From SFTGG member Caria Tomczykowska
Spend your golden years in the golden state.
ByOpheli Garcia Lawler
Published on January 29, 2026
While some contemplate a quiet retirement in a small town, others dream of spending their golden years with art, culture, dining, and the bustle of a city.
In December, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) published a report on the 100 best places to live in the U.S. for older adults. AARP ranked the communities for size and overall livability, considering factors such as housing, neighborhood, transportation, environment, health, and engagement.
And the city that topped the ranking for the sixth year in a row is San Francisco. "[...] even though the area’s monthly housing costs are three times higher than the U.S. median ($2,693 compared to $943 nationally)," the report notes, the city "excels in other metrics, especially health, boasting excellent access to health care, universal access to exercise opportunities, and low smoking rates."
The city also offers plenty of things to do for visitors and residents alike. Whether you want to spend your evenings biking over the Golden State Bridge or your mornings taking cable cars, there are easy ways to get in plenty of activity without going over budget. San Francisco was also recently named the best hiking city, with 119 popular and easily accessible hikes.
https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-big-town-for-elderly-to-live-in-2026-11880421
Greg