Midland, Michigan Tops U.S. News' Best Places to Retire Again
Washington – October 27, 2026 -- Midland, Michigan, is the No. 1 place to retire in the United States for the second year running, according to the 2027 Best Places to Retire list from U.S. News & World Report. Affordability was the deciding theme of this year's ranking.
Midland scores high on affordability and retiree taxes
Midland kept its top spot thanks to strong marks for affordability and retiree taxes. Homosassa Springs, Florida, placed No. 2 on affordability, growth in its 55+ population and retiree taxes. Weirton, West Virginia, took No. 3 with high scores for quality of life, retiree taxes and affordability.
New scoring weights push Paducah into the top 10
U.S. News adjusted its scoring weights to reflect growing concern about affordability in America. The change produced several double-digit jumps within the top 25. Paducah, Kentucky, climbed to No. 8 and entered the top 10 for the first time.