After years of hard work, most Americans look forward to a happy retirement. For personal and practical reasons, many choose to settle in new communities, with a different climate and way of life. Whether you’re dreaming of sunshine, scenery, or someplace with lots of golf, this short guide will explore the best states to retire in, based on everything from weather and housing to healthcare, taxes and recreation. 
Over the past fifteen years, more seniors have moved to Florida than any other state, and it’s not hard to see why. Florida’s warm, subtropical climate provides around 230 days of sunshine a year, making it possible to swim, sail, and fish practically every day. On land, there are bike paths, walking trails, and over 1,200 golf courses ‒ more than anywhere else in the country.
You’ll also find concerts, museums, art galleries, Broadway shows, and cultural festivals celebrating the state’s rich, colorful history. Nearly one fifth of the state’s population is over 65, making it easy for seniors to meet people with similar interests. What’s more, many businesses tailor services to their retired clientele, including:
Florida is also one of nine states with no income tax, allowing seniors to enjoy greater returns on pensions, social security, and retirement accounts ‒ an important consideration for people living on a fixed income.
Repeatedly ranked the second best state to retire in, Arizona is famous for its blue skies and radiant weather. With over 300 days of sunshine, it's the perfect place for anyone looking to escape the wind, rain, and snow. Clear, bright skies not only elevate mood, they create the perfect conditions for outdoor living. Whether you enjoy hiking, cycling, or golf, Arizona gives you plenty of chances to get out and enjoy its red rock and desert landscapes.
For seniors worried about their savings, Arizona offers some critical financial protections. Social Security income is tax exempt. The state has no estate or inheritance tax either. And while its housing costs are above average, its property taxes are some of the lowest in the nation ‒ one of the reasons it’s still relatively inexpensive compared to other Western states, such as California, Washington, and Colorado. Age-restricted developments also provide affordable homes for retirees. Many offer amenities geared specifically for older Americans, such as salons, cafes, lap pools, wellness centers, and housekeeping services.
Arizona also gives you access to top-ranked medical services, including the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix and the Banner Health network, which operates hospitals and healthcare facilities across the state. Their specialized therapies and wellness programs help you age comfortably, with skilled nursing and assisted living centers available for patients requiring extra attention.
Another popular state for retirees, North Carolina has four distinct seasons, but without the harsh temperatures found further north and south. Thanks to the state’s diverse geography, residents can choose a climate that suits their taste. The Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains let seniors enjoy the natural rhythm of spring, summer, fall, and winter. Further east, in the Piedmont Region, the weather alternates between warm summers and mild winters, marked by occasional flurries of snow and frost. Over on the coast, temperatures rarely fall below 60°F most of the year, though there are periodic cold snaps during winter.
The mild weather creates endless opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, sailing, fishing, and golf. Seniors also have access to North Carolina’s growing arts scene, including theaters, museums, galleries, and numerous music festivals featuring jazz, rock, folk, country, blues, and bluegrass.
The state’s low costs makes it easy to live comfortably on a set budget. Social security isn’t taxed, but other retirement income is, albeit at a low rate (4.87 percent). There are also senior communities throughout the state that offer comfortable and affordable housing for residents over 55.
North Carolina is home to several nationally recognized hospitals as well. Duke University Hospital in Durham is one of the top ranking healthcare providers in the country. UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill is known for its geriatric care and specialized medicine. Atrium Health and Wake Forest Baptist Health are based in Charlotte and Winston-Salem, but provide extensive medical services across the state.
Living in South Carolina offers a mix of pleasant weather, scenic beauty, and financial advantages for older Americans. While the state still experiences four seasons, like its northern neighbor, its subtropical climate means winters are short and mild while summers are long and warm. The constant sunshine gives seniors lots of opportunities to explore. Out on the coast, you’ll find beaches, golfing, and marshes teeming with wildlife ‒ as well as charming towns full of Southern hospitality. Further inland, you’ll find hiking trails through the Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as museums, historic sites, pickleball clubs, and more golf courses (South Carolina has over 350).
The state’s cost of living is twelve percent below the national average, with plenty of affordable housing and retirement communities tailored to seniors. South Carolina’s property taxes are also some of the lowest in the country. It doesn’t tax social security either, and allows residents over 65 to deduct up to $15,000 of retirement income.
There’s also growing investment in healthcare. High-performing hospitals like Prisma Health and the Medical University of South Carolina provide advanced cardiology, oncology, and geriatric care, as well as senior-focused services such as fall prevention, vaccination clinics, and meal delivery.
The growing retired community has also led to an increased number of social and community events. In addition to dances, potlucks, and bingo nights, you can find art classes and volunteer programs at the state’s libraries, hospitals, and museums, as well as clubs for everything from photography to gardening to travel.
Though costs vary between cities, prices in Texas are generally 6-8 percent below the national average. New arrivals can expect to pay less for housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation. Texas doesn’t tax Social Security benefits, pensions, or retirement account withdrawals either. Homeowners over 65 can also apply for property tax freezes or exemptions, though these discounts aren’t available in every county.
Due to its size, Texas offers a lot of choice when it comes to lifestyle. People comfortable in urban environments will find plenty of museums, theaters, concert halls, and public festivals in places like Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. On the other hand, seniors looking for peace and quiet can settle into a small town out in the countryside and enjoy beautiful views of the state’s pine forests, rolling farmland, and rugged mountains. Down on the Gulf of Mexico, retirees can spend their days living on the beach, without the high costs of other coastal areas.
Texas’ warm climate makes it easy to stay active. Communities organize day trips to the state’s wineries, historic towns, and nature preserves, as well as clubs for gardening, quilting, woodworking, writing, even gaming and tech classes that keep you up to speed on the newest devices. There’s plenty of golf, but many retirees sign up for water aerobics, tai chi, yoga, and SilverSneakers as well, to stay fit. If you enjoy volunteering, churches and community programs are always looking for people to help out at schools, food banks, libraries, and animal shelters.
Texas is also home to some of the nation’s best healthcare networks, including a broad range of doctors, specialists, and clinics specializing in memory care, geriatric care, and chronic diseases like diabetes, arthritis, and hypertension.
It’s important to remember that retirement isn’t an end, but a chance to live the next phase of your life on your own terms. Consider what matters most to you, whether it’s getting close to nature, embracing an active lifestyle, living near family, or connecting with a tight-knit community. From the Florida beaches to the Arizona desert, the perfect place is out there, waiting for you.
Allied Van Lines has been helping seniors for the past ninety-five years. No matter how far you’re going, our full-service moving teams get you there smoothly and safely. From planning to packing to shipping, storage, and final delivery, we make relocations as easy as possible. Contact us today for a free quote!
