Best U.S. Cities to Live After Retiring from Walmart: Healthcare & Lifestyle Edition
So you’ve left the Walmart hustle behind. Now it’s time to pick a city that supports both your health and your happiness. As your retirement travel guide, I’ve scoped out U.S. cities where top-tier healthcare meets great everyday living. Let me walk you through twelve outstanding options and what makes each one special.
Why healthcare should lead your decision
As you settle into retirement, good medical care isn’t optional—it’s essential. You want hospitals, specialists, emergency access, and a medical ecosystem that feels solid. But health is just one piece. You’ll also want good weather, culture, green spaces, things to do, and a cost of living that doesn’t feel like a burden.
12 cities where “retirement done right” lives
Here are the cities that hit that balance.
Rochester, Minnesota
Home to the Mayo Clinic—that alone gives you confidence. Add in Midwestern charm, solid medical research, and a cost of living that’s gentler than many big metros.
Truckee, California
Mountain air, access to nature, and medical care via the local Tahoe Forest Cancer Center. If you love the idea of waking up to alpine views and fresh trails, this might be your spot.
St. George, Utah
Warm climate, scenic surroundings, and local healthcare that punches above its weight. Great for active retirees wanting both sunshine and medical support.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Big city perks without losing that community feel. The University of Utah Hospital is a hub for specialties, and you also get outdoor options, arts, and more.
Pinehurst, North Carolina
Quiet, peaceful, but still with serious medical infrastructure. If you favor slower days, greenery, and easy living, Pinehurst is a hidden gem.
Naples, Florida
Tropical living with serious healthcare. You’ll find hospital systems that link into national networks. Plus, the vibe is calm yet upscale.
The Villages, Florida
Built for retirement. The communities here are designed with seniors in mind, and healthcare options are woven into the fabric of life.
Lincoln, Nebraska
Good balance of medical access and affordability. Not as busy as Omaha but close enough to benefit from larger hospital networks.
Portland, Maine
For lovers of coastline, seasons, and a more peaceful pace. Maine Medical has services tailored for seniors here.
Seattle, Washington
Green, vibrant, full of life. UW Medical Center and lots of research institutions anchor the medical side, and the city gives you culture, nature, and food.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Sun, warmth, and a Mayo Clinic branch nearby. The senior scenes here are strong—active, social, comfortable.
Atlanta, Georgia
Big city, big healthcare. Emory University Hospital and others bring serious medical power. Pair that with southern charm, food, and whether you like bustle or quiet suburbs, choices abound.
Things you can’t skip when choosing
- Distance to major hospitals and specialists
- Travel convenience—airports, roads, connections
- Cost of living plus property taxes
- Climate and how it fits your health
- Community life—do you want social, quiet, nature, arts?
My shortlist (if I were you)
If I were scouting for you, here’s where I’d look closely: Rochester for medical peace of mind, Salt Lake City for balance, and Scottsdale for sun with strong care on hand. But your ideal trio depends on what you can’t compromise on—weather, closeness to family, culture, or affordability.
Let’s pick your must-haves.