10 of the Safest Places to Retire in America and Internationally
When you finally stop working, the last thing you want to worry about is looking over your shoulder. You want to walk your dog at night, leave your windows open and know you’re staying somewhere safe.
We all want a low cost of living and good weather, but if you can’t feel safe, none of that matters.
Whether you want to live abroad or pack your bags for an overseas trip, finding the best place to retire is a big decision, and safety is a big factor.
We’ve scoured reviews from a few popular media outlets to find the places that offer the most peace of mind.
Here are the 10 safest places to retire right now, in this country and abroad.
5 of the safest places to retire in the US
If you want to stay close to home, the safest places range from quiet New England states to sunny desert communities.
- New Hampshire: According to Bankrate’s 2025 retirement survey, this state is ranked No. 1 overall in the US for retirees. It has especially taken the top spot for neighborhood safety.
- Maine: And in the same Bankrate study, Maine came in second for retirement and second for neighborhood safety, boasting a low violent crime rate.
- Idaho: Bankrate highlights Idaho as having the lowest property crime rate in the country, earning it the 3rd place for overall neighborhood safety.
- Oro Valley, Arizona: A recent GOBankingRates analysis of the safest cities for retirees ranked Oro Valley No. 1. It has a low violent crime rate of 0.57 per 1,000 residents.
- Pinehurst, North Carolina: Famous for its golf courses, Pinehurst took the No. 2 spot on the same GOBankingRates safety list with a violent crime rate of just 0.43 per 1,000 residents.
(Related: See Retirees Flock To These 10 States)
The 5 safest places to retire abroad
If you’re willing to cross a border or an ocean, your dollars can go a long way without sacrificing your personal safety.
- Portugal: It is consistently ranked as one of the top retirement destinations and the safest countries in the world. International Living recently named it the No. 1 safest place to visit in 2026, noting that expats consistently report feeling completely safe when traveling alone at night.
- Ireland: Ranked #2 on the Global Peace Index, Ireland offers a liberal culture with surprisingly low crime, making it a top destination for safety-conscious expats according to Nomad Capitalist.
- Costa Rica: Equally ranked among the world’s top retirees, the Central American country is famous for its stable democracy, peaceful environment and lack of a standing army, according to Wise.
- Tarragona, Spain: If you’re looking for Spanish beach life without the crime of the big city, Live and Investment Overseas highlights Tarragona. It notes that it offers a more relaxed, secure travel lifestyle than hot spots like Madrid or Valencia.
- Malaysia: It sits at No. 10 in the Global Peace Index, this Southeast Asian region offers a welcoming culture, very low crime and excellent healthcare.
(Related: See What You Need to Know Before Retiring Abroad)
Before you pack the moving truck or book a one-way flight, visit these places first. Rent a place for a month, walk the streets at night and see if it really feels like home. Safety is not just about statistics; it’s how you feel when you walk out your front door.
