Atlanta, GA, September 5, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta has been recognized as one of the top 10 best places to retire in a recent WalletHub survey. key factors such as affordability, quality of life, and healthcare access were evaluated across over 180 U.S. cities. The report highlights the rising concerns regarding retirement’s financial feasibility, with many Americans expressing unrealistic expectations about comfortable retirement living.
Atlanta Ranked Among Top 10 Best Places to Retire in 2025
Atlanta has been named one of the top 10 best places to retire in 2025 according to a recent survey conducted by personal-finance company WalletHub. This ranking comes amidst a broader analysis revealing that 50% of Americans consider it unrealistic for the average U.S. citizen to retire comfortably.
WalletHub’s report evaluates 2025’s best and worst retirement destinations while also presenting a Retirement Savings Survey. The analysis compared over 180 U.S. cities based on 45 critical measures, which included factors such as affordability, quality of life, healthcare, and available recreational activities for retirees.
The ranking heavily relies on variables like the cost of living, tax benefits for retired individuals, and the availability of healthcare services. WalletHub’s findings serve as a vital resource for those approaching retirement, as it emphasizes the importance of selecting retirement locations that align with fixed incomes commonly associated with retirement.
Comparative Rankings of Other Cities
Grand Rapids, Michigan, ranked 73rd on WalletHub’s list, whereas Detroit had a much lower ranking at 166th. In terms of affordability, Grand Rapids scored 106, while Detroit scored 130. However, Grand Rapids performed better across other categories too, scoring 63 in activities, 117 in quality of life, and 68 in healthcare—compared to Detroit’s scores of 102 in activities, 174 in quality of life, and 117 in healthcare.
Several cities in Washington state also participated in the survey. Seattle received a ranking of 141, despite a low affordability ranking of 178. It did perform relatively well in recreational and healthcare categories. Vancouver ranked 155 with notable strengths in healthcare (34th) and activities (98th), but it scored 151st in affordability. Spokane, ranked 164th, had varying scores between 100th in healthcare and 124th in affordability, while Tacoma landed at 170th overall, ranking 172nd for affordability but 67th in activities.
Retirement Trends and Concerns
In terms of general retirement trends, the median retirement age in the U.S. is currently set at 62 years. In a survey conducted by WalletHub, 67% of workers and 78% of retirees expressed confidence in their financial readiness for retirement. However, prevailing concerns are looming over potential Social Security and Medicare benefit cuts, coupled with inflation’s effect on the economy, which may alter these perceptions.
Georgia, despite Atlanta’s high ranking, is identified as one of the less desirable states for aging in place, positioned at 48th among all states. Issues such as limited access to meal delivery services for seniors and a shortage of home health aides contribute significantly to its lower ranking. In contrast, Utah emerged as the best state for aging in place, attributing its success to low risks of social isolation and high adoption rates of smart home technologies among the elderly. Other states recognized as favorable for aging in place include North Dakota, New Jersey, Idaho, and Texas.
Conclusion
The findings from WalletHub provide critical insights for current and soon-to-be retirees, highlighting the importance of choosing ideal locations that encompass a balance of affordability, healthcare, and recreational opportunities. As retirement ages draw closer for many Americans, a thorough understanding of these metrics becomes crucial in ensuring a comfortable and fulfilling retirement experience.
FAQ
What factors did WalletHub consider when ranking the best places to retire in 2025?
WalletHub analyzed over 180 U.S. cities based on 45 key measures including affordability, quality of life, healthcare access, and recreational activities available for retirees.
How does Atlanta compare to other cities regarding retirement?
Atlanta ranked in the top 10 for retirement locations in 2025, demonstrating favorable conditions compared to other cities such as Grand Rapids (73rd) and Detroit (166th).
What states were found to be favorable for aging in place?
Utah was identified as the best state for aging in place, with North Dakota, New Jersey, Idaho, and Texas also being listed as favorable locations.
Key Features of WalletHub’s Retirement Rankings
| City | Overall Rank | Affordability Rank | Quality of Life Rank | Health Care Rank | Activities Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | Top 10 | Unavailable | Unavailable | Unavailable | Unavailable |
| Grand Rapids, MI | 73 | 106 | 117 | 68 | 63 |
| Detroit, MI | 166 | 130 | 174 | 117 | 102 |
| Seattle, WA | 141 | 178 | Unavailable | Unavailable | Unavailable |
| Vancouver, WA | 155 | 151 | Unavailable | 34 | 98 |
| Spokane, WA | 164 | 124 | Unavailable | 100 | Unavailable |
| Tacoma, WA | 170 | 172 | Unavailable | Unavailable | 67 |
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Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
