There are countless lists online and in print about the best places to retire. A lot of the lists have the same cities in them, just with different information about those places. Looking for the best place to retire in is a daunting process that takes a lot of research to make sure where you end up is the best place to retire for you. Looking for the right kind of senior housing is the first step, followed by what kind of senior activities your senior housing offers. The following is from CNN Money and shows important information for seniors in finding the best places to retire.

1. Port Charlotte, Florida
   • Population (% over 50) – 48,000, 44%
   • Typical 3-bedroom home – $170,000
   • State income tax – none
   • Description – Located off the gulf, this town’s housing prices have dropped 40 percent since 2005. Almost half of its houses are on canals or waterways, preaching spectacular views. There is also the 500-seat Cultural Center and 42,000-acre Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park.
2. Palm Springs, California
   • Population (% over 50) – 48,000, 42%
   • Typical 3-bedroom apartment – $250,000
   • State income tax – 10.55%
   • Description – There is an average of 332 days of sun and 360-degree views of mountains in this hide-away town. There is a 125,000-square-foot Palm Springs Art Museum which, among other things, is home to the Palm Springs International Film Festival.
3. Traverse City, Michigan
   • Population – 14,300, 41%
   • Typical 3-bedroom apartment – $250,000
   • State income tax – 4.35%
   • Description – This town is home to a combination of culture, water and all four seasons, along with one of the 100 top hospitals in the country, Munson Medical Center. Culturally, there is the Interlochen Center for the Arts and locally brewed wines and wineries.
4. Pinehurst, North Carolina
   • Population – 12,000, 57%
   • Typical 3-bedroom apartment – $300,000
   • State income tax – 7.75%
   • Description – Home of the Pinehurst Resort which contains one of the oldest and most prestigious golf courses in the US. It might not be the cheapest area, but all residents are eligible for membership at the resort for a discounted price.
5. Surprise, Arizona
   • Population – 91,000, 43%
   • Typical 3-bedroom apartment – $150,000
   • State income tax – 4.54%
   • Description – This city is home of 2 major league baseball teams spring training, and very close to Phoenix. There is also a 10,500-square-foot aquatics center and 30,000-acre park. 20 percent of residents live in a resort like retirement home that offers tennis, golf, wine tasting and more.
6. Boulder City, Nevada
   • Population – 14,900, 49%
   • Typical 3-bedroom apartment – $315,000
   • State income tax – none
   • Description – Just six miles from the Hoover Dam and 20 miles from Vegas, this town is one of the few in Nevada that boast it has no gambling. It gets in the 100s during summer, but the dry heat still allows for hiking and mountain biking, zip-line and multiple community festivals.
7. Fredericksburg, Texas
   • Population – 10,900, 40%
   • Typical 3-bedroom apartment – $220,000
   • State income tax – none
   • Description – This town combines American and German history with their German-themed bakeries and beer gardens downtown, as well as the Pioneer Museum and the National Museum of the Pacific War. The weather is always warm and there is a lake for fishing and golf courses nearby.
8. Savannah, Georgia
   • Population – 130,300, 29%
   • Typical 3-bedroom apartment – $225,000
   • State income tax – 6.0%
   • Description – The property tax freeze and proximity to two top-notch hospitals bring in many seniors, as does the historic downtown and extremely active art culture, reinforced by the Savannah College of Art & Design.
9. Lakewood, Colorado
   • Population – 140,300, 36%
   • Typical 3-bedroom apartment – $230,000
   • State income tax – 4.63%
   • Description – Retirees enjoy outdoor theater and music performances at the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Amphitheater as well as art classes and festivals. Outdoor adventure is a huge pull as well with the mountain trails and huge lakes.
10. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    • Population – 1,449,600, 31%
    • Typical 3-bedroom apartment – $375,000
    • State income tax – 3.07%
    • Description –Philly has all four seasons and is slower-paced than other northeastern cities. Center city has shopping and dining along with plenty of theaters. The blocks are small; perfect for pedestrians. Philadelphia’s teaching hospitals are known for their stellar service, and the city doesn’t tax retirement income such as pensions.
11. Virginia Beach, Virginia
    • Population – 434,700, 28%
    • Typical 3-bedroom apartment – $245, 000
    • State income tax – 5.75%
    • Description – There are 35 miles of shoreline in this town, both crowded tourist spots and quieter stretches. Wildlife lovers enjoy the 9,000-acre Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and commercially enjoy the Town Center only 15 miles inland.
12. Bella Vista, Arkansas
    • Population – 16,100, 88%
    • Typical 3-bedroom apartment – $170,000
    • State income tax – 7.0%
    • Description – This town is actually marketed specifically as a retirement community and houses swimming pools, tennis courts, lakes, walking and biking trails along with 5 country clubs, all outlined by the Ozark Mts.
13. Miami, Florida
    • Population – 409,700, 34%
    • Typical 3-bedroom apartment – $200,000
    • State income tax – none
    • Description – Traditional Florida retirement is paired with art deco architecture, a thriving restaurant scene, high-end shopping and an active nightlife, even for seniors. It is also the home of major sports franchises as well as the Miami City Ballet.
14. Fairhope, Alabama
    • Population – 16,600, 39%
    • Typical 3-bedroom apartment – $265,000
    • State income tax – 5.0%
    • Description – This town is filled with artistry. Downtown streets are peppered with over 80 antique shops and boutiques as well as local galleries and studios showing off local artists work. The first Friday of every month there is an arts walk and in March there is a 3-day Arts & Crafts Festival. Thomas Hospital is also located conveniently in the town’s center.

Lake St. Louis, Missouri

• Population – 13,900, 36%
• Typical 3-bedroom apartment – $235,000
• State income tax – 6.0%
• Description – Lake St. Louis and Lake St. Louise have over 20 miles of shoreline and have over 1,500 boats registered between the two. There are waterfront condos for little as $60,000 and many seniors are involved in the Lake Saint Louis Community Association which gives them access to the lakes, golf courses, tennis courts, pool and a clubhouse.

The rest of best places to retire list, in descending order has Roanoke, Virginia; Providence, Rhode Island; Stevens Point, Wisconsin; Holland, Michigan; Louisville, Kentucky; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Columbia, South Carolina; Bangor, Maine; Cape Girardeau, Missouri and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.