Baby boomers are approaching — or have already achieved — retirement. A new city and a new start are refreshing ways to kick off that new life chapter. Many are seizing this opportunity, and boomers seem to have their favorite retirement destinations.
Recently, SmartAsset analyzed data on 267 cities included in the 2023 U.S. Census Bureau 1-Year American Community Survey. They ranked cities based on the percentage of the population represented by incoming baby boomers — which SmartAsset defines as those between 55 and 74 years of age.
Only eight states have cities that made it onto the top 20 list of places boomers are moving. Can you guess which states they are?
1. Palm Coast, Florida
People age 55-74 who moved to this city in 2023: 3,753 (which is 3.69% of the population)
The total number of boomers in this city as a share of the population: 31.70%
Palm Coast, a relatively new community incorporated in 1999, offers its residents 70 miles of saltwater and freshwater canals and access to the Intracoastal Waterway. It also has more than 130 miles of connecting trails and paths for walking and bicycling. There’s also plenty of bird-watching and in certain areas, residents and visitors can watch dolphins instead.
2. Cape Coral, Florida
People age 55-74 who moved to this city in 2023: 6,937 (which is 3.12% of the population)
The total number of boomers in this city as a share of the population: 31.33%
Florida has long been the ultimate dream for anyone looking to escape the cold. Cape Coral is a water-lover’s dream, with 400 miles of canals and the Gulf of Mexico — and plenty of barrier islands — all within easy reach.
3. Scottsdale, Arizona
People age 55-74 who moved to this city in 2023: 7,541 (which is 3.11% of the population)
The total number of boomers in this city as a share of the population: 31.03%
This area is great for those who love the outdoors. In the northern part of the city of Scottsdale, you will find the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. It has more than 60 miles of trails and is the largest urban wilderness area in the United States.
Other baby boomer magnets
These cities didn’t make the top three, but they’re still wildly popular amongst moving boomers. Here’s how many moved into each city in 2023 and what percentage of the population they represent.
- Surprise, Arizona: 4,855 boomers (3.10% of the population)
- Goodyear, Arizona: 3,398 boomers (3.09% of the population)
- Pompano Beach, Florida: 3,472 boomers (3.07% of the population)
- Clearwater, Florida: 3,469 boomers (3% of the population)
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida: 5,025 boomers (2.75% of the population)
- Gainesville, Florida: 3,973 boomers (2.75% of the population)
- Palm Bay, Florida: 3,604 boomers (2.70% of the population)
- Miami, Florida: 11,696 boomers (2.59% of the population)
- Lakeland, Florida: 3,083 boomers (2.57% of the population)
- Wilmington, North Carolina: 2,994 (2.46% of the population)
- Paradise, Nevada: 4,316 boomers (2.45% of the population)
- West Palm Beach, Florida: 3,009 boomers (2.44% of the population)
- Allentown, Pennsylvania: 2,917 boomers (2.37% of the population)
- Tyler, Texas: 2,572 boomers (2.36% of the population)
- Las Cruces, New Mexico: 2,687 boomers (2.36% of the population)
- Henderson, Nevada: 7,866 boomers (2.35% of the population)
- Oceanside, California: 3,908 boomers (2.32% of the population)
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