Quality of Life Tops U.S. Retirement Rankings for 2025: What It Means for International Nurses Seeking U.S. Healthcare Jobs

For the first time since 2020, quality of life has emerged as the most influential factor in U.S. News & World Report’s annual list of America’s Best Places to Retire. While these rankings are primarily designed to guide retirees, they also have important implications for healthcare employers and international nurses looking to work in the U.S. particularly in high-demand, high-quality-of-life areas.

U.S. News Ranking Methodology and Why It Matters to Nurses

This year, analysts evaluated over 850 of the most populated U.S. cities significantly expanding from just 150 in previous years. Rankings were based on:

• Quality of life
• Affordability
• Healthcare quality
• Retiree taxes
• Population trends
• Job market strength
• Migration trends for retirees aged 55+

The weighting was determined by a nationwide survey of 3,500 adults aged 45 and above. For 2025, quality of life led with 27% importance, followed closely by affordability (24%), healthcare quality (16%), and retiree taxes (16%).

For healthcare professionals especially international nurses seeking U.S. employment this data is striking. Areas that attract retirees also experience an increased demand for skilled nursing staff, since older populations require more medical care and support services.

Healthcare Quality: A Major Driver of Job Opportunities

The healthcare quality score came from U.S. News’ Best Hospitals rankings, assessing the availability and proximity of top-rated medical facilities. This is a critical metric for nurses: regions with better-ranked hospitals often mean more career growth, advanced practice opportunities, and better working conditions.

For international nurses, entering cities with high healthcare rankings could lead to:

• Positions in state-of-the-art hospitals
• Specialized training opportunities
• Competitive salaries and benefits
• Long-term career stability

That’s exactly where NurseContact’s streamlined hiring process becomes valuable, matching international nurses to U.S. employers in cities where healthcare demand is climbing.

The Top 20 Retirement Destinations and Why They’re Hotspots for Nursing Jobs

Below are the top-ranked retirement destinations for 2025. Each of these cities is not only attracting retirees but also expanding healthcare infrastructure meaning more openings for nurses and healthcare workers.

Top 20 Cities to Retire in the U.S. (and Prime Nursing Job Locations):

1. Midland, MI
2. Weirton, WV
3. Homosassa Springs, FL
4. The Woodlands, TX
5. Spring, TX
6. Rancho Rio, NM
7. Spring Hill, FL
8. Altoona, PA
9. Palm Coast, FL
10. Lynchburg, VA
11. Bismarck, ND
12. Victoria, TX
13. Palm Harbor, FL
14. Rochester Hills, MI
15. Troy, MI
16. Sioux Falls, SD
17. Pearland, TX
18. Naples, FL
19. Pensacola, FL
20. Conroe, TX

Why Retirement Rankings Matter for International Nurses

When retirees move into these cities, the patient population grows older, often resulting in increased hospital admissions, long-term care facility needs, and in-home nursing services. This trend directly fuels the demand for registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and other healthcare workers.

If you’re an internationally trained nurse, knowing where healthcare demand is strongest helps you target cities where employers are actively hiring giving you the best chance to land a role quickly and secure sponsorship.

How NurseContact Connects International Nurses to U.S. Healthcare Jobs

NurseContact is a digital marketplace designed to simplify the U.S. nurse hiring process for healthcare employers and international candidates. Our platform:

• Matches nurses to employers in high-demand regions
• Offers a streamlined application and onboarding process
• Helps candidates navigate visa sponsorship and credentialing
• Connects you directly with hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Best Places to Retire ranking isn’t just about where Americans enjoy their golden years it’s a roadmap to where nursing careers will flourish in the coming decade. For international nurses, this is an opportunity to align career goals with locations that offer both professional growth and high quality of life.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your U.S. nursing career, NurseContact is here to connect you with the right employer, in the right city, at the right time.