Nevada · Desert suburb
Henderson
Suburban Las Vegas-area option with parks and access to city amenities.
The tradeoff: Summer heat and address-specific school options.
Healthcare
Check routine care, specialists and your insurance network separately. A hospital nearby does not guarantee appointment availability.
Housing
Compare condo dues, special assessments, maintenance, insurance and maintenance alongside the monthly payment.
Travel back
Budget for the California visits you expect to make, not just one-way moving costs.
Places to explore
Editorial starting points, not an individualized retirement ranking.
Arizona · Desert suburb
Scottsdale
Desert trails, dining and established neighborhoods in the Phoenix metro.
The tradeoff: Housing costs can be considerably higher than nearby suburbs.
Florida · Gulf coast
Naples
Gulf Coast living with a slower pace and coastal amenities.
The tradeoff: Coastal insurance and housing can be expensive.
North Carolina · Piedmont metro
Charlotte
Banking and finance hub with a mid-sized-city feel.
The tradeoff: A different cultural scene from LA and housing costs that vary by neighborhood.
Idaho · Mountain city
Boise
Outdoors, small-city calm, and strong schools in the suburbs.
The tradeoff: Thin job market for specialized careers and a much smaller city.
Florida · Gulf metro
Tampa
Beach-adjacent living with a relaxed pace.
The tradeoff: Hurricane exposure and potentially significant homeowners insurance costs.
Nevada · Desert metro
Las Vegas
A relatively short drive from LA, with desert-city living.
The tradeoff: Summer heat, water costs, and school options that need address-level research.
North Carolina · Research Triangle
Raleigh
Research Triangle opportunities and established surrounding communities.
The tradeoff: A growing metro brings rising housing costs and traffic.
Tennessee · Southern metro
Nashville
Music-city energy, and healthcare jobs.
The tradeoff: Housing costs have changed substantially; compare current local listings.
Optional research
Living Well as You Age
Compare everyday housing, transportation, health and connection using AARP’s 2025 Livability Index alongside your own priorities.
Explore →
Living Well as You Age
Compare everyday housing, transportation, health and connection using AARP’s 2025 Livability Index alongside your own priorities.
Housing
Cost burden, accessible entrances and housing options
Neighborhood
Access to everyday destinations, parks, libraries and jobs
Transportation
Ways to get around, costs, safety and congestion
Environment
Air, water and roadway or industrial pollution
Health
Provider shortages, outcomes and access to exercise
Engagement
Broadband, social participation and cultural institutions
Opportunity
Jobs, education, income equality and age diversity
| Community | Overall | housing | neighborhood | transportation | environment | health | engagement | opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CaliforniaCity | 52 | 48 | 68 | 53 | 27 | 61 | 56 | 50 |
| Mount Juliet, TennesseeCity | 51 | 35 | 47 | 41 | 48 | 47 | 60 | 78 |
| Franklin, TennesseeCity | 55 | 34 | 55 | 49 | 44 | 63 | 75 | 67 |
| Sarasota, FloridaCity | 60 | 63 | 59 | 61 | 64 | 55 | 87 | 31 |
| Venice, FloridaCity | 59 | 64 | 47 | 51 | 73 | 74 | 76 | 29 |
| Chapel Hill, North CarolinaTown | 66 | 54 | 57 | 74 | 61 | 75 | 78 | 60 |
| Cary, North CarolinaTown | 58 | 40 | 60 | 56 | 51 | 73 | 63 | 62 |
| Scottsdale, ArizonaCity | 52 | 54 | 54 | 46 | 12 | 72 | 72 | 56 |
| Incline Village, NevadaCensus-designated place | 51 | 36 | 43 | 46 | 51 | 60 | 70 | 52 |
| Gardnerville, NevadaCensus-designated place | 54 | 52 | 51 | 63 | 43 | 58 | 65 | 47 |
Scores are AARP’s 2025 city or town measures, not grades, satisfaction percentages, recommendations or address-level results. Health does not confirm specialist or insurance access; Housing is not a current home price; Environment is not a heat or hazard score. LeavingLA is independent and is not endorsed by or partnered with AARP.
Costs, district boundaries and hospital access vary by address and individual circumstances. Verify with official sources before committing to a move. LeavingLA is general information only and does not give tax advice; always consult your CPA.
Compare care providers · Plan your budget