The Top 10 US Cities for Empty Nesters
Find your ideal place to fly the coop
At long last, your little birdies have left the nest. You spent so many years fluffing their feathers for the real world, and now that they’re off, your new lifestyle is all about doing things just for you. It’s thrilling, but it can also feel overwhelming—and you might be antsy to fly the coop yourself.
While it’s tempting to throw a dart at a U.S. map and go wherever it lands, you’re probably curious about which places are best for a new empty nester. With that in mind, we analyzed various adult-friendly cities to help point your bird’s eye in the right direction. According to our research, here are the best spots for empty nesters to live out this new and exciting phase.
Top 10 Best Cities for Empty Nesters
Most empty nesters seek out locations with plenty of things to do, warmer weather, and lower costs of living for their retirement years. Those looking to travel might also prioritize easy access to an airport. All that considered, here are our top 10 cities for empty nesters.
1. Hialeah, FL
Overall City Score: 77.48
Hialeah is one of the most prominent cities in the Miami metropolitan area and the sixth-largest municipality in Florida. The city is home to the nation’s highest percentage of Cuban and Cuban-American residents and has a booming arts district that’s full of beloved cultural institutions like the Garden of the Arts and the Goodlet Theater and Performing Arts Center.
Hialeah has plenty of parks and pools, a large number of big retail chains, and small, independent shops, so you’ll have plenty of things to do within city limits. On days when you’re in the mood for gorgeous beaches and extra hustle-and-bustle, Miami is just a hop, skip, and a 25-minute drive away.
2. Tucson, AZ
Overall City Score: 74.83
At the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Tucson offers all the charm of the old west with a modern twist. It’s one of the largest cities in Arizona (second only to Phoenix) and the ideal destination for anyone with a taste for Southwestern culture.
Tucson has a little something for everyone with a wide range of attractions, golf courses, stunning natural cactus forests, waterfalls, and hiking destinations. Whether you’re in the mood to explore nature, relax, or enjoy casinos and nightlife, Tucson is alive with adult-friendly things to do.
3. Scottsdale, AZ
Overall City Score: 72.49
Scottsdale is part of the Phoenix metropolitan area and is, as the slogan goes, “The West’s Most Western Town.” The city leans heavily into its roots and hosts a number of western-themed events and activities, including the famous annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show. It also has a variety of museums and art galleries, many of which focus on Western U.S. and Native American art.
With 84.9% of the population above the age of 18, you’ll be surrounded by an adult-dominated scene in Scottsdale. The city has a variety of golf courses, resorts, and casinos to play in, so you’ll never have a shortage of ways to pass your time.
4. Las Vegas, NV
Overall City Score: 72.23
If it’s nightlife you’re looking for, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better spot than Vegas. The city is renowned for its resorts, fine dining, shopping, entertainment, and nightlife. Plus, if you’re feeling lucky, you’ll never run out of casinos to choose from.
Have a meal in one of Vegas’s legendary restaurants, catch a performance, or simply stroll the strip and marvel at the lights and famous architecture. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, so you might never want to leave this adult playground.
5. Mesa, AZ
Overall City Score: 71.05
Mesa is Arizona’s third-largest city, following Phoenix and Tucson, but it’s a bit more low-key. Its residents enjoy quiet neighborhoods, tons of parks, and plenty of locally owned businesses for a unique shopping experience. The city is also home to a number of golfing spots and bike trails, so staying active is a breeze.
For nature enthusiasts, Mesa offers mountains, kayaking, and horseback rides that allow you to marvel at the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. If you ever tire of the terrain, simply hop on a hot air balloon and enjoy the views from above.
6. Henderson, NV
Overall City Score: 70.78
Located about 16 miles from Las Vegas, Henderson offers quick access to the city’s exciting nightlife while providing a quieter place to hang your hat. When you want to stay within city limits, there are theaters, shopping malls, concert venues, and casinos to keep you entertained.
As for its outdoor living, a defining feature is the scenic Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve—the only one of its kind in Nevada. It’s also a very bicycle-friendly community, making it the perfect spot for those looking to trade their four wheels in for two.
