One of U. S. News & World Report’s most popular lists released in November, and it’s a fresh look at prime destinations for people considering retirement.
The 250 Best Places to Retire in the U.S. in 2026 features retirement-favorite regions and some surprises from elsewhere. More importantly for potential ICI Homes customers, Florida led all states with three top-10 locations — including No. 9 Palm Coast, where we’re actively building.
Key takeaways
- Palm Coast ranked No. 9 on U.S. News and World Report’s list of the 250 Best Places to Retire in the U.S. in 2026, making it one of Florida’s top retirement destinations.
- Florida led all states with three cities in the top 10, reflecting strong performance in quality of life, affordability, health care, and tax advantages.
- The rankings were based on data from more than 850 cities and a national survey that prioritized quality of life, cost of living, health care, and taxes.
- Palm Coast appeals to retirees with its beaches, boating, golf, relaxed atmosphere, and growing arts and dining scene.
- ICI Homes builds in several private gated Palm Coast communities and also offers custom homebuilding through its On Your Land or Ours division for retirement focused buyers.
Nuts and bolts
U.S. News & World Report researchers examined data from more than 850 U.S. cities to determine how they fit people’s needs and expectations for retirement.
Researchers used data from different sources to tease out the 250 top retirement locations, including internal U.S. News & World Report sources and those from Applied Geographic Solutions. The latter culls from local, state and federal government sources (think U.S. Census Bureau), plus other private sources.
Researchers also used a public survey of 3,500 people from across the U.S., conducted in March 2025. It asked participants to rank the most important topics to consider when choosing where to retire.
Six topics emerged as the most critical based on survey results and data mining. They are (in order of importance in survey responses): Quality of life (27 percent), cost of living and affordability value (24 percent), quality of health care (16 percent), tax rates (16 percent), senior population and migration trends (9 percent), and job markets (8 percent).
Using the survey-weighted importance of these topics, researchers compiled their list. Here are the top 10 cities in the 250 Best Places to Retire in the U.S. in 2026.
- Midland, Michigan
- Weirton, West Virginia
- Homosassa Springs, Florida
- The Woodlands, Texas
- Spring, Texas
- Rio Rancho, New Mexico
- Spring Hill, Florida
- Altoona, Pennsylvania
- Palm Coast, Florida
- Lynchburg, Virginia
ICI Homes in Palm Coast
Long a hidden jewel on Florida’s east central coast, Palm Coast’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent years with new residents at all stages of life. Its low-key vibe, splendid beaches, boating opportunities, golf courses, and growing arts, cultural and dining scenes are tailor-made for retirees pursuing their next acts.
ICI Homes is a preferred builder in three exclusive Palm Coast communities — The Conservatory at Hammock Beach, Oasis at Hammock Dunes, and Marina del Palma. All are private, gated enclaves with the first two offering golf courses and the latter offering waterfront and boating access.
Looking to build a custom dream home on property you already own in the Palm Coast area? Need help finding property for it? ICI Homes’ On Your Land or Ours division specializes in both scenarios.
Our pros here are ready to help you design and build your custom retirement dream home on your land, or in one of the Palm Coast communities where we’re at work.
Ready for your new custom Florida home? Talk to ICI Homes here.