The best (and worst) housing markets for retirees in 2026

An estimated 6.5 million Americans will retire in 2026. Are you one of them? If so, you've likely already begun to consider where you might settle down and spend your golden years. You might even be considering buying a home just for your retirement.

Before you make that leap, it's good to know which housing markets are expected to be strong in 2026 and which are expected to be unaffordable. To determine the 20 best and 20 worst housing markets for retirees in 2026, GOBankingRates sourced various markets from Zillow Research Data and cross-referenced that information with household values and retirement income levels from the U.S. Census. From that matrix, GOBankingRates was able to locate the 20 best housing markets for retirees in 2026 — and the 20 housing markets you should avoid in your 2026 retirement.

TRUMP ANNOUNCES PLANS TO BAN INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS FROM BUYING SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES

HOUSING MARKET EXPECTED TO OFFER LITTLE RELIEF FOR BUYERS IN 2026 DESPITE MODEST IMPROVEMENTS AHEAD

THESE 10 MARKETS MAY SEE THE BIGGEST HOMEBUYING SURGE AS MORTGAGE RATES FALL

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Methodology: The New Homeowner Affordability, New Homeowner Income Needed, Zillow Home Value Forecast, and Zillow Home Value Index were sourced from Zillow Research Data for each housing market. Households with retirement income was sourced from the U.S. Census 2023 5-year ACS. The one-year home value forecast was scored and weighted at 1.00, the percent of homes that receive retirement income was scored and weighted at 1.00, the new homeowner affordability was scored and weighted at 1.00, and the new homeowner income needed was scored and weighted at 1.00. All data was sourced and tabulated Dec. 18, 2025.