7. Glendale, AZ
Overall City Score: 69.56
Glendale is just 9 miles out from bustling Phoenix but offers residents a quieter spot with a low cost of living and no shortage of things to do. The city’s rich historical background shines in some of its famous destinations, such as the historic Manistee and Sahuaro Ranches.
Downtown Glendale features a variety of bars and restaurants, while baseball fans will enjoy the opportunity to catch Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox spring training at the Camelback Ranch. The city is also a paradise for sports lovers in general, with hockey and football games happening between its two major sports venues, Gila River Arena and State Farm Stadium, respectively.
8. Richmond, VA
Overall City Score: 69.41
For those looking for a cooler spot, Richmond’s average annual temperature of 57.7 degrees Fahrenheit beats the heat of the desert destinations on this list. The city contains a relatively high number of museums and parks alike, so you’ll have plenty of ways to stay entertained while remaining close to home.
Virginia’s capital city is heavily art-driven and beaming with murals, galleries, and performing arts to enjoy. Outdoorsy types can bike the Virginia Capital Trail, whitewater raft, or just hang out and enjoy the scenic James River.
9. Baton Rouge, LA
Overall City Score: 69.06
Baton Rouge is Louisiana’s capital and its second-largest city after New Orleans. Located just an hour away from NOLA, it offers quick access to booming nightlife and incredible creole cuisine.
Baton Rouge is rich in art and culture, offering a variety of opera, ballet, orchestra, and theater performances. Visitors and residents alike marvel at the architecture, ranging from historic to modern style. To satisfy your need for nightlife, there is also a vibrant live music scene and plenty of spots to grab a drink or a bite.
10. Honolulu, HI
Overall City Score: 67.87
It’s hard to argue with spending your empty-nest years in literal paradise. From spectacular scenery to beautiful beaches, Honolulu is truly one of the most picturesque places on Earth.
Located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii’s capital boasts a lively nightlife scene, plus tons of museums and parks to enjoy during the day. Best of all, you’re just a short plane ride away from the other islands, so you’ll never run out of places to explore.
What Is an Empty Nester?
The term “empty nester” refers to a parent whose children have grown up and left home, drawing a parallel to our feathered friends after young fledglings have flown off. This period of time often accompanies retirement from work, a release of financial obligations, and a newly open schedule that might feel tricky or overwhelming to fill. It’s a completely new lifestyle to adapt to, and while it can be exciting, the transition isn’t always easy.
Tips to Combat ‘Empty Nest Syndrome’
As children become independent and leave home, parents left in an “empty nest” might feel a little lonely or out of sorts. Feeling sad or uncertain of what to do is completely normal during this phase, but luckily, there are some easy strategies you can try to help you feel your best and take advantage of all your newfound free time.
Develop a new hobby: Always wanted to try your hand at tennis or crocheting? Now is a perfect time! Trying out a new hobby can help fill your days, allow you to meet others with similar interests, and give you a goal to work towards.
Connect with other empty nesters: You’re definitely not alone here, so speaking with other people going through the same thing can be very helpful. You may meet a new friend or get a different perspective on your situation.
Get a change of scenery: Going on a trip or, yes, moving, can help shift your mindset and allow you to experience new things.
Final Thoughts
While they can initially feel uncertain, your empty-nester years offer an exciting opportunity to pursue new interests and check things off your bucket list. Warmer weather, a fresh perspective, and a new place with plenty of things to do might be just what you need to embrace this exciting new phase.
Ready to take flight? A long-distance moving service near you can make the transition to your new nest a breeze.
Methodology & Sources
To compile our data, we looked at the number of businesses, museums, and parks in each city to determine which spots had the best recreation for empty nesters. We also factored in average temperatures—the warmer, the better—for those tired of scraping snow before heading to the next adventure. Along with that, we looked at tax-friendliness and costs of living to ease the burden on retirement nest eggs.
Here are the factors we used to weigh our data:
Number of Establishments Per Capita: 1.0
Number of Museums Per Capita: 1.0
Number of Parks Per Capita: 1.0
Proximity to Airport: 2.0
Average Annual Temperature: 3.0
Population > 18: 4.0
Housing Costs/Utilities: 4.0
Tax Friendliness: 4.0