Carmel, CA…Study identifies the cities with the most active retirees.  Other CA locations include Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Ventura, Laguna Beach, Palm Springs, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, San Francisco, Davis, Paso Robles, and Sacramento.  Infographic showing the 175 top locations where retirees are most active.

Staying physically active during retirement is essential for maintaining overall health and quality of life. Regular exercise not only helps manage chronic conditions but also plays a vital role in improving mood, reducing anxiety and depression, and enhancing cognitive function. These benefits are particularly crucial for making sound financial decisions during retirement.

Given these advantages, choosing to live in a location that offers a wide range of opportunities for an active lifestyle can significantly impact one’s well-being. Retirement should be a time to enjoy life to the fullest, and being in an environment that encourages and supports physical activity can make a world of difference. Whether it’s access to scenic walking trails, vibrant community centers, fitness classes, or outdoor sports facilities, the right setting can motivate retirees to stay active and engaged.

MarketBeat.com commissioned a survey of 3,000 respondents to identify where in America the most active retirees reside. The top 10 locations were as follows:

#1 Lihue, Hawaii 
Located on the island of Kauai, Lihue offers retirees a perfect blend of stunning scenery and outdoor activities. With attractions like the breathtaking Wailua Falls and the majestic Nā Pali Coast, along with numerous community events, Lihue provides a serene environment that fosters an active and fulfilling lifestyle for retirees.

#2 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 
Myrtle Beach is renowned for its beautiful coastline and lively community. Retirees here can enjoy leisurely walks along the beach, explore local parks and trails, and partake in a variety of community events and festivals.

#3 Kapaʻa, Hawaii 
Kapaʻa, another gem on the island of Kauai, is a charming town offering a range of outdoor activities and a friendly community. Retirees can stroll along picturesque beaches, hike through nearby parks, and engage in community gatherings.

#4 Punta Gorda, Florida 
Punta Gorda is perfect for retirees with its waterfront living and abundant outdoor activities. Scenic walks along the Harborwalk, explorations of the Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park, and numerous community events provide an engaging and welcoming retirement lifestyle in this charming town.

#5 Naples, Florida 
Known for its high quality of life, Naples boasts stunning beaches, top-notch golf courses, and lush nature preserves. Retirees can enjoy pristine beaches, explore the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, and participate in various community activities.

#6 Carmel-by-the-Sea, California 
This picturesque coastal town is famous for its stunning scenery and vibrant artistic community. Retirees can take relaxing walks on Carmel Beach, hike in the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, and explore local galleries and cultural events. 

#7 Gatlinburg, Tennessee 
Gatlinburg offers retirees beautiful mountain scenery and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, local parks, and numerous trails, retirees can immerse themselves in nature and enjoy a variety of community activities.

#8 Los Angeles, California 
Los Angeles, with its scenic beaches, mountains, and year-round sunny weather, provides a vibrant and diverse environment for retirees. The city’s cultural scene, world-class healthcare, and endless recreational opportunities offer an exciting and engaging lifestyle for those looking to retire actively.

#9 Santa Barbara, California 
Known for its stunning beaches and scenic hiking trails, Santa Barbara offers retirees a pleasant climate and a rich cultural scene. Enjoying walks along the waterfront, hiking in the Santa Ynez Mountains, and participating in various outdoor activities ensures an active retirement. The city’s museums, theaters, and community events add to its appeal.

#10 Vero Beach, Florida 
Vero Beach provides a tranquil coastal lifestyle with numerous outdoor activities. Retirees can enjoy the pristine beaches, explore the McKee Botanical Garden, and participate in community events. The serene environment and opportunities for an active lifestyle make Vero Beach a desirable place for retirement.

California has 10 additional cities included among the most active in the country for retirees:

#14 Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is celebrated for its stunning coastal views and vibrant community life. Retirees can enjoy leisurely beach walks, hike through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and bike along scenic coastal trails.

#18 Ventura
The city’s beaches, parks, and access to Los Padres National Forest offer endless options for outdoor activities like hiking, and biking.

#32 Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach, famous for its breathtaking coastline and thriving arts community, is a perfect haven for active retirees. The town offers miles of pristine beaches, scenic hiking trails in the nearby hills, and a vibrant arts scene, ensuring a fulfilling and dynamic lifestyle in this picturesque coastal retreat.

#38 Palm Springs
Palm Springs, with its warm desert climate, offers retirees a wealth of recreational opportunities. Whether hiking in the San Jacinto Mountains, playing golf at world-class courses, or relaxing in the city’s hot springs and spas, there’s no shortage of activities.

#43 San Diego
San Diego combines an ideal climate with a rich variety of outdoor activities, making it a perfect spot for retirees.

#66 San Luis Obispo
With its nearby beaches, scenic hiking trails, and vibrant downtown, the town provides a welcoming environment for an active lifestyle. The city’s cultural events and strong community spirit further enhance its appeal.

#100 San Francisco
San Francisco’s iconic scenery and rich cultural diversity make it an exciting place for active retirees. The city offers parks, walking trails, and easy access to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, providing endless opportunities for outdoor adventures.

#121 Davis
Davis, a lively college town, is renowned for its bike-friendly streets and abundant outdoor activities.

#159 Paso Robles
Paso Robles, situated in the heart of California’s Central Coast wine country, offers a laid-back lifestyle with ample outdoor activities. Retirees can hike and bike in the surrounding hills, explore local vineyards, and participate in the town’s lively community events.

#161 Sacramento
The city’s parks, riverfront, and proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountains provide plenty of outdoor recreation options. Sacramento’s lively cultural scene and frequent community events make it a dynamic and engaging retirement destination.

Infographic showing the 175 top locations where retirees are most active

“Retirement should be a chapter of life filled with joy, health, and community. Our survey highlights the importance of choosing a location that supports an active lifestyle, essential for overall well-being“, says Matt Paulson, founder of MarketBeat.com. “Proper financial planning is crucial to securing a comfortable retirement in these ideal locations. With proper preparation, retirees can fully enjoy the benefits of these vibrant and health-focused communities.”