This city was named the safest and richest retirement place in the US and is known as the “home of American golf.”

Florida may be the most popular retirement destination in the country, but when it comes to security and wealth for retirees, the Sunshine State is falling behind. In fact, no Sunshine State cities appeared in GoBankingRates.com’s most recent survey of The 50 Safest and Richest Retirement Cities in the United States. Instead, it is Pinehurst, a small town in North Carolina, known as the “home of American golf” and home to major championships, including the US Open, that topped the rankings.

While Pinehurst came in second in 2024, it made it to No. 1 this year, thanks to some concrete numbers. According to GoBankingRates.com findings, as of October 2025, nearly 40 percent of the population is 65 years old or older; The average retirement income before Social Security is $51,767; 78.5 percent of households pay less than a third of their income for monthly expenses; and the rates of property crimes and violent crimes are 2.78 and 0.59 (per 1,000).

Pinehurst is located in Moore County, about 100 miles east of Charlotte. This is a place to play Donald Ross’ Pinehurst No. 2 course, relax in Pinehurst Resortor strolling through the historic Village at Pinehurst are par for the course (pun completely intended). However, this type of lifestyle is not cheap. Zillow The median home value in Pinehurst was recently estimated to be $531,820, and is steadily increasing.

Pinehurst is followed by Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, at No. 2, where nearly 60 percent of the population is of retirement age and the median retirement income before Social Security is $38,156. Oro Valley, Arizona, recently named the most livable place to retire in the West, came in third. Rancho Palos Verdes, California, an upscale residential community about 30 miles south of Los Angeles and home to the sprawling Terranea Resort, took fourth place, while Beavercreek, Ohio, came in fifth.

While no Florida destinations made the top 50, 10 California cities were included, including Lincoln (No. 20), Laguna Woods (No. 23) and Fountain Valley (No. 27). Arizona also performed well, with eight cities in the top 50, while Ohio had seven.

To calculate this year’s ranking of the safest and wealthiest retirement cities, GOBankingRates.com used U.S. Census data to identify places where the percentage of the population 65 and older was at least 20 percent.

See the full standings and final numbers at GOBankingRates.com.