Huff/Post50 readers are always looking for interesting places to retire. And judging by the comments section, they also have fairly strong views on what makes a good retirement locale. In recent months, we've run stories on the best college towns for retirees, the cheapest places to retire overseas, the five best cities for older singles and a handful of quirky places to spend your golden years.

This week Fortune released a list of the 20 "best places to retire now," bearing in mind the adventurous spirit and desire to remain active of today's retirees. The magazine also included educational opportunities and a strong job market in its criteria. Here's a look at five that cracked their list -- you can visit Fortune's website for the rest. Let us know what your top three picks would be for best places to retire in the comments!

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  • Sunny Climes: Santa Fe, New Mexico

    <em>Fortune</em> says <a href="http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2012/retirement/1206/gallery.retirement-guide-best-places.fortune/2.html" target="_hplink">Santa Fe</a> is the top choice for retirees looking for sunny climes because of its extensive cultural offerings and easy access to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Check out Fortune's other top picks for sun worshippers <a href="http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2012/retirement/1206/gallery.retirement-guide-best-places.fortune/3.html" target="_hplink">here</a>.

  • Small Cities: Charleston, S.C.

    <em>Fortune</em> says <a href="http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2012/retirement/1206/gallery.retirement-guide-best-places.fortune/4.html" target="_hplink">Charleston</a> is the top choice for retirees looking for a small city, because of its rich history, gastronomic offerings and sandy beaches, as well as opportunities to take classes at the College of Charleston. Check out its other top picks for retirees who crave culture without the hustle <a href="http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2012/retirement/1206/gallery.retirement-guide-best-places.fortune/5.html" target="_hplink">here</a>.

  • Mountain Towns: Bend, Ore.

    <em>Fortune</em> says <a href="http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2012/retirement/1206/gallery.retirement-guide-best-places.fortune/6.html" target="_hplink">Bend</a> is the top choice for retirees looking for a home in the mountains because of its extensive outdoor offerings, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and golf, as well as its relatively affordable home prices. Check out its other top picks for outdoor enthusiasts <a href="http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2012/retirement/1206/gallery.retirement-guide-best-places.fortune/7.html" target="_hplink">here</a>.

  • Big Cities: New York, N.Y.

    <em>Fortune</em> admits <a href="http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2012/retirement/1206/gallery.retirement-guide-best-places.fortune/8.html" target="_hplink">New York City</a> is a surprising choice for a top retirement destination, but it defends its choice with hard data: there will be over 1.2 million people over the age of 65 living there by 2025, says the magazine. New York is a top choice for city slickers because, well, it's New York: there's no need for a car or even a kitchen, and you can't beat its entertainment options. Check out Fortune's other top cities for retirement <a href="http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2012/retirement/1206/gallery.retirement-guide-best-places.fortune/9.html" target="_hplink">here</a>.

  • Overseas: Cuenca, Ecuador

    <em>Fortune</em> says <a href="http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2012/retirement/1206/gallery.retirement-guide-best-places.fortune/10.html" target="_hplink">Cuenca</a> is a great choice for retirees open to the idea of retiring abroad (it's becoming an increasingly popular option, says the magazine) because of its low cost of living, great weather and modern healthcare. Check out its other top picks for globetrotting retirees <a href="http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2012/retirement/1206/gallery.retirement-guide-best-places.fortune/11.html" target="_hplink">here</a>.