Takeaways
- AARP publishes an annual Top 100 Places to Live for Older Adults list that evaluates communities based on 61 indicators across seven categories. The categories focus on Housing, Neighborhood, Transportation, Environment, Health, Engagement, and Opportunity.
- Top-ranking communities in 2025 included such communities as San Francisco, California, and Arlington County, Virginia.
- According to AARP, key factors for a livable community for seniors include affordable housing, reliable transportation options, and access to quality health care.
Finding the right community to live in is an important decision, especially for older adults who may be on a fixed income or have limited mobility. Though there may not be a perfect community, most aging Americans are likely to find some communities that meet most of their needs. To help older adults find a place to call home, AARP compiles an annual list based on several factors and categorized by community size.
In December 2025, AARP released its latest Top 100 Places to Live for Older Adults list. The ranking comes from AARP’s Livability Index, which evaluates communities using indicators that reflect quality of life for residents of all ages, with particular relevance for older adults.
How the Index Works
This AARP index scores places using 61 indicators in seven key categories:
- Housing. Affordability and availability of housing options for people of all ages and physical abilities
- Neighborhood. Walkability, safety, and access to shops, groceries, restaurants, libraries, and other essentials
- Transportation. Access to public transit, walking and cycling options, and overall mobility
- Environment. Air quality, pollution levels, and community preparedness for climate-related issues
- Health. Access to quality health care, opportunities for exercise, and healthy living infrastructure
- Engagement. Opportunities for community involvement, social interaction, nondiscrimination protections, and internet access
- Opportunity. Availability of jobs with living wages, multigenerational engagement, and good schools
These categories help capture what a community offers not just for basic needs, but for a fulfilling, connected, and healthy life for people of all ages.
Top Picks in 2025
The list is broken into four groups by population size. For 2025, the top communities in each group were:
- Very large (500,000+ population). San Francisco, California – Known for abundant health care access, cultural opportunities, and transit options
- Large (100,000 – 499,999). Arlington County, Virginia – Praised for transit, engagement opportunities, and being accessible
- Midsize (25,000 – 99,999). Cliffside Park, New Jersey – Convenient access to jobs, grocery stores, parks, farmers markets, and other amenities
- Small (5,000 – 24,999). Great Neck Plaza, New York – High marks in the neighborhood and transportation categories
Many other communities, from bustling metro counties to small towns, also made it into the top 100. The list includes a mix of well-known cities and up-and-coming places that emphasize livability for older adults.
What Makes a Place Great for Older Adults?
AARP considered seven categories of livability that are especially important for older adults.
Affordable, Accessible Housing
Older adults often want housing that:
- Costs less relative to local income levels
- Offers a range of options (single-story homes, apartments with elevators, supportive living options)
- Allows aging in place without needing to move far from community and support networks
Walkable, Neighborly Communities
Neighborhood design matters:
- Walkable streets with nearby grocery stores, parks, and services make daily life easier and safer
- Safety and good community spaces help older adults stay active and connected
Transportation Options
Many older adults value:
- Reliable public transit
- Sidewalks and bike paths
- Ride-services and other transit options that support independence if they no longer drive
Access to Quality Health and Wellness Resources
Adults are at higher risk of developing adverse health conditions and chronic diseases as they age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Access to health care providers, hospitals, fitness centers, and opportunities for physical activity can help improve quality of life and longevity for this population.
Social Engagement and Inclusion
A strong community for older adults also offers:
- Cultural events, volunteer opportunities, and community centers
- Policies that support nondiscrimination and diversity
- High levels of civic engagement and internet access for staying connected
Environmental Quality and Preparedness
Clean air, safe outdoor spaces, and planning for extreme weather help ensure safe, sustainable living conditions as people age.
Multigenerational Community With Opportunities
Communities that score well in this category offer:
- Opportunities to work or volunteer
- Engagement between generations
- Strong local services and amenities that support a wide range of ages and needs
Beyond the Top 100: Using the Index to Evaluate Any Community
AARP’s December 2025 Top 100 Places to Live for Older Adults list highlights communities, from big to small, across the United States that are shaping up to be great places to live in one’s later years. Whether through accessible housing, robust transportation, vibrant cultural life, or access to health care and connections, these places help make aging safer, healthier, and more fulfilling.
This list can be a helpful guide for people planning relocation or retirement, or who want to learn what factors contribute to a high quality of life, particularly later in life.
The AARP Livability Index isn’t just for comparing cities. It can also serve as a diagnostic tool for evaluating any potential move, allowing users to align their location with their specific needs and values. The tool itself allows users to input any address or ZIP code in the U.S. to receive a score and detailed breakdown across the seven categories.
This feature is invaluable for older adults who are considering staying in their current homes or moving to a location not featured on the Top 100 list.
Key index features include the following:
- Customized Search. Enter an address to see how your specific neighborhood ranks.
- Category Deep Dive. View indicators such as park access and cost of living relative to income to understand a community’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Weighted Scoring. You can customize the index to emphasize certain categories based on personal priorities. For example, transportation may be more important to you than housing cost.
Additional Reading
For additional reading on topics of interest to older adults, check out the following articles: