2017’s Best U.S. Destinations for Retirees

RewardExpert

7 years ago

Best-Destinations-for-Retirees

No one deserves a vacation more than retirees. They’ve worked a long time for it, and many choose to spend their retirement exploring new destinations. In fact, in a survey conducted by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), they found that 39% of the retirees surveyed said they expect to take 4 or more domestic trips in the upcoming year.

Over 97% respondents expect to go on at least one domestic trip this year. That’s a lot of travelers!

Retirees travel for many reasons: to vacation with just their spouse or the whole family, to escape cold winter weather or just for a weekend getaway, for the holidays or to cross-off a few of those items on their bucket list. Most importantly, the majority of people surveyed are looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation. According to the AARP study, baby boomers are looking for destinations with a warm and mild climate that offer a breadth of entertainment options. Ultimately, they want to spend quality time with those they love.

Yet, interestingly enough over half of those surveyed are just starting the planning process of their upcoming trips. While they seem to know what they generally want out of their vacations, they’re still deciding where they will go. That’s why RewardExpert is investigating the best U.S travel destinations for retirees, encompassing those in the baby boomer and silent generations.

We compared 100 of the largest cities and towns in the country and evaluated them on 12 key metrics across four categories: City Profile, Affordability,  Recreation, and Safety. Using this data we determined a full ranking of the best travel destinations for retirees.

Top 10 Destinations for Retirees

97.0 · Irvine, CA

Irvine, California is first on our list due to it’s wonderful weather and relaxing atmosphere. Irvine has a ton of nature parks given its size. It ranks fourth of all the cities we analyzed in regard to nature parks per capita. Seniors should check out the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary! It’s a park with 300 acres of wetlands that you can stroll through and observe the animals. Furthermore, the park has over 10 miles of wheelchair accessible trails for those with limited mobility.

91.8 · Orlando, FL

No surprises here! Orlando, Florida is second on our list. Orlando is beautiful, warm, and friendly to those with limited mobility. Orlando ranks 3rd for most days on average of pleasant weather. Furthermore, there are tons of nature parks, recreation centers, guided tours, and cultural activities. Orlando has 39 performing theaters per 10,000 residents, which ranks fourth of all the analyzed cities. Lastly, Orlando has a terrific culinary scene; retirees would enjoy its many dining options.

91.3 · North Las Vegas, NV

Who wants to gamble? North Las Vegas is third on our list due to its proximity to many casinos, while being a more affordable option than Las Vegas when it comes to dining and accommodations. Of all the cities we analyzed, North Las Vegas ranks second for casinos per capita, only behind, you guessed it, Las Vegas. AARP reports that 34.0% of those surveyed said they were looking to cross off items on their bucket list. If you happen to have “gamble on the strip” on yours, North Las Vegas is a wonderful, affordable travel destination – depending on how well you fare at the blackjack table!

90.4 · Tampa, FL

Tampa is a great destination for retirees! You can relax on one of Tampa’s many beaches and take a sunset stroll through one of the city’s beautiful nature parks. Foodies will love Tampa as it ranks sixth in regard to restaurants per capita. According to our data, there are 136 restaurants per ten thousand residents in Tampa. That means there’s plenty of opportunity to dine while in Tampa. Lastly, the city has, relatively, a very low population density, all of which make Tampa a very relaxing destination.

87.7 · Chula Vista, CA

Chula Vista, which translates to “beautiful view,” has gorgeous weather, endless ways to relax, and plenty of fun activities. Chula Vista is a mid-sized city situated outside of San Diego, making it an easy half hour commute to the city center for those interested in exploring San Diego’s cultural scene. Retirees looking to practice their swing will be right at home as Chula Vista has 21.8 golf courses per 100,000 residents. Some of the city’s notable attractions are the Chula Vista Nature Center, the Chula Vista Marina, and the U.S. Olympic Training Center.

87.8 · Chandler, AZ

Chandler, Arizona is sixth on our list of retiree-friendly cities. Chandler is a vibrant city right outside Phoenix. Visitors to Chandler will feel safe as it ranks third of all the cities we analyzed in regard to safety. Retirees will can check out Ostrich Festival, a festival that celebrates Chandler’s roots as a hub for Ostrich farms, and it’s large performing arts center, The Chandler Arts Center.

87.4 · Irving, TX

Lucky number seven! Irving, Texas is both seventh on our overall ranking, and seventh when it comes to casinos per capita. Irving is close to Dallas, which gives visitors the opportunity to visit the area without the stress of staying in a busy city. Irving also ranks in the top ten cities with the most pleasant days of weather per year. Visitors can check out Irving’s amazing bronze statue, Mustangs of Las Colinas or the National Scouting Museum.

86.2 · Sacramento, CA

Sacramento has all of the wonders of the Bay Area without the cost or the stress. Accommodations are significantly more affordable than those in the surrounding cities. It’s also close to a few of the country’s best national parks, like Yosemite National Park. Take a stroll through “Old Sacramento” and explore quaint cobblestone streets and buildings from the late 19th century. Sacramento is also home to the oldest public art museum west of the Mississippi, The Crocker Art Museum. All of this, including its pleasant climate, make Sacramento a wonderful destination for retirees.

83.6 · Winston-Salem, NC

For those travelers who love the arts, visit Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem is often referred as the “City of the Arts” because it created the first art council in the United States in 1949. Visitors will find the city’s art scene centered around Sixth and Trade Streets, where many galleries and workshops are situated. Travelers should visit for one of the three renowned annual film festivals that take place in the city, like RiverRun International Film Festival. Lastly, Winston-Salem ranked 11th of all cities in regard to population density, which means it’s less stressful than cities that are more congested.

83.6 · Pittsburgh, PA

The tenth city in our rank is the ‘Burgh! Pittsburgh earned its spot on our list due to its relaxing atmosphere and many recreational activities making it a great choice for retirees. Golf enthusiasts will be happy to know that Pittsburgh ranks fourth of all the cities in regard to golf courses. The city has 4 golf courses per ten thousand residents. Visitors can take a stroll through the gardens at the Phipps Conservatory or explore the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

Best Cities for…

…Pleasant Weather

TOP 5
1 Los AngelesCA
2 San DiegoCA
3 Chula VistaFL
4 OxnardCA
5 San FranciscoCA

BOTTOM 5
98 BoiseID
97 SpokaneWA
96 Colorado SpringsCO
95 RenoNV
94 LubbockTX

…Nature Parks

TOP 5
1 Chula VistaCA
2 HialeahFL
3 OrlandoFL
4 IrvineCA
5 San BernardinoCA

BOTTOM 5
98 LubbockTX
97 LaredoTX
96 LexingtonKY
95 HonoluluHI
94 San JoseCA

…Golfing

TOP 5
1 MiamiFL
2 PittsburghPA
3 OrlandoFL
4 MinneapolisMN
5 AtlantaGA

BOTTOM 5
98 MilwaukeeWI
97 LaredoTX
96 Baton RougeLA
95 FayettevilleNC
94 Jersey CityNJ

…Gambling

TOP 5
1 Las VegasNV
2 North Las VegasNV
3 NashvilleTV
4 RenoNV
5 New OrleansLA

BOTTOM 5
98 RochesterNY
97 NewarkNJ
96 HonoluluHI
95 MilwaukeeWI
94 New YorkNY

…Dining

TOP 5
1 MiamiFL
2 AtlantaGA
3 DenverCO
4 WashingtonD.C.
5 St. LouisMO

BOTTOM 5
98 Moreno ValleyCA
97 FontanaCA
96 OxnardCA
95 MilwaukeeWI
94 North Las VegasNV

Overall Ranking

#	CITY & STATE	SCORE	AFFORDABILITY	CITY TRANSPORTATION	SAFETY	RECREATION	WEATHER
1	Irvine, CA	97.0	58	15	7	7	8
2	Orlando, FL	91.8	61	5	62	5	11
3	North Las Vegas, NV	91.3	7	30	15	17	43
4	Tampa, FL	90.4	36	32	41	11	15
5	Chula Vista, CA	90.3	27	91	31	13	3
6	Chandler, AZ	87.8	30	39	3	19	55
7	Irving, TX	87.4	21	82	5	12	47
8	Sacramento, CA	86.2	22	78	43	21	21
9	Winston–Salem, NC	85.3	31	8	17	57	22
10	Pittsburgh, PA	83.6	75	68	28	2	37
11	Plano, TX	82.7	6	19	10	78	45
12	Tacoma, WI	82.3	20	46	76	30	18
13	Minneapolis, MN	82.3	24	64	44	4	71
14	Des Moines, IA	82.1	56	9	19	37	48
15	Seattle, WA	81.6	90	63	29	20	14
16	Miami, FL	81.1	94	73	58	1	26
17	Virginia Beach, VA	80.9	48	26	33	41	23
18	Fremont, CA	80.7	73	56	26	33	6
19	San Francisco, CA	80.1	97	74	50	15	5
20	Hialeah, FL	79.8	91	94	9	10	27
21	Buffalo, NY	78.9	57	97	38	18	19
22	Atlanta, GA	78.8	54	31	84	3	44
23	Chesapeake, VA	78.2	12	7	56	81	24
24	Norfolk, VA	78.2	14	51	63	46	32
25	San Diego, CA	78.1	72	54	23	59	2
26	Raleigh, NC	77.2	16	59	13	45	61
27	Dallas, TX	76.6	66	48	36	34	35
28	Scottsdale, AZ	75.7	81	4	6	50	58
29	El Paso, TX	75.5	33	34	16	24	90
30	Jacksonville, FL	75.3	4	25	74	82	12
31	Cleveland, OH	75.0	63	61	75	14	36
32	Madison, WI	74.7	59	44	11	56	42
33	Richmond, VA	74.7	79	22	32	23	64
34	Durham, NC	74.3	40	1	60	55	63
35	Baton Rouge, LA	74.2	52	11	87	61	13
36	Fort Wayne, IN	74.1	32	3	39	77	62
37	Honolulu, HI	73.6	96	65	20	62	7
38	Reno, NV	73.3	25	18	24	39	95
39	Denver, CO	73.2	67	47	22	8	93
40	New Orleans, LA	72.9	88	10	90	29	17
41	Washington, DC	72.8	80	66	83	9	34
42	Gilbert, AZ	72.3	37	62	1	70	56
43	Oklahoma City, OK	72.2	10	16	25	72	73
44	Birmingham, AL	71.8	19	6	78	38	78
45	St. Petersburg, FL	71.7	87	93	45	27	16
46	Charlotte, NC	71.4	42	52	34	49	51
47	Los Angeles, CA	71.4	84	81	61	48	1
48	Oxnard, CA	71.3	71	87	81	44	4
49	San Bernardino, CA	70.0	70	35	97	22	39
50	Detroit, MI	70.0	43	70	95	36	33
51	Modesto, CA	69.9	13	88	71	83	20
52	Garland, TX	69.6	15	90	8	95	46
53	Boise, ID	69.5	51	38	2	40	98
54	Austin, TX	69.4	77	33	18	60	50
55	Boston, MA	69.1	95	71	21	28	66
56	Corpus Christi, TX	68.6	46	14	88	85	10
57	Laredo, TX	68.5	1	53	4	96	72
58	Phoenix, AZ	68.5	28	36	66	66	49
59	Kansas City, MO	68.5	34	17	77	35	74
60	Saint Paul, MN	68.4	39	86	68	54	41
61	Toledo, OH	67.6	17	58	86	67	38
62	New York, NY	67.2	98	75	47	47	28
63	Houston, TX	66.7	47	41	80	73	29
64	Omaha, NE	66.6	23	50	53	51	81
65	St. Louis, MO	66.3	62	55	91	6	84
66	Las Vegas, NV	66.2	45	84	64	42	60
67	Greensboro, NC	66.0	18	45	27	80	77
68	Baltimore, MD	65.7	60	69	92	53	30
69	Lubbock, TX	65.7	9	2	55	89	94
70	Memphis, TN	65.4	38	27	98	25	76
71	Nashville, TV	64.8	85	24	42	26	83
72	Tulsa, OK	64.7	26	21	48	68	87
73	Lincoln, NE	64.4	8	76	12	84	89
74	Columbus, OH	64.3	44	57	40	65	70
75	Philadelphia, PA	64.1	76	67	72	31	65
76	Cincinnati, OH	63.3	82	77	46	16	92
77	San Jose, CA	63.3	89	79	51	91	9
78	Tucson, AZ	63.1	5	20	54	93	86
79	Rochester, NY	63.1	53	96	57	32	75
80	Chicago, IL	62.9	83	80	85	43	40
81	Milwaukee, WI	62.5	11	72	82	98	25
82	Louisville, KY	62.5	3	23	67	86	82
83	Lexington, KY	61.2	50	12	49	75	85
84	Albuquerque, NM	60.9	2	37	89	64	91
85	Portland, OR	60.9	74	49	37	92	54
86	Anchorage, AK	60.4	86	13	70	63	52
87	Moreno Valley, CA	59.4	78	89	14	76	67
88	San Antonio, TX	59.0	49	43	52	87	69
89	Glendale, AZ	56.0	68	60	96	58	57
90	Fontana, CA	56.0	93	92	35	69	59
91	Indianapolis, IN	55.7	55	42	69	71	79
92	Wichita, KS	54.8	35	40	65	88	88
93	Jersey City, NJ	54.6	92	95	79	79	31
94	Colorado Springs, CO	54.0	69	28	30	90	96
95	Spokane, WI	53.7	64	85	59	52	97
96	Fayetteville, NC	52.2	41	29	93	94	68
97	Fresno, CA	51.2	29	83	73	97	80
98	Newark, NJ	48.7	65	98	94	74	53

Expert Insights

RewardExpert spoke to Rhiannon Jacobsen from the U.S. Green Building Council for her expert insights on trends and practices in ecotourism and green travel.

Rhiannon Jacobsen

Vice President

Strategic Relationships

U.S. Green Building Council

What trends have you noticed in green travel? Have you seen an increase in the number of hotels trying to obtain a certification from USGBC?

Hotels are occupied 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and consume natural resources at an extraordinarily high rate. A Dodge Research and Analytics SmartMarket report shows that the hospitality industry’s annual environmental footprint includes $4 billion in energy use, 1.2 trillion gallons of water and millions of tons of waste.

Over the last few years, sustainable practices have started to gain momentum in the hospitality industry. Green hotels are catching on: hotels across the world are incorporating LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and other green building practices into their spaces, changing the way hotels are designed, built and operated. Similar to the way LEED has undeniably changed the built environment, the hospitality industry is poised to transform the market yet again by creating healthy, smart, efficient, responsive, resilient, and above all else, sustainable buildings.

Currently, there are nearly 600 LEED-certified hotels globally, comprising 163 million square feet. And the number of LEED hotels is expected to increase significantly over the coming years: there are currently more than 2,000 registered hotels totaling 851 million square feet in the pipeline, more than three times the total number of LEED certified hotels.

USGBC partnered with TripAdvisor to create the Greenleaders Program. What must a hotel do to obtain Greenleaders status and what is the difference between the bronze, silver, gold, and platinum levels?

Any verified hotel or B&B in nearly 70 countries around the world is eligible for the TripAdvisor GreenLeaders program. There are two levels of participation: the GreenLeader for those businesses that have achieved the required score for the program, and GreenPartner for those businesses who have implemented sustainable practices, but have not yet received the minimum score necessary.

Only businesses in designated countries are eligible to achieve the GreenLeader recognition, and they also must already have a basic set a green practices in place that pertain to energy efficient lighting, utility tracking, recycling and so on. A list of eligible countries and the basic requirements can be found on the TripAdvisor GreenLeaders website at https://green.tripadvisor.com/survey/eligibility.

If a business meets those initial requirements, it must take the online Green Practices survey, which assesses the property based on practices that lead to better environmental outcomes in the hospitality industry. The survey consists of seven sections: a “required practices” section which all properties must meet in order to qualify for the program, and six sections related to energy, water, waste, purchasing, site, and innovation and education.

Just like with LEED rating system, the business’s score will determine the rating it can receive: Bronze (30-39 percent); Silver (40-49 percent); Gold (50-59) percent; and Platinum (60 percent or higher).

3. Are more consumers looking for green travel accommodations? Do hotels benefit by obtaining the Greenleaders certification?

According to a recent TripAdvisor survey, nearly two-thirds of travelers reported plans to make more environmentally minded choices over the next year. And while on vacation, 88 percent of travelers reported turning off lights when not in their hotel room, 78 percent participated in hotel’s linen and towel re-use program, and 58 percent used recycling in the hotel. Guests appreciate it, too. An average GreenLeader hotel has a 20 percent higher TripAdvisor rating.

As this trend continues, consistent metrics and standards to support the quality of product the hospitality industry delivers will become even more important for a variety of stakeholders, including owners, investors and operators. Integrating green building strategies into the design, construction and daily operations of hotels makes business sense and can be an important part of a company’s commitment to sustainability.

Given this demand for greener travel by consumers, achieving GreenLeader certification allows a hotel to promote itself as a green accommodation and attract clientele looking for that specific experience on their next stay, which includes 390 million people that visit TripAdvisor to search for hotels. Brand value goes a long way on TripAdvisor’s online rating system, which allows visitors to comment on the sustainable aspects of a hotel, and ensures the integrity of the program by offering a third-party check of sustainable practices. Plus, it’s completely free to participate! All it takes is 30-60 minutes to fill out the survey.

Methodology

To help travelers discover the best U.S. destinations for retirees to visit in 2017, RewardExpert compared the top 100 U.S. cities by population across five key dimensions: City Profile, Safety, Affordability, Entertainment & Recreation, and Weather.

We first identified 12 relevant metrics that are listed below in their respective dimensions and with their corresponding weights. Each metric was given a value between 0 and 100, wherein 100 represents the most favorable conditions for travel and 0 the least.

Finally, we calculated the overall score for each city using the weighted average across all metrics and ranked the cities accordingly.

Indicators

City Transportation — 20 Points

Walkability: Full Weight (5.0%)
Public Transit Score: Full Weight (5.0%)
Population Density: Full Weight (10.0%)

Affordability — 15 Points

Average 3 Star Hotel Prices: Full Weight (20.0%)

Safety — 15 Points

Violent Crime Index: Full Weight (15.0%)

Recreation & Entertainment — 30 Points

Number of Restaurants per capita: Full Weight (5.0%)
Number of Nature Parks per capita: Full Weight (5.0%)
Number of museums per capita: Full Weight (5.0%)
Number of Theaters per capita: Full Weight (5.0%)
Number of Golf Courses per capita: Full Weight (5.0%)
Number of Casinos per capita: Full Weight (5.0%)

Weather — 20 Points

Number of Pleasant Days Per Year: Full Weight (20%)

Sources: Data used to create these rankings were collected from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, FBI, Yelp, Hotels.com, Numbeo, Walk Score,  and Kelly Norton.