Thinking of spending your golden years in America? With great weather, excellent medical facilities and a diverse choice of places to call home, retiring to the USA is a dream for many British retirees. Hereโs what you need to know about visa options, healthcare and the best retirement locations across the States.
Retirement in the USA is appealing for so many reasons. Youโll find year-round sunshine – if you choose your state wisely – an excellent quality of life, modern infrastructure and the comfort of speaking the same language. For many, itโs about lifestyle as much as leisure โ long, warm days by the pool, time to explore the great outdoors and friendly communities that make settling in easy.
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Visa options for retirees
Buying a property in the USA doesnโt automatically entitle you to live there full-time, but there are several visa options that can allow long or even permanent stays.
If youโre only planning to spend three months per year in the USA, the Visa Waiver Programme is the simplest route. It allows British passport holders to spend up to 90 days in the USA without applying for a visa. Youโll need an e-passport, a return ticket, an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) approved online and an address for your stay. The ESTA costs $40 (around ยฃ30) and lasts two years, allowing multiple visits of up to 90 days each.
For longer stays, the B-2 visitor visa allows you to remain in the USA for up to six months at a time. You canโt work under this visa, but itโs ideal if you plan extended visits or own property there. The application involves completing a form online, paying a $185 (ยฃ141) fee, and attending an interview at the US Embassy in London. Once approved, your visa will typically be valid for ten years, with the option of extensions in some cases.
Those aiming to move permanently have more complex options. The EB-5 investor visa is one of the few routes open to retirees who can afford to invest. It requires investing at least $1.05m (approximately ยฃ800,460) in a US business or $800,000 (ยฃ609,880) in targeted high-unemployment or rural areas. The investment must create ten full-time jobs for US citizens within two years. While it can take up to a year to process, successful applicants may qualify for permanent residency through a Green Card.
Healthcare considerations
Access to healthcare is essential for retirees, so itโs vital to plan your insurance well before you travel. The US doesnโt offer public healthcare for non-residents, so private cover is a must.
Costs vary based on your age, location and health status. According to eHealthInsurance, the average monthly premium for adults aged 55โ64 was around $790 (ยฃ600) in 2018, and premiums have continued to rise since then. Couples can often save by purchasing joint policies.
Be sure to review policies carefully to confirm hospital coverage and emergency services in your chosen state.
Top retirement locations in the USA
The USA is vast, and each region offers its own version of the good life. From Floridaโs tropical beaches to New Englandโs rugged coastline, here are some of the best places to consider.
Florida
For retirees seeking sunshine and space, Florida is hard to beat. The state offers affordable property, beautiful beaches and endless entertainment โ from golf courses to theme parks. Thereโs also no state income tax and retirement income is tax-exempt. The only major cost to watch is homeownersโ insurance, which averages around $4,420 a year for a $300,000 property, according to Insurance.com. Popular spots include Naples for golf and healthcare access, Sarasota for culture and beaches, and Punta Gorda for tranquil waterfront living.
Arizona
Arizonaโs desert landscapes and mild winters make it a haven for those who love the outdoors. The state boasts one of the lowest tax burdens in the country, plus an abundance of retirement communities and healthcare facilities. Prescott attracts active retirees with hiking, cycling and golf, while Golden Valley offers budget-friendly living close to Las Vegas.
California
Retiring in California means access to some of the best weather, food and culture in the world. The stateโs diversity means you can choose between coastal towns, mountain retreats and vineyard regions. Thousand Oaks offers a safe, community-oriented lifestyle, while Roseville combines suburban tranquillity with great healthcare and local amenities.
New England
For those who prefer a more traditional atmosphere and distinct seasons, New England is ideal. Lewiston, Maine, offers affordable living and a strong arts community, while Rhode Islandโs Newport County provides seaside beauty and opportunities for sailing. With easy access New York and Canada, New England is a great choice if you still enjoy travelling.
| Location | Highlights | Median property price (USD)* |
|---|---|---|
| Florida โ Naples, Sarasota, Punta Gorda | Year-round sunshine, beaches, golf, no state income tax | Naples: $549,000; Sarasota: $411,000; Punta Gorda: $305,000 |
| Arizona โ Prescott, Golden Valley | Low tax burden, desert landscapes, active retirement communities | Prescott: $599,000; Golden Valley: $239,000 |
| California โ Thousand Oaks, Roseville | Sunshine, outdoor lifestyle, excellent healthcare, proximity to beaches | Thousand Oaks: $1,034,000; Roseville: $642,000 |
| New England โ Lewiston (Maine), Newport County (Rhode Island) | Charming towns, four seasons, seafood, coastal scenery | Lewiston: $296,000; Newport County: $760,000 |
*Source: United States Housing Market: 2025 Home Prices & Trends | Zillow
Final thoughts
Retiring to the USA can offer an incredible lifestyle โ wide-open spaces, larger homes, warm weather, a welcoming culture and vibrant local communities. While the visa process requires planning and the healthcare system can be complex, the rewards are immense for those who prepare. Whether itโs a beach house in Florida, a desert escape in Arizona or a New England cottage by the sea, America truly offers something for every retiree.
