The 25 Best Communities for Big City Retirement

Let's face facts. By the time most of us reach retirement, we're set in our ways. For those who have spent their entire life growing up in and living near big cities, the idea of moving to some quiet island retreat or sleepy coastal town might not be their cup of tea. Retirees don't have to leave the fast-paced life of big-city living behind just because they've left the workforce. Instead, they can find an independent or assisted living nearby.

Time.com notes that most people actually prefer to stay put when they retire, rather than moving somewhere different. For those already living in a big city, there are a lot of great options for senior living waiting out there to be discovered. From coast to coast and the Upper Midwest to the Gulf Coast, there are a variety of big cities just waiting to welcome retirees with a bounty of cultural, social, and sporting activities. The only question now is, which big city senior living community is right for you?

Seniorly.com has compiled the following list of the 25 Best Communities for Big City Retirement. This first list focuses on the cities of Miami, Boston, San Antonio, Austin and San Francisco.  The properties were selected based upon the rating each assisted living community garnered from residents and family members of residents, along with the Google search volume that each senior living property receives monthly from adults of retirement age.

Miami, Florida

Situated at one of the southernmost points in the United States, Miami is a vibrant city brimming with cultural delights from the United States, Cuba, and other destinations from across the Caribbean. With plenty of beaches to choose from and world-class shopping, you can't go wrong in Florida's biggest metro area.

• Residential Plaza at Blue Lagoon

Residential Plaza at Blue Lagoon offers residents a variety of popular senior living features, such as private accommodations, certified nutritionists on staff, a terrace and courtyard, as well as multiple wellness programs all onsite. Conveniently located in the heart of Miami, residents also have the option to take advantage of all the city has to offer. Click here for more information on Residential Plaza at Blue Lagoon.

• Bay Oaks Historic Retirement Residence

Bay Oaks Historic Retirement Residence combines the best of big-city living and senior living. Bay Oaks is set in elegant surroundings in a historic home in the center of Miami on 34th street. Nearby amenities include Biscayne Bay, Mount Sinai Hospital, and the second-largest medical district in the United States at the University of Miami Health District. Click here for more information on Bay Oaks Historic Retirement Residence.

• Pointe North Gables

Pointe North Gables is one of South Florida's largest assisted living communities and is set on tropical surroundings in the city of Miami. Residents can take advantage of the active social scene that Point North promotes, or venture into the city for trips to the city's many beaches and shopping districts. Click here for more information on Pointe North Gables. 

• John Knox Gables

John Knox Village offers the best of the outdoors with the convenience of Miami shopping just a short drive away. This senior living community has a coastal-inspired design, access to the beach, and local shopping and dining located within two miles of the community. Click here for more information on John Knox Village.

• The Palace at Coral Gables

The Palace at Coral Gables places residents right in the heart of one of Miami's most active districts. The 9-story senior living community has its own retail shops on the ground level and is situated on Andalusia Avenue just minutes from the Miracle Mile shopping district in Miami. Click here for more information on The Palace at Coral Gables.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is one of the nation's largest cities, and also one of the largest in the densely urban northeast United States. The city is rich with American history as the site of the Battle of Bunker Hill from the Revolutionary War and Old Ironsides herself, the USS Constitution (the first US Navy vessel ever built) are located within city limits.

• Cadbury Commons

Cadbury Commons is a family-owned assisted living community in Boston that promotes a sense of individualism among its residents. All residents are encouraged to remain as independent as they like, while still enjoying the security of a world-class senior living community. Located in Cambridge, Cadbury Commons is just moments from downtown Boston and a few blocks from the Powder House Square neighborhood. Click here for more information on Cadbury Commons.

• The Residence at Melrose Station

The Residence at Melrose Station offers residents the best of big-city living both onsite and in the nearby suburbs of Boston. The 90-unit senior living community boasts a variety of onsite amenities and is also just moments from the new downtown district in the city of Melrose. Brick sidewalks lined with trees await in Melrose's downtown district, where you'll find endless dining and entertaining options within walking distance. Click here for more information on The Residence at Melrose Station.

