Wellington, Florida

Wellington isn’t just a Best Place to Live for Families, but a best place to retire. Thirty minutes west of West Palm Beach and 50 minutes north of Fort Lauderdale, its rural feel offers a slower pace of life away from the coast but still close enough for weekend outings.

The village of Wellington has a strong, tight-knit community that makes it easy for retirees to foster connections with one another. It’s always hosting activities and programs for seniors, from Zumba classes to themed luncheons to volunteer fairs. They can also join the Wellington Seniors Club to get to know others. Earlier this year, Wellington launched a free shuttle transportation service to help seniors get around. 

Retirees can stay fit by heading to Wellington’s tennis complex, aquatics center, or several golf courses, such as Wellington National Golf Club or the Wanderers Club. They can also take advantage of Wellington’s 65-mile bridle trail system, or head to the 30-acre Peaceful Waters Sanctuary or 365-acre Wellington Environmental Preserve, which boasts trails for hiking and horseback riding.

After all, Wellington has rich equestrian roots that horse lovers can delight in; it’s home to the 13-week Winter Equestrian Festival, and Bill Gates even bought real estate in the area when his daughter was training for equestrian events there.

Wellington Regional Medical Center is the go-to hospital in the area, and the village’s proximity to major South Florida hubs means that other hospitals for specialized treatments or services aren’t too far away. There are 19 above-average nursing homes within 50 miles, per Healthgrades.