Climate, affordability, and services are just a few of the most important considerations when deciding where to spend your retirement years.
SmartAsset, a financial technology company, discovered which cities retirees are moving to that are less expensive while still providing a high quality of life.
Can you guess which two Nevada cities made the list?
Decisions Decisions
SmartAsset examined migration data from the United States Census Bureau to determine where retirees are relocating. According to them, community, taxes, recreation, climate, and other factors all contribute to what makes each city attractive.
These were the findings, beginning with where retirees are most likely to move.
1: Mesa, AZ
Retirees are flocking to Mesa, Arizona, which welcomed nearly 5,000 new senior residents from other states. With a warm, low-humidity climate, many seniors comfortably enjoy the weather.
Plus, the city charges a slightly lower sales tax rate than Phoenix. Over 24% of the Mesa population is 60 years and older.
2: Henderson, NV
Nevada had two cities in the top ten, the first being Henderson. With a nett migration of 1,602 seniors, retirees clearly enjoy soaking up the sun there.
Nevada’s lack of a state income tax attracts people looking for a few extra dollars on their paychecks.
Seniors account for slightly more than 25% of Henderson’s population, and the city is home to several thriving 55+ communities.
3: San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, the largest city in the United States to make this list of the top ten states where people want to retire, is rich in culture and offers a plethora of activities.
With exciting landmarks like the Alamo and miles of picturesque paved trails along the Riverwalk, it’s no surprise that San Antonio had the third-largest nett migration of retirees, adding 1,164 senior citizens.
4: North Las Vegas, NV
Retirees looking to enjoy their golden years are taking the plunge and relocating to North Las Vegas. According to data, approximately 2,300 seniors moved to the vibrant city from outside Nevada.
North Las Vegas, located in the Mojave Desert, remains warm and dry for the majority of the year and is close to one of the world’s most famous entertainment destinations.
5: Boise, ID
Boise, which welcomed 2,089 new senior residents, is one of the most popular cities for retirees to relocate.
The often-overlooked city in the North-west has a low cost of living, beautiful natural scenery, and a trendy downtown scene. It also has several retirement communities.
6: Wilmington, NC
If you’re a retiree looking to settle in a coastal city, Wilmington has the highest percentage of senior residents among the top ten cities where retirees are moving, with 27% aged 60 and up.
Not only are retirees moving to Wilmington (with a nett migration of 992), but they are also staying put. Only 453 people aged 60 and up departed for another state.
7: Frisco, TX
Texas is a retiree’s dream, thanks to its warm weather and reasonably priced housing. Frisco is a laid-back city in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area that offers appealing tax breaks for retirees.
Homeowners can use a special homestead exemption to lower their property tax bill. More than 1,430 seniors moved to Frisco from out of state.
8: Miami, FL
Why not make your retirement feel like an ongoing vacation? Miami has a high cost of living, but its beaches and entertainment are unlike anything else.
If your retirement budget allows for it, consider relocating there.
Seniors account for nearly a quarter of the total population, and there are several retirement communities to choose from.
9: Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville is another popular Florida retirement destination. Especially when compared to larger cities like Miami, it has a lower cost of living and no state income tax.
Eight hundred forty-three new residents aged 60 and up moved to Miami.
One of the biggest benefits? Only a 30-minute drive separates the beaches and downtown.
10: Raleigh, NC
Raleigh has grown into one of the most popular cities in the United States, thanks to its strong economy, plentiful job market, and pleasant climate.
Seniors are moving to Raleigh and staying there, with only 454 people aged 60 and up leaving the state.
Its relatively low cost of living (compared to other major cities) makes it particularly appealing, as do the grandchildren who live there with their parents and take advantage of Raleigh’s job market.
Arizona on Top
Mesa had the nation’s largest nett gain of seniors for the third year in a row.
Its retiree population grew by more than twice that of Henderson, Nevada, the runner-up city.
Moving On Up
According to data, most American seniors are leaving expensive northeastern cities and moving to other parts of the country.
According to SmartAsset, for some people, relocating to a cheaper or more tax-friendly state is a necessity rather than a choice.
Soak Up the Sun
Many seniors want to spend their golden years with their toes in the sand.
According to data, more than 78,000 senior residents relocated to Florida from other states. Miami, Jacksonville, St. Petersburg, and Tampa were popular retirement destinations.
The Big Surprise
According to Bankrate, Iowa is the best state for retirement.
Iowa ranked first due to its affordable healthcare and cost of living, as well as its low crime rate.
Mass Exodus
According to SmartAsset, something about Charlotte drove seniors away from the previously high-ranking North Carolina retirement city. It fell 100 spots since the last study, with 3,150 retirees leaving to relocate to another city.
According to the most recent statistics, only 1,860 people moved to Charlotte from other states.