• Susan S. Bailis Assisted Living

Susan S. Balis Assisted Living is in the center of the cultural and arts scene in Boston. Some of the city's best shopping, dining, and cultural attractions are located nearby. For fans of the arts, Boston's Symphony Hall is located in the same neighborhood. Click here for more information on Susan S. Bailis Assisted Living.

• The Falls at Cordingly Dam

The Falls at Cordingly Dam is an assisted living facility that promotes the independent spirit of all residents. The senior living community is conveniently located in Newton, MA in the western suburbs of Boston. Cutler Park Reservation and Boston College's famed Chestnut Hill neighborhood are all part of the idyllic scenery you'll find in the neighborhoods and communities surrounding The Falls. Click here for more information on The Falls at Cordingly Dam.

• Lasell Village

Lasell Village is a true one-of-a-kind senior living community. Inspired by and sharing grounds with Lasell College, the community was built as a village setting and includes social, cultural, and educational opportunities onsite. Residents are encouraged to pursue an education program through the community and live very close to the attractions of downtown Boston. Click here for more information on Lasell Village.

San Antonio, Texas

Deep in the heart of Texas is the third-largest city in the nation's second-most-populous state. San Antonio boasts warm, humid summers and mild, comfortable winters. The city is a sprawling metroplex with a variety of historic and cultural attractions downtown, along with the famed Riverwalk, as well as various shopping and dining items spread throughout the city's suburbs.

• Brookdale San Antonio

Brookdale San Antonio is located in a quiet residential neighborhood, but is only moments away from the best that the city has to offer. Huebner Oaks Shopping Center is nearby, and there are regularly scheduled trips to downtown San Antonio to visit the Alamo, Majestic Theater, and the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Click here for more information on Brookdale San Antonio.

• Villa de San Antonio

Villa de San Antonio is on the northwest side of San Antonio, one of the busiest and fastest-growing sections of the city. In addition to a variety of onsite amenities, residents can take advantage of nearby shopping and rest easy knowing one of the city's best medical districts is just blocks away at University Hospital-University Health System. Other nearby attractions include Denman Estate Park and Oak Hills Country Club. Click here for more information on Villa de San Antonio.

• Heartis Senior Living

Heartis Senior Living is also located on the northside of San Antonio in a quiet neighborhood. There are no fewer than five parks located within a few minutes drive, including the sprawling grounds of McAllister Park which offers miles of walking paths. San Antonio International Airport is also close by, as are three country clubs. Click here for more information on Heartis Senior Living.

• Franklin Park Sonterra

Franklin Park Sonterra has it all onsite, from indoor and outdoor dining areas to a billiards room and business office in a country-club setting. This senior living community is situated in a busy suburb with a variety of nearby dining options, shopping centers, houses of worship, and the San Antonio Shrine Auditorium. Click here for more information on Franklin Park Sonterra.

• Elmcroft of Windcrest

Elmcroft of Windcrest provides a warm, welcoming assisted living community on the quiet, suburban northeast side of San Antonio. This senior living community is close to downtown San Antonio, which is just a 10-minute drive away, but comfortably situated with local retail shopping, dining, and local parks within walking distance. Click here for more information on Elmcroft of Windcrest.

San Francisco, California

The second-largest metro area in the nation's most populous state, San Francisco offers an alternative to typical California year-round heat. The temperature stays cool all year long, usually requiring a sweater even in summer. However, the city experiences a burst of higher temperatures in September and October.  Dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions abound in the Golden Gate City.

• AlmaVia of San Francisco

AlmaVia of San Francisco is set in a suburban area near Lake Merced. This pet-friendly community has a church and school right across the street, and available trips to attractions throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Click here for more information on AlmaVia of San Francisco. 

• Cypress at Golden Gate

Cypress at Golden Gate is located on 19th avenue with views of San Francisco's historic architecture. This senior living community has its own walking paths and onsite amenities, but is also just blocks from downtown San Francisco's cafes, restaurants, and attractions, as well as Golden Gate Park. Click here for more information on Cypress at Golden Gate.

