Retirement isn’t what it used to be. Gone are the days when everyone packed up and headed straight to Florida or Arizona the minute the gold watch showed up. These days, people are picking spots that fit their lives—places where the money goes further, the weather cooperates most of the year, and there’s actually something fun to do every day. Some choices are predictable, others are surprising. Here’s a closer look at what’s really drawing retirees right now and where people are choosing to move to.
What’s Changing the Retirement Map
A lot of folks are tired of sky-high housing prices in the usual suspects. Florida is still busy, but insurance costs and crowds have pushed people to look harder at other states. No state income tax is a huge selling point—think Tennessee, Nevada, Texas, and South Carolina. Good hospitals nearby matter more than ever, and so does having trails, lakes, or golf courses within a short drive.
The biggest shift? People want community. Not just neighbors, but actual friends who share hobbies. That’s why gated developments and active-adult neighborhoods are popping up everywhere.
Here are the states showing up most often on retirees’ short lists this year:
- Florida (still the champ for sunshine and tax breaks)
- Tennessee (quietly climbing the ranks)
- Nevada (Vegