Study: Georgia Fares Better Than California in Retirement Rankings

A new WalletHub study on the best and worst U.S. cities for retirees is drawing attention nationwide, and while no Georgia cities topped the worst-of list, the rankings offer a useful comparison point for Atlanta-area retirees weighing their options. California dominated the bottom of the 2026 list, with six of its cities — including Fresno, Stockton, San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Bakersfield and Fontana — landing among the 10 worst places to retire out of 182 cities studied. Fresno came in at No. 179, hurt by poor marks for healthcare access and available activities for seniors. WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo noted that the strongest retirement destinations tend to keep taxes and living costs low while still offering opportunities for retirees to earn extra income and stay active. By contrast, Florida cities swept the top of the rankings, with Orlando claiming the No. 1 spot, followed by Miami and Tampa. Florida's absence of state income, estate and inheritance taxes, paired with strong healthcare access and abundant recreational offerings, helped its cities stand out. The rankings weighed affordability, healthcare quality, activities and overall quality of life in each city.