These cities are labeled the best for retirees. How are their housing markets performing?

U.S. News & World Report on Tuesday released its rankings of the 2027 Best Places to Retire, determining that small markets in Michigan, Florida and West Virginia rated best across six metrics. The publication’s annual rankings evaluated more than 850 U.S. cities and ranked the top 250 based on how well they meet expectations among older Americans. The six metrics used in the rankings included quality of life, affordability, healthcare, retiree taxes, job market prospects, and population and migration trends among the 55-and-older population. The list was also weighted based on the results of a public survey conducted in February 2026 among people 45 and older to uncover what matters most when someone is considering a retirement destination. For a second straight year, Midland, Michigan, was named the No. 1 city for retirees. It was followed by Homosassa Springs, Florida; Weirton, West Virginia; The Woodlands, Texas; and Spring, Texas. “Retirees are seeking a place that gives them a sense of security and comfort as they live out their golden years,” Megan Wood, assistant managing editor for home services and real estate at U.S. News & World Report, said in a statement accom...