- Survey of 3,007 workers on the most coveted micro-retirement locations.
- Naperville placed #91 nationally, followed by Galena in #115.
- Infographic showing the top micro-retirement locations across the country.
Not everyone is waiting until 65 to hit pause on work. A growing number of Americans are stepping off the career treadmill earlier, though not permanently. The NY Times calls it a micro-retirement.
It’s not about dropping out. It’s about stepping back – intentionally – for a few months or more, to rest, reflect, or pursue something outside of the usual 9-to-5. For some, it’s a break after burnout. For others, it’s a planned gap between roles, a chance to travel, recover from stress, or finally try that thing they’ve always wanted to do.
Unlike sabbaticals or short vacations, a micro-retirement has a different feel. It’s a personal reset, not tied to productivity or paychecks. And increasingly, people are choosing very specific places to do it.
Careerminds, a global outplacement and career development firm, surveyed 3,007 workers to find out where they’d most like to spend their micro-retirement. The results show a strong lean toward places that offer calm, nature, and room to breathe.
Below are the top 10:
#1 Hilo, Hawaii
Topping the list, Hilo is more than just scenic – it’s serene. Waterfalls, black sand beaches, and a rich local culture make it easy to slow down and breathe differently. You don’t just visit Hilo; you settle into it.
#2 Kauai, Hawaii
Coming in second, Kauai offers raw, unfiltered beauty. The pace here is unhurried, the landscape lush, and the days often spent in quiet awe, on cliffside trails or tucked away on Hanalei Bay.
#3 Delray Beach, Florida
This South Florida favorite blends easy beach living with a creative buzz. In third place, it’s ideal for those who want sunshine, yes, but also a bit of stimulation — art galleries, live music, and that walkable charm of Pineapple Grove.
#4 Big Sur, California
You don’t come to Big Sur to be busy. You come to listen to the ocean, to the wind through the redwoods, to your thoughts. For many, it’s the perfect place to clear mental clutter and just be.
#5 Paia, Hawaii
This Maui gem is a mix of surf town and soulful retreat. It’s colorful, artistic, and unpretentious. Many respondents saw Paia as a place to create, journal, or simply exist without a schedule.
#6 Jupiter, Florida
Nature lovers will get why Jupiter ranked highly. Kayaking along the Loxahatchee River, beachcombing at sunrise, or just slowing down in the warm breeze — it all adds up to the kind of life that doesn’t need a vacation from itself.
#7 St. Augustine, Florida
This centuries-old city brings a different kind of escape. Micro-retirees here are drawn to its old-world charm and the sense that you’re part of a longer story. Cobblestone streets and ocean air make for a soothing mix.
#8 Asheville, North Carolina
In eighth place, Asheville has that rare mix of nature and culture. Hike in the morning, visit a craft brewery by afternoon, and catch live music at night. For those seeking community and solitude, this mountain town hits the mark.
#9 Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Quaint, quiet, and visually stunning, Carmel feels almost too perfect to be real. But that’s the appeal. For micro-retirees, it’s a place to wander, write, paint, and finally unplug — without needing an excuse.
#10 Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Finishing the top ten, Gatlinburg offers a back-to-nature vibe that’s grounded, not flashy. With the Smokies as your backyard, it’s easy to trade emails for forest trails and deadlines for campfires.
Infographic showing the top 150 locations across America that workers would most like to micro-retire in.
Two locations in Illinois were named among the best in the country to micro-retire in:
#91 Naperville
Naperville blends suburban sophistication with green spaces, creating a fulfilling setting for micro-retirees. Strolling the Naperville Riverwalk, engaging in cultural activities, and enjoying the town’s strong sense of community define a lifestyle centered on balance.
#115 Galena
Galena’s historic architecture, scenic hills, and timeless charm make it a restful haven for micro-retirees. Wandering Main Street, exploring heritage sites like the Ulysses S. Grant Home, and hiking Horseshoe Mound Preserve offer an elegant, unhurried way of life.
What People Want From Their Time Off
The survey also explored what people would prioritize during a micro-retirement, and the results show it’s not just about hammocks and hikes. For many, this time is deeply purposeful:
- 26% said their top goal would be travel and exploration, while
- 23% cited health and wellness, and
- 21% simply want rest and recovery.
Other responses included learning new skills (12%), creative projects like writing or art (7%), volunteering (6%), and starting a business or passion project (5%).
Others saw it as a chance to grow or give back – 12% wanted to learn something new, 7% were eager to dive into creative projects, and a smaller group (6%) said they’d volunteer. Just 5% were looking to start a business or pursue a long-held passion project.
How Long Would They Step Away?
Turns out, people aren’t thinking small. Only 16% said they’d opt for a break under a month. Most envisioned something more substantial: nearly a quarter would take 1-3 months, another 24% would stretch it to 4-6 months, and, notably, 24% said they’d step away for a year or more if they could. This isn’t about squeezing in a breather – it’s about real time to reset.
What’s Holding People Back
Of course, it’s not all daydreams and open calendars. The biggest obstacle by far is money. Half of the respondents said financial stability is the main thing stopping them. Losing health coverage was another major concern (17%), along with fears of career damage from resume gaps (10%) or losing purpose and daily structure (10%). And while we often romanticize a solo break, 9% admitted they’d worry about feeling isolated during such a stretch.
How Would They Pay for It?
- 55% say they’d rely on personal savings.
- 19% would take on freelance or part-time work during their time off.
Others mentioned family support (11%), severance packages (8%), or employer-funded sabbaticals (7%).
Will They Do It?
The idea is gaining traction, but not everyone’s ready to jump. Just under one in five (19%) say they’re very likely to take a micro-retirement in the next five years, with another 18% saying it’s somewhat likely. A quarter of people are on the fence. And 29% say it’s very unlikely, citing, once again, the realities of income, insurance, and job security.
“Micro-retirement isn’t about quitting. It’s about taking the space to reimagine what life could look like – before burnout forces the issue. These cities reflect what people are yearning for: peace, beauty, and time that feels well-spent,” says Raymond Lee, President of Careerminds.
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