Top 10 Cities for Senior Fun and Recreation

For seniors looking to move to a new city after retirement, finding the right place to call home can be a challenge. For many of today's adventurous seniors, the right new city is one that not only feels comfortable but one that has plenty of senior-friendly recreational activities that they can enjoy. For many seniors this includes access to community parks, golf courses, gyms and movie theaters, among other leisure options. Senior Advice has used our SeniorScore™ tool to track some of the most livable cities in the United States that focus on leisure and recreation opportunities for seniors.

The perks of being able to enjoy senior-friendly activities can go a long way in helping any senior live out their golden years in style. For seniors looking to test out a new big-city for this exciting phase in their lives, these are some of the top 10 cities in the United States with plenty of fun and recreation for today's older adults.

1. Sarasota, FL

In Sunny Sarasota, there is never a shortage of activities to keep seniors busy. While enjoying the warm year-round temperatures, seniors can also take advantage of 81 different golf courses, shop the day away at 11 malls, catch a movie at one of the 12 theaters or focus on fitness at one of the 30 gyms and health clubs.

With more than 42% of the population of Sarasota being seniors, older adults can be rest assured that many of the activities in this Florida town are specifically catered towards the senior community. With 113 churches in the area, seniors who are looking to find a strong community of their peers will find there is no shortage of new parishes to explore until they find the perfect community to call their own.

2. Boynton Beach, FL

The small community of Boynton Beach, Florida is the perfect tranquil escape for seniors who want to relax, unwind and soak up the sun in style. This community has a high percentage of seniors in their population, and for those looking to head out on the links, there is never a shortage on golf courses, with more than 144 different options in and around this community.

With the addition of 16 parks, 6 malls and 20 movie theaters in the area, fun activities are never far away in Boynton Beach. For those that love to cook and entertain, 287 grocery stores make shopping easy. Meanwhile, the 130 churches and 35 gyms in the area can help any senior find a community of their peers when they settle into this breezy beach town.

3. Pittsburgh, PA

While Pittsburgh, PA may not have the sandy beaches that many Florida towns are known for, this east-coast city provides the perfect backdrop of fun for seniors who always want to stay busy. In addition to being a notoriously senior-friendly town, Pittsburgh also has plenty to do for seniors who want to enjoy their retirement in style.

While the city has a relatively average number of seniors, they have plenty of activities for these seniors to enjoy. With 28 malls, 28 movie theaters, 258 gyms and 437 churches in the area, there is no shortage of opportunities for seniors to enjoy life in Pittsburgh. While the city may be relatively large and urban, it doesn't mean there aren't opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors in this area. Pittsburgh is home to 34 different city parks including big names like Allegheny Commons and Mellon Square Park, as well as 125 different golf courses.

4. Delray Beach, FL

In Delray Beach, Florida, some seniors may want to spend their days leisurely walking along the warm sandy beaches. However, for those who need a little more excitement in their lives, there is no shortage of opportunities in this fun Florida town.

A true golfer's paradise, there are more than 142 different golf courses in the area as well as 15 unique, lush parks. Shoppers can enjoy access to seven different malls around the city while movie buffs can catch a film at one of the 22 different movie theaters in the area. Plus, with 297 grocery stores, 133 churches to choose from and 37 different gyms, daily life is sure to be fun for any senior in beautiful Delray Beach.

This is perhaps why the Delray Beach community is mostly seniors, with over half of the residents in the area being retirement age or older.

5. Boca Raton, FL

Boca Raton, Florida is known around the world for its beautiful scenery, but for the many seniors who call this community home, this city is about so much more than tropical wildlife and stunning ocean views. With a high percentage of seniors (nearly 40% of Boca Raton residents are over retirement age) there is no shortage of fun in the sun in this Florida community.

There are 146 golf courses and 19 parks throughout the greater Boca Raton area, as well as 10 malls and 22 movie theaters. Those who love to cook at home can visit one of the 358 grocery stores, while seniors looking to have a faith-based community of friends can explore the 142 different churches in the area.

Plus, health-conscious seniors can take classes or join as members with one of the 51 different gyms or health clubs.

6. Sterling Heights, MI

Not all seniors are ready to pack up and head south when they start to age. For those that love the beauty and the seasons of the Midwest, there are very few cities that can compare to Sterling Heights, MI. The area is known for being a golfer's paradise with 150 different golf courses, but it is also home to a stunning number of parks, with 30 different outdoor retreats for seniors to choose from.

This Michigan town has 18 malls, 24 movie theaters and 418 grocery stores. Residents can also try their hand at senior-friendly fitness classes in one of the 258 different gyms and health cubs around the city. Seniors who are looking for a church will find nearly every faith is represented in Sterling Heights with 363 parishes around the city.

7. Scottsdale, AZ

Arizona is a known-haven for senior snowbirds who want to escape the cold weather and enjoy their retirement in style. While there are many senior-friendly cities in Arizona, Scottsdale has proven to be a haven for seniors who want to enjoy plenty of recreational activities. In addition to hiking and exploring in the lush area, Scottsdale has even more to offer its senior residents.

Scottsdale not only has a large percentage of seniors, but it is also home to more than 159 golf courses and 20 parks for those who love to enjoy the great outdoors. Plus, shoppers can indulge at 10 malls and 327 different grocery stores around the city. For seniors who need to escape the heat there are 25 movie theaters and 145 gyms in the area.

Plus, with 268 churches around the city, seniors who want to join a community of their peers will have access to plenty of parishes around the greater Scottsdale area.

8. Fort Myers, FL

In Fort Myers, Florida, seniors who are looking for some more urban amenities instead of beachside retreats can take advantage of all this large Florida city has to offer.

The city is home to 14 parks, 99 churches and 9 different movie theaters. Shopping fans can rejoice at the 183 grocery stores and 18 malls that are dotted around this area. For seniors who like to be a little more active, there are 116 unique golf courses, including the Vines Golf and Country Club and the Heritage Royal Course, as well as 56 different gyms. This is perhaps why the city of Fort Myers has a population of more than 36% seniors.

9. New Port Richey, FL

New Port Richey, Florida may not be the most well-known city in Florida, but it is one of the top communities for senior residents to reside. With a high percentage of seniors (37%) calling this community home, there is plenty for older adults to do as they enjoy their time in this quaint Florida town.

Seniors can become members at one of the 9 health clubs in the area or spend the day shopping at one of the 6 community malls and 89 area grocery stores. Warm days can be remedied with a trip to one of the 6 movie theaters, while outdoor fanatics can stroll around one of the 10 city parks. Plus, there are 54 welcoming churches, that represent a variety of religions. As with most Florida communities, there is also no shortage of golf courses in the area, with 92 different courses around the Florida town.

10. Youngstown, OH

Youngstown, Ohio offers the perfect balance of Midwestern charm and hospitality with urban amenities, making it a popular place for seniors today to call home. There is a high percentage of seniors in Youngstown and plenty for these residents to do.

Seniors can become members at one of the 93 gyms or 205 churches that are dotted around the community. Plus, with 125 grocery stores, 8 malls and 8 movie theaters, there is something for any senior, no matter what their daily agenda brings. In the warmer months, seniors can enjoy the beautiful Midwestern weather at one of the community's six parks and 90 sprawling golf courses.