The Best Places in the US to Retire to… that Aren’t Florida or Arizona

When you think of relocating in retirement, you might think of moving to a foreign country to embrace a new culture and, hopefully, a lower cost of living. You don’t need to move to a pack up and head halfway around the world for that, however. There are a lot of places in the United States that are affordable and filled with great amenities, which makes them perfect for retirees.

Yes, Florida and Arizona are probably the two states that you think of first if you’re considering relocating, but they’re not the only options. There are a lot of great US areas where retirement makes a lot of sense.

States That Are Great for Retirees

There are a lot of popular retirement destinations in the United States. If you’re looking for a new place to live, there’s a lot to consider. Understanding your options gives you some strong comparison points 

Great Falls, Montana

Many retirees choose Montana because there is no general sales tax in the state. Montana does also not tax Social Security if your income is below a certain level (currently $25,000 for a single filer and $32,000 for a couple). 

Great Falls in particular is a popular choice, since the cost of living there is lower than the national average. If you’re a person who enjoys nature and outdoor living, Great Falls offers hiking, fishing, and many other activities. The region experiences all four seasons, and winter can be quite cold and snowy. Whether that’s a benefit or a drawback depends on what you enjoy. 

Charleston, South Carolina

South Carolina does not tax Social Security payments and it also offers a relatively low cost of living. One of the major benefits to retiring in this city is its history. If you dream of spending your retirement walking down cobblestone streets and century-old buildings, Charleston could be perfect for you.

The weather is also quite warm all year round, even in winter. While the subtropical climate means that summers can get quite humid, you’ll also get a lot of coastal breezes off the ocean.

Greenville, South Carolina

Staying in South Carolina, Greenville is another popular choice. The cost of living is lower than in Charleston, but the area is no less charming. The smaller size means a closer, often friendlier environment in most neighborhoods, but you’ll still have many walkable areas and picturesque sites to experience.  

Chattanooga, Tennessee: Features a scenic riverfront, lower everyday living expenses, and no state income tax on retirement draws

Exeter, New Hampshire

A lot of retirees choose to live in New Hampshire because it charges no state income tax on Social Security, pensions, or retirement withdrawals. There is also no general sales tax in the state.

Exeter is a popular retirement destination because it’s a comfortable, relaxing New England town with a great deal of charm. The historic town is perfect for those who love culture and classic architecture. You’ll find a lot of excellent museums in and around the town’s walkable downtown. However, winters can be quite cold and long. 

Corpus Christi, Texas

If you’re looking for a warmer place to retire, consider Texas. The summers are hot and humid, but the winters are mild and very short. You’ll also benefit from no state income tax and a below-average cost of living.

It’s an excellent place to retire if you like a laid-back location with plenty of outdoor attractions. 

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is a larger city than many of the other popular regions, but it can be a great place to retire due to its cultural sites and vibrant arts scene. You’ll find hundreds of galleries and museums in the area, but if you’re into outdoor recreation instead, it can also be a great choice.

Property taxes in Santa Fe are quite low, and the climate is great for those who love mild winters. The sun shines almost every day of the year and while winters can sometimes be cold (there’s a good chance you’ll see snow several times a year), they’re not overwhelming or bitter. 

Cheyenne, Wyoming

The state of Wyoming has no personal or corporate income tax. This also means that pensions, Social Security, and retirement withdrawals are state-tax-free. Compared to similar sized cities, the cost of living is also quite low.

In addition to the financial advantages, you’ll also find many popular attractions such as historic forts and stunning parks. In fact, the great outdoors is one of the main reasons that people move to Cheyenne. It is home to rolling hills, vast plains, and incredible scenery that’s perfect for those who enjoy nature. 

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

South Dakota is another state that has zero state income tax, no tax on Social Security or pensions, and a low overall cost of living. It is also home to several well-recognize health networks, which is perfect for retirees.

It is another region known for its outdoor spaces, including several nearby state parks.  

What to Look for When Retiring

Each person is different and the prime retirement location for you may not even make the list for someone else. One of the best ways to figure out which region is right for you is to think about what you enjoy. Do you love golf? Hiking? Visiting museums? Relaxing at cafes? Think about your interests and how you want to spend your retirement, then try to find a region that matches these needs.

You’ll also want to think about what you don’t like, especially when it comes to weather. Some people love skiing, snowshoeing, and winter weather. They embrace the cold and living somewhere that didn’t have four distinct seasons would feel weird to them. Other people would rather live somewhere that’s warm and sunny all year round. What suits your personality? 

Amenities matter to. As you age, you may need different things in your life than you do now. For instance, access to local hospitals and medical facilities becomes more important. You may not want to live in an area where it takes you a long time and a far distance to get medical care. Walkability matters as well. Even if you drive now, that may not be the case in the future, so you might want to live somewhere that makes it possible to get around without a car.

Of course, there are financial considerations as well. In general, retirement often involves balancing your dream lifestyle with your financial reality. Yes, everyone would love to have true financial freedom and to not care about any costs at all, but that isn’t realistic for most. Therefore, when you’re looking at places to live in retirement, you also need to think about how they’ll affect your wallet.

Several US states have no income tax (such as Nevada and New Hampshire), while many others have no sales tax (New Hampshire, Oregon, Montana, Alaska, and Delaware). In addition, many states do not tax social security benefits (the states that do are Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Utah, and Vermont).

State taxes are not the only financial consideration either. You’ll need to look at the cost of living in each area, the property tax rates in the specific region or city, and many other factors. By comparing these numbers with what you hope your retirement will look like, you’ll be able to come up with the perfect US area to retire to.