15 Destinations Retirees Are Flocking to Instead of Florida — and Why They’re Leaving the Sunshine State
For decades, retirees have flocked to Florida, which has sunny weather and no income tax. Did you know that as of 2023, nearly 18% of retirees have decided to leave Florida behind for their golden years and settle elsewhere?
With rising housing costs, overcrowding, and extreme weather on the rise, many have packed up and moved to new locales. Where are they going instead? You might be surprised.
I’m not talking about these 15 destinations only being cheap, but for unique reasons, the places I’m about to list rival the appeal of Florida.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is fast becoming a retiree’s paradise. Why? It boasts beautiful weather, affordable housing, and an extraordinary art scene.
For $320,000, the average home price is much cheaper than in much of Florida, like Naples. Yeesh, plus the city has a booming culinary and craft beer scene.
There’s live music downtown for retirees or mountain hikes. That said, it’s perfect if you are looking for culture on the side of nature.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Retirees escaping Florida’s humidity find a dry, sunny climate in Scottsdale. Also, world-class healthcare facilities, such as the Mayo Clinic, have sprung up everywhere, which delivers peace of mind as you age.
Here, the median home price is around $827,000, but retirees say it’s worth the splurge for endless golf courses, spas, and outdoor activities. It’s a financial win for most, given that Arizona’s property tax is slightly lower than people are used to.
Portland, Maine
Portland has four seasons, providing a more astounding escape and stunning coastal views. Small lighthouses, fresh seafood, and a walkable downtown of boutiques and cafes charm the city.
Better yet, it’s affordable! With the cost of living 14.9% lower than Florida’s big cities, Portland represents an excellent choice for seniors on a budget looking for a bit of cosmopolitan flair.
Greenville, South Carolina
Greenville is best known for its vibrant downtown and mild climate. It has award-winning restaurants, a strong sense of community, and is very walkable.
The average home price is also lower in the city—an average of $307,000 versus the state’s pricier Florida market. For staying active and entertained year-round, the Swamp Rabbit Trail and bustling Reedy River Falls Park are a dream for retirees who’ve chosen Greenville.
Boise, Idaho
Known as the “Gem State,” Idaho’s capital city, Boise, offers affordable living paired with outdoor adventure. Grocery spending is 5% lower than the national average, and housing is still cheap.
Ise’s lifestyle includes hiking trails, a growing food scene, and a strong community feel. This quieter, laid-back environment draws retirees.
Charleston, South Carolina
Retirees love Charleston for its charming history and coastal appeal of southern elegance. The city’s mild winters and reasonable property taxes make it a favorite among retirees.
Here, the possibility of dining on fresh seafood while overlooking cobblestone streets is the order of every day. In addition, Charleston’s healthcare is among the top in the state.
Bend, Oregon
You may be an active retiree, and Bend’s unlimited outdoor enticements could sell you on making the move. Retirees can ski, hike, or kayak year-round with 200 days of sunshine a year.
However, Bend’s housing prices compete with Florida’s, and Oregon’s lack of sales tax appeals to those doing the money math. The breathtaking landscapes? Priceless.
San Antonio, Texas
Texas is earning its reputation as a hotspot with no state income tax, and San Antonio is going all in. Retirees will find it a great place to retire because of the low cost of living and the affordable real estate market.
It’s also full of history. It has plenty to explore — from the Alamo to the picturesque River Walk. The city’s diverse culture keeps it exciting, and you always have something to explore.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe works if you need inspiring artistic energy and a smaller-town vibe. The city has much to offer, from its unique history to its adobe-style architecture and arts community.
In a state where the median home price is around $430,000, South Carolina offers a budget-friendly alternative to Florida’s coastal markets. Plus, it has cooler temperatures and (because of its high altitude) fewer hurricanes to worry about.
Pittsboro, North Carolina
Retirees looking to slow down flock to this quiet, small town near Raleigh. The city’s main selling points are its tight-knit community and reasonable housing market.
Pittsboro is a great alternative to the hustle and bustle of Florida. It is only a 20-minute drive to Chapel Hill or a 50-minute commute to Raleigh, and the climate is pleasant for most of the year.
Denver, Colorado
If mountains are your thing, Denver is littered with views and outdoor adventures. Though slightly pricier on average (median home price of $530,000), the city’s stunning landscape and busy city life are worth the price.
Retirees have the best of both worlds: world-class healthcare and combining urban amenities with suburban tranquility.
Madison, Wisconsin
Now, there is very low unemployment and a flourishing downtown, which ensures that Madison isn’t a retirement in which you’ll trade your active lifestyle. It’s affordable, and a house’s average price is $394,000.
Retirees are drawn to Madison for its intellectual vibe, green space, and terrific, warm community feel assisted by the University of Wisconsin.
Knoxville, Tennessee
Low living costs, natural beauty, and Southern hospitality translate into a nice retirement package in this hidden gem. Knoxville housing is relatively affordable, with median home prices averaging only about $353,000.
The nearby Great Smokey Mountains make it attractive, and like most of Tennessee, there’s no state income tax, so retirees flock here.
Savannah, Georgia
Florida-bound retirees are increasingly lured to this Southern treasure because of Savannah’s 270-year-old timelessness. Savannah has Southern charm and offers unique homes with historic facades and shady squares.
It’s an option retirees will like because of lower property taxes and affordable housing. When it comes to walkable streets and a vibrant arts scene, that whole venue description consisting of the words food and drinks is sealed.
Traverse City, Michigan
A beautiful waterfront town, Traverse City is nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan without the heat and hustle of other Florida coasts. Thanks to an 8 percent below-national-average cost of living, living here is budget-friendly for retirees.
The city is famous for its hospitable residents, world-class wineries, and outdoor festivals. This is proof that you don’t have to be housebound in retirement.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Disclosure: For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
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