• Sagebrook SF

Sagebrook SF is one of the city's most respected and well-known senior living communities. Residents enjoy affordable senior living in one of America's most expensive cities, with award-winning dining and VibrantLife programs onsite. Best of all, everything that San Francisco has to offer is just steps away. The community is located in the Jordan Park neighborhood between the Presidio area and Golden Gate Park. Click here for more information on Sagebrook SF.

• The Village at Hayes Valley

The Village at Hayes Valley offers a boutique senior living community to all of its residents. Nestled within one of the many cultural neighborhoods of San Francisco, The Village offers senior living services against the background of the Hayes Valley community within the city. Residents are encouraged to tackle all that life has to offer between both the services and amenities of The Village, as well as the vibrant, artsy feel of the Hayes Valley region of town. The promenade at Octavia Boulevard, Patricia's Green, and the San Francisco Jazz Center are all part of the Hayes Valley neighborhood and all are within walking distance of this stunning senior living community. Click here for more information on The Village at Hayes Valley.

• Coventry Place at San Francisco

Coventry Place at San Francisco is a luxurious senior living community that taps into the rich cultural and natural beauty of the city of San Francisco. Residents enjoy mid-rise living with comfortable accommodations, fine dining, and a variety of social opportunities. If that isn't enough to keep you interested, the city of San Francisco is at your beckon call. There's no shortage of local attractions nearby. Situated north of the Mission District and west of the Financial District, you'll find plenty to do shopping and dining in San Francisco's Japantown, catching a show at the Great American Music Hall, or taking in culture at the Asian Art Museum. Click here for more information on Coventry Place at San Francisco.

Austin, Texas

The capital city of Texas, Austin has a modern vibe with the pep of a college campus courtesy of the University of Texas located in the heart of the city. Austin is full of cultural events year round, and locals are proud to "Keep Austin Weird" with a variety of eclectic events.

• Pavilion at Great Hills

Pavilion at Great Hills provides senior living in a country club setting in the North Austin hill country. There are three major hospitals, shopping centers, theaters, museums, and the plentiful outdoor activities of Lake Travis all located nearby. Click here for more information on Pavilion at Great Hills.

• Atria at the Arboretum

Atria at the Arboretum has luxury apartments in a senior living setting that provides the flexibility of independent living with the options of Austin at your fingertips. There are upscale dining, shopping, and entertainment amenities in the neighborhood that are as diverse as the city of Austin. Click here for more information on Atria at the Arboretum. 

• Overture Domain Apartments

Overture Domain Apartments has apartment living available for active adults aged 55 and over. The community is located in the center of The Domain, a neighborhood in Austin that is well-known for its fine dining, shopping, and a variety of entertainment options. Soak in the local culture or stay home and enjoy the chef's demonstration kitchen in the senior living community or take part in daily Flex and Namaste fitness programs. Click here for more information on Overture Domain Apartments.

• Belmont Village Lakeway

Belmont Village Lakeway is set on the quieter northwest side of Austin-Round Rock. Here you'll find the ideal combination of comfort and care with active living. Stay onsite and enjoy rustic, Mediterranean-style buildings and various social and cultural activities, or venture into Austin and enjoy nearby Lake Travis. The city's premier dining, shopping, and entertainment are all close at hand as well. Click here for more information on Belmont Village Lakeway.

• Silverado Onion Creek Memory Care

Silverado Onion Creek Memory Care combines the latest and greatest in senior living community amenities with easy proximity to downtown Austin. The senior community is situated just off of Interstate 35 to the south of Austin, offering a quick commute into the city and the ability to connect with the local international airport or a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Click here for more information on Silverado Onion Creek Memory Care.

Whether you already live near one of these major cities or might consider a move, these are the Top 25 senior living communities across the country that combine their own amenities and accommodations with proximity to popular big-city living options.

Review our other articles on senior communities:

• The Top 25 Communities for Active Retirement
• Downsizing for a Move to Assisted Living