Asheville, North Carolina, August 18, 2025
News Summary
Asheville, North Carolina, has been recognized as the most beautiful place to retire in the U.S. according to recent rankings. This ranking evaluates natural beauty, lifestyle perks, and healthcare access. Following Asheville are Sedona, Charleston, Santa Fe, and Bend, each known for distinctive charms. The change in rankings has stirred discussions about the subjective nature of beauty in retirement choices and highlighted how preferences can vary widely among individuals.
Asheville, North Carolina Rated as the Most Beautiful Place to Retire
Asheville, North Carolina, has been named the most beautiful place to retire in the United States, according to recent rankings compiled by ChatGPT. This ranking is part of a broader look at desirable locations for retirees, taking into account factors such as natural beauty, lifestyle perks, and access to healthcare. This surprising announcement follows a prior ranking where Asheville was placed in the tenth position.
Top Five Beautiful Retirement Destinations
Following Asheville, the top five beautiful retiree destinations identified in the rankings include:
- Asheville, NC
- Climate: Mild with four distinct seasons.
- Scenic Features: Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
- Lifestyle Highlights: Boasts vibrant arts and music scenes, along with a walkable downtown.
- Notable Perks: Home to the renowned Mission Health System.
- Sedona, AZ
- Climate: Warm, dry with over 300 sunny days.
- Scenic Features: Known for breathtaking red rock formations and expansive desert landscapes.
- Lifestyle Highlights: Strong wellness culture with opportunities for hiking and meditation.
- Notable Perks: Ideal for those with respiratory issues or arthritis.
- Charleston, SC
- Climate: Warm coastal environment.
- Scenic Features: Features beautiful beaches like Folly and Isle of Palms; historic architecture.
- Lifestyle Highlights: Offers a walkable historic downtown and a vibrant food scene.
- Notable Perks: A blend of ocean access, rich cultural charm, and a strong sense of community.
- Santa Fe, NM
- Climate: Mild and dry conditions.
- Scenic Features: High desert landscape combined with distinctive adobe architecture.
- Lifestyle Highlights: Hosts renowned arts festivals and numerous outdoor recreation activities.
- Notable Perks: Deeply rooted cultural heritage reflecting Native American and Spanish history.
- Bend, OR
- Climate: Enjoys over 300 sunny days, characterized as sunny and dry.
- Scenic Features: Proximity to majestic mountains, rivers, and forests.
- Lifestyle Highlights: Abundant outdoor activities including hiking, biking, skiing, and kayaking along with a flourishing food and craft beer culture.
- Notable Perks: A health-conscious community leading an active outdoor lifestyle.
Surprising Changes in Rankings
This somewhat unexpected ranking has sparked conversations about the perception of beauty and its influence on retirement decisions. ChatGPT’s focus on beauty has not only altered previous standings but also introduced Sedona, which was previously overlooked, into the spotlight. Cities like Charleston, Santa Fe, and Bend, which have long been recommended for their beauty and culture, retain their appeal to retirees.
Notable Omissions and Broader Context
While these rankings bring attention to new contenders, notable cities such as Boulder and Fort Collins in Colorado, along with popular coastal destinations like Naples and Sarasota in Florida and Lancaster in Pennsylvania, were conspicuously absent. This absence has spurred discussions on how retirement beauty is often subjective and varies according to personal preferences and lifestyle needs.
Key factors continue to define attractive retirement locations, including natural beauty, quality of life, accessibility to healthcare, and affordability. As retirees evaluate their options, understanding the significance of beauty in their environment becomes increasingly important.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the top five beautiful retirement destinations according to the new rankings?
The top five beautiful retirement destinations are Asheville, NC; Sedona, AZ; Charleston, SC; Santa Fe, NM; and Bend, OR.
Why did Asheville rank highly on the list?
Asheville ranked highly due to its mild climate, beautiful mountainous scenery, vibrant arts community, and access to quality healthcare.
What criteria were used to determine the beauty of these places?
The rankings considered several factors including natural beauty, lifestyle perks, outdoor recreation options, and healthcare accessibility.
Key Features Comparison Chart
| City | Climate | Scenic Features | Lifestyle Highlights | Notable Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville, NC | Mild, four seasons | Blue Ridge Mountains | Arts and music scene, walkable downtown | Mission Health System access |
| Sedona, AZ | Warm, dry, 300+ sunny days | Red rock formations | Wellness culture, hiking | Benefits for respiratory issues |
| Charleston, SC | Warm coastal | Beaches, historic architecture | Walkable downtown, food scene | Cultural charm and ocean access |
| Santa Fe, NM | Mild, dry | High desert, adobe architecture | Arts festivals, outdoor activities | Cultural heritage |
| Bend, OR | Sunny, dry, 300+ sunny days | Mountains, rivers, forests | Outdoor activities, food and craft beer | Active community |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The Travel: Most Beautiful Places to Retire in the USA
- Travel + Leisure: Colorado – One of the Best Places to Retire
- Investopedia: 50 Best Cities to Retire in the US
- Bankrate: Best and Worst States for Retirement
- Wikipedia: Retirement
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
