13 Best Places to Retire for Golf Lovers

If you're a golf enthusiast planning for retirement, these best places to retire offer pristine greens and active communities. From the sunny fairways of Florida retirement havens to the scenic courses of Arizona retirement spots, discover your perfect golfing paradise. Enjoy a relaxed lifestyle filled with tee times and friendly competition in these top retirement destinations. Consider factors like cost of living, healthcare, and of course, the quality of golf courses when choosing your ideal location.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Golf Retirement Location

Before diving into our top picks, it's important to define what makes a location ideal for a golf-centric retirement. Consider the following:

Climate: Year-round sunshine or mild winters are essential for maximizing your golfing opportunities.

Golf Course Availability and Quality: Look for areas with a high concentration of public and private courses, catering to various skill levels. The quality of the courses, maintenance, and course design are also important.

Cost of Living: Retirement income is often fixed, so choosing an affordable location is vital. Consider housing costs, property taxes, and overall expenses.

Healthcare Access: As you age, access to quality healthcare becomes increasingly important. Consider the availability of doctors, hospitals, and specialized care.

Community and Social Activities: A vibrant community with social activities centered around golf can enhance your retirement experience. Look for clubs, leagues, and tournaments.

Proximity to Amenities: Consider the proximity to shopping, dining, entertainment, and other amenities that are important to you.

Top 13 Retirement Destinations for Golfers

Here's our curated list, considering all the factors mentioned above:

Location	Climate	Golf Course Availability & Quality	Cost of Living	Healthcare Access	Key Attractions & Considerations
Scottsdale, Arizona	Hot, dry summers; mild winters.	Numerous championship courses, including TPC Scottsdale (Waste Management Phoenix Open). High-end options abound.	Relatively high, especially in desirable areas.	Excellent, with a wide range of medical facilities.	Upscale living, stunning desert scenery, vibrant arts and culture scene. Can get very hot in the summer.
The Villages, Florida	Warm, humid climate year-round.	Over 50 golf courses, primarily designed for retirees and casual players.	Relatively affordable compared to other Florida destinations.	Good, with several medical centers within the community.	Large, active retirement community centered around golf and recreation. Can feel somewhat homogenous.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina	Mild winters; hot, humid summers.	Over 100 golf courses, offering a wide variety of styles and price points. A true golf mecca.	Affordable, particularly for coastal living.	Good, with several hospitals and medical centers.	Beachfront location, numerous entertainment options, and a strong tourism industry. Can be crowded during peak season.
Pinehurst, North Carolina	Four distinct seasons; mild winters.	Home to Pinehurst Resort, with nine championship courses, including Pinehurst No. 2. Historic golf destination.	Moderate cost of living.	Good, with access to hospitals and medical centers in nearby cities.	Charming small-town atmosphere, rich golfing history, and beautiful scenery.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina	Mild winters; hot, humid summers.	Numerous world-class golf courses, including Harbour Town Golf Links (RBC Heritage).	Relatively high, especially for beachfront properties.	Good, with several hospitals and medical centers.	Beautiful beaches, upscale resorts, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Sun City, Arizona	Hot, dry summers; mild winters.	Several golf courses specifically designed for retirees.	Affordable retirement community.	Excellent, with a focus on senior healthcare.	Established retirement community with a wide range of activities and amenities.
San Antonio, Texas	Hot summers; mild winters.	Numerous public and private golf courses, offering a variety of styles.	Relatively affordable compared to other major Texas cities.	Excellent, with a wide range of medical facilities.	Rich history and culture, vibrant culinary scene, and a growing economy.
Palm Springs, California	Hot, dry summers; mild winters.	Over 100 golf courses, offering a variety of styles and price points. A golfing paradise.	Relatively high, especially for desirable areas.	Good, with several hospitals and medical centers.	Upscale living, stunning desert scenery, and a vibrant arts and culture scene.
Bend, Oregon	Four distinct seasons; mild winters with occasional snow.	Numerous golf courses offering stunning mountain views.	Moderate to high cost of living.	Good, with access to hospitals and medical centers.	Outdoor recreation paradise, with access to hiking, skiing, and other activities.
Fairhope, Alabama	Mild winters; hot, humid summers.	Several golf courses in the surrounding area.	Relatively affordable.	Good, with access to hospitals and medical centers.	Charming small-town atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and a relaxed pace of life.
Knoxville, Tennessee	Four distinct seasons; mild winters.	Several golf courses in the surrounding area, offering stunning mountain views.	Relatively affordable.	Good, with access to major medical centers.	Beautiful scenery, access to the Great Smoky Mountains, and a vibrant arts and culture scene.
Las Vegas, Nevada	Hot, dry summers; mild winters.	Numerous golf courses, including some designed by famous architects.	Moderate cost of living (outside the Strip).	Excellent, with a wide range of medical facilities.	Entertainment capital of the world, with a wide range of activities and amenities.
Bluffton, South Carolina	Mild winters; hot, humid summers.	Located near Hilton Head Island, offering access to numerous world-class golf courses.	Relatively high, but slightly more affordable than Hilton Head.	Good, with access to hospitals and medical centers.	Growing community with a mix of residential and commercial development. Close proximity to Hilton Head's amenities.

Making the Right Choice

Choosing the best place to retire for golf lovers is a personal decision. Consider your priorities, budget, and lifestyle preferences. Visit potential locations, play a few rounds of golf, and talk to residents to get a feel for the community. Ultimately, the best retirement destination is the one that allows you to pursue your passion for golf and enjoy a fulfilling and active retirement.

Remember to thoroughly research any location you are considering, including property taxes, homeowners association fees, and insurance costs. Consulting with a financial advisor can also help you determine the affordability of different locations and ensure a comfortable retirement.