The AI Perspective on the Most Beautiful Places to Retire in the United States
When it comes to choosing a place to retire, many factors come into play—natural beauty, lifestyle, healthcare access, and community. While different sources have their own criteria for ranking the best places to retire, one intriguing approach is to let artificial intelligence take the lead. By asking ChatGPT to name the five most beautiful places to retire in the United States, we received a list that surprised us in several ways, especially with its top pick.
ChatGPT’s rankings were based on natural beauty, lifestyle perks, and retirement-friendly features. Here’s how the AI saw the top U.S. retiree destinations in terms of beauty and what we think about its choices.
ChatGPT’s Top 5 Most Beautiful Retirement Destinations in the U.S.
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Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers stunning scenery with year-round mountain views, four distinct seasons, and easy access to the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. Its walkable downtown, vibrant arts and music scenes, and frequent cultural events provide plenty of entertainment for active lifestyles. Plus, access to the area’s highly regarded Mission Health System is a major healthcare advantage. -
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona’s iconic red rock formations and dramatic desert landscapes make it one of the most visually stunning places to retire. With over 300 days of sunshine a year and a warm, dry climate, it’s especially appealing to those with respiratory issues or arthritis. This peaceful, small-town destination is also known for its strong wellness culture, offering abundant opportunities for hiking, meditation, and holistic healing—all set against a breathtaking backdrop. -
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston blends coastal charm with rich history, Southern hospitality, and a laid-back pace that makes it an idyllic spot for retirees. With nearby beaches like Folly and Isle of Palms, a walkable historic downtown lined with cobblestone streets and pastel homes, and a vibrant food scene centered around Lowcountry cuisine, the city offers a warm, welcoming lifestyle. Charleston’s blend of ocean access, cultural depth, and strong sense of community makes it a standout choice for those seeking beauty and comfort in retirement. -
Santa Fe, New Mexico
With its distinctive adobe architecture and striking high desert landscape, Santa Fe offers a retirement setting that’s both culturally rich and naturally beautiful. The city is known for its vibrant arts scene, world-class galleries, and annual festivals, all rooted in deep Native American and Spanish heritage. Its mild, dry climate appeals to many retirees, while easy access to skiing, hiking, and year-round outdoor activities adds to its unique Southwestern charm. -
Bend, Oregon
Bend is an ideal choice for active retirees, offering over 300 days of sunshine a year and unmatched access to mountains, rivers, and forests. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy everything from hiking and biking to skiing and kayaking, all just minutes from town. This sunny, health-conscious community also boasts a thriving food and craft beer scene, with top-tier breweries and local eateries adding flavor to its laid-back, adventurous lifestyle.
What We Think About AI’s Beautiful Retirement Spot Rankings
While we had previously ranked Asheville much lower on our list of the best places to retire, it was still a surprise to see it at the top of AI’s list. That said, it’s a clear reminder of how much visual appeal can shape our retirement dreams. ChatGPT’s list also highlighted several cities we’ve endorsed in the past, such as Charleston, Santa Fe, and Bend, each offering its own flavor of scenic beauty, cultural richness, and retiree-friendly amenities.
Sedona, which made the #2 spot, had not previously appeared on our list—and probably should have. With its red rock vistas, wellness-centered community, and 300+ days of sunshine each year, Sedona checks a lot of boxes for anyone dreaming of a peaceful, naturally stunning place to retire.
However, there are also plenty of places that deserve a spot on AI’s retirement spot list, from towns in Colorado to Pennsylvania and Florida locales.
What Was Missing From AI’s Beautiful Retirement Spot Rankings?
The biggest omission? Boulder and Fort Collins, Colorado, which we’ve consistently recognized for their natural beauty, access to healthcare, and outdoor-friendly lifestyle. We also expected to see coastal standouts like Naples or Sarasota, Florida, and the serene lifestyle of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, didn’t make the AI cut either.
ChatGPT’s picks for America’s most beautiful retirement destinations weren’t perfect, but they did a solid job highlighting diverse landscapes and retiree-friendly towns. From mountain havens like Asheville and Bend to desert escapes like Sedona and Santa Fe, the AI’s selections show there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to beauty in retirement.
What Makes A Place Beautiful And Retirement-Ready?
A retirement destination should offer more than just postcard-worthy landscapes—but let’s be honest, natural beauty matters. No one wants to spend their golden years in a dull or uninspiring environment. Still, quality of life plays a major role too, including access to excellent healthcare, a safe atmosphere, and a strong sense of community. And let’s not forget affordability. A dream location loses its shine if it’s out of reach on a fixed income.
Recreational opportunities and retiree-friendly amenities are also essential. Many retirees want access to hiking, biking, kayaking, or simply walkable, charming downtowns. And of course, climate counts. From sunny skies to a mild year-round climate, the weather can make or break your retirement experience.
Key Ingredients for a Beautiful Retirement Spot:
- Natural beauty (mountains, coastlines, forests, deserts)
- Affordable cost of living
- Access to healthcare
- Strong sense of community
- Recreational opportunities (hiking, biking, beaches, etc.)
- Pleasant, manageable climate
- Cultural amenities and events
So, while AI’s retirement rankings were pretty decent and well-rounded when it comes to what each place offers older adults, it did deliver some different ideas to towns and cities that we have previously listed on our past retiree-focused destination lists. Perhaps it just goes to show that AI’s thought processes and ideas are just as subjective and diverse as those of humans in terms of “beautiful,” particularly when it comes to something like choosing where to spend your golden years.
