning services, including portfolio management, IRA strategies, and long-term care insurance assessments.
Kenmore’s cost of living is moderate relative to Seattle proper, offering real estate value for retirees seeking retirement financial planning efficiency combined with Pacific Northwest beauty.

not for me
I don’t like the hot desert, nor high prices in CA, nor cold MI. And how comfortable is FL when a hurricane is bearing down? The last thing retirees need is to pack the car and get in traffic and try to get out if town. Only a fool would choose some of these places.
You’re absolutely right! Whoever wrote this misguided piece must be one of our new genius college grads.
Just two examples. I lived in Carmel – rented, of course. Avg. Tiny home price $2.5 mil and most homes are owned by weekend tech bros. Carmel was nice in 1995. Now – its a soulless empty place most days. As for The Villages 50,000 homes, prices are dropping thru the roof. Nobody is buying them. Not a good place to be. I live on the Oregon coast, and everyday its an endless parade of out of state license plates looking for greener grass.
I have lived in Delaware for the last seven years. We have no sales tax and the property tax is much lower than New Jersey where we lived for 38 years. There are plenty of places to eat out and Philadelphia is a short distance away. Our very quiet neighborhood is the Marshallton section of Wilmington.