Key Points
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The list of best retirement cities is dominated by warm-weather locales.
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However, one Alaskan city made the list — and it’s for a surprising reason.
When most people think of popular retirement destinations, they think of warm weather locales like Florida or North Carolina. Indeed, those two states dominate the latest rankings by U.S. News of the top retirement cities in America. But there’s one surprising addition to the list: a city in Alaska with fewer than 300,000 residents.
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This Alaskan city could be a dream for retirees
For years, U.S. News has been ranking the best retirement destinations in the U.S. Ranking every potential destination, of course, requires some sort of ranking methodology. Perhaps the biggest factor involved has been the cost of living, which includes many low tax areas. This is a wise methodology, as retirees are often on a fixed income. Choosing a low-cost area to live in can help extend savings while providing a cushion to any potential market downturns.
This year, however, U.S. News updated its methodology to more heavily weigh “happiness” factors. This ensures that the list includes not just money-saving locations, but areas that retirees actually enjoy living in. According to a press release, U.S. News observed that “retirees seek a destination that will not only stretch their dollar, but is also a place for enjoyment.”
This update created a few surprises along the way. Nearly cracking the top 20, for instance, was Anchorage, Alaska, which came in at number 21.
What’s so attractive about Anchorage? There’s no sales tax and no state income tax. The city is also significantly more affordable than most areas in the state. But perhaps the most exciting factor is, of course, the access to nature. In the summer, world-class hiking trails, whale watching, and fly fishing are just minutes away. In the winter, hundreds of miles of ski trails surround the city. Or, you can just cozy up by the fire and read a good book.
You’ll have to be fine with a longer, darker winter, but Anchorage, Alaska, deserves more recognition from retirees than it currently gets.
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20 Comments
In Winter, Anchorage is colder than just about anywhere in the lower 48. It is so cold that you have to plug your car into electricity to keep the engine warm, or else you have to go outside in the cold and start and run your car at lunchtime. Anyone who can afford it flies to Seattle or Hawaii during the Winter. Before you move here, spend 1-2 weeks in the Wintertime and see if you like Anchorage’s weather.
Also, the cost of just about everything is more. Transportation costs from the Lower 48 to Anchorage need to be factored in.
I came to Anchorage in 1967 while serving in the USAF. The population was much smaller at the time and we relied on one another more because we had too. Today there are many more activities than back then both indoor and out. As Rich said, the long days of summer are great, but some people are affected by SAD in the winter because days are short and the lack of sun can be a negative. If you are working normal hours you go to work in the dark and may come home in the dark. You will either love Alaska to leave. I know people who couldn’t wait to leave and 50 years later are still here.
That brings me to the economic factor. Yes, everything here is more expensive. It is true we do at the present time have a Permanent Fund Dividend which I’m sure you have heard about However since the State Legislature thinks its sole purpose is to spend all the money that they can get their hands on we’ve seen the PFD’s best days. Local property taxes keep going up and up because of the Anchorage Assembly’s need to “take care” of everybody. Anchorage is no longer an economically friendly place for people on a fixed income or anybody else for that matter. Our Marxist-Socialist Assembly is a big problem. So think twice before deciding to move here.
We’re Closed. No Vacanies. L48ers Not Welcome.
Anchorage use to be nice, but hasn’t been for years. HIGH property taxes more than make up for no sales taxes (the Anchorage city council is considering a tax though). City government is very LEFT wing; they have budgeted over $2million for DEI in 2026. Homelessness is out of control. We only go into ANC when we absolutely need to. We love Alaska. Anchorage not so much. It’s not call Los Anchorage for nothing.
The first time I flew into Anchorage as a flight attendant in the winter time I got one heck of a shock when I stepped outside the airport. The air was so cold it choked me. I had to cough a bit to breath. What makes me laugh to this day is my nose hairs froze. I was told while there many locals go to the tanning beds…not to get a tan but to get warm.