10 Great Places To Retire If You Love Fall Weather

As you consider where you want to spend your golden years, maybe you dream of the sandy beaches of Florida or the sunny deserts of Arizona. Or maybe you want to escape the sweltering heat of these typical retirement locations and live a stress-free retirement where you can feel the brisk autumn air on your skin after a long summer.

If you love fall and are trying to decide where to retire, you’re in luck. FinanceBuzz set out to determine where retirees can enjoy the most comfortable climate in the fall months while still staying healthy, safe, and entertained.

FinanceBuzz assigned each city a fall climate index score and compared it with a SeniorScore, which compiles a variety of factors to determine how elder-friendly they are. Here are the cities to consider as you plan for a fall-filled retirement.

Fall climate index score: 8.4

Charlotte is the first of four North Carolina cities to top our list and has a fall climate score of 8.4, making it an enjoyable place to spend the autumn months. Full of vibrant colors and crisp temperatures, the city also has plenty to keep seniors occupied, from festivals to museums and more.

Charlotte also ranks better than both the national average and the average for North Carolina in livability for seniors. The city’s population is 18% seniors, and there are plenty of golf courses, parks, and gyms to keep you occupied.

Fall climate index score: 8.5

Dallas tops both the national and Texas averages for how suitable the city is for seniors. This is largely due to quality health and safety factors, which includes over 30 hospitals and over 250 senior living facilities close to the city.

With a fall climate index score of 8.5, Dallas also has plenty of amenities for retirees. There are over 100 golf courses in or around the city and lots of shopping centers and parks, too. Check out the city’s large selection of restaurants and enjoy the fall weather by visiting the various festivals and markets the city hosts.

Dallas residents also do not pay a state income tax, which means you can make even more out of your retirement budget.

Fall climate index score: 8.5

Fall in Raleigh is prime time for festivals and events, and seniors can head to one of the more than 30 parks near the city center to enjoy even more time outdoors. The city has a fall climate index score of 8.5, with very pleasant weather, and is better for senior livability than the overall state average.

19% of residents in Raleigh are seniors, and access to health care is a big draw. There is a high number of Medicare registered physicians and residents don’t have to worry about a shortage of hospitals or senior living facilities.

Fall climate index score: 8.5

Retirees who love fall weather should also consider Greensboro. With a fall climate index score of 8.5, the city can be a comfortable place for seniors to spend their golden years.

Cooler temperatures mean you can take advantage of the various outdoor spaces the city has to offer, like the Greensboro Arboretum, one of the many highly-rated parks in the area. There are also 10 movie theaters in or near the city if you prefer to spend time indoors.

Fall climate index score: 8.5

Another North Carolina city on the list, Winston-Salem isn’t too far from Greensboro and also has a fall climate index score of 8.5, making it a prime spot if you love fall weather.

The city scores high for its accommodation of senior citizens, especially its options for recreation and leisure.

Catch the beautiful red, orange, and yellow leaves at one of the city’s eight parks near the city center, and make sure to add the annual Piedmont Craftsmen’s Fair to your list of activities where you can shop for a variety of handcrafted goods. There are also more than 45 wineries in the area.

Fall climate index score: 8.5

Oklahoma City scores significantly higher than the national average when it comes to livability for retirees. It also has a fall climate index score of 8.5. From the fall foliage to the crisp air, it’s a beautiful place to spend your golden years, especially during autumn.

About 23% of the population in Oklahoma City is seniors, and there’s no shortage of things to do. If you’re looking to stay active during retirement, visit one of the 134 gyms or health clubs in the city. To take advantage of the fall weather, stop by Myriad Botanical Gardens in the heart of downtown and admire the vibrant green spaces.

Fall climate index score: 8.5

Fall in Atlanta brings cooler temperatures, lots of outdoor activities, and plenty of festivals, including the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival and the Atlanta Chili Cook-off.

Atlanta also beats both the national and Texas averages for how suitable the city is for seniors, largely in part due to its health and safety measures. There are 217 senior living facilities near the city and residents will find plenty of hospitals and pharmacies close by.

This makes Atlanta not only a beautiful place to admire the fall colors but a reliable place to live as well.

Fall climate index score: 8.8

While you may think Texas is all heat, some cities, like El Paso, are actually ideal places if you enjoy fall. El Paso has a fall index climate score of 8.8. Temperatures by November during the day in El Paso average in the 60s, and the city has an overall comfortable climate.

El Paso is on par with Georgia as a whole and better suited for seniors than the national average. El Paso has plenty of perks for retirees if finances are a concern during retirement. Social Security benefits and other retirement income are tax-free in Texas, and despite the property taxes, those 65 and older can find tax exemptions.

Fall climate index score: 8.9

This city in the Golden State ranks highly for its fall climate index score and is ideal in terms of livability for seniors, too. Daytime temperatures can range on the warmer side in Riverside, but expect cooler and more comfortable temperatures at night from September through November.

Check out one of the 93 golf courses in or around the city, or enjoy the weather by strolling around the rose gardens and scenic lakes of Fairmount Park, where you can even rent a pedal boat. From art museums to shopping centers, there’s plenty to do if you enjoy spending time indoors.

Fall climate index score: 8.9

When it comes to both climate comfort and quality for senior living, San Francisco takes the cake. With crisp air, sunny skies, and comfortable temperatures, the city is an ideal place to retire if you enjoy the fall season.

26% of San Francisco residents are seniors, and they can spend their time perusing over 25 parks, 65 movie theaters, or 395 gyms in or near the city. With over 20 top-ranked hospitals and a high amount of Medicare-registered physicians, you’ll be able to prioritize your health in retirement, too.

Deciding where to settle down in retirement is a big decision, but planning ahead can help you avoid any financial surprises.

So, as you consider where exactly you want to spend your golden years, it may be beneficial to research some of these cities to make sure they have exactly what you need. You can even grab your favorite travel credit card and test them out for yourself to discover which one is right for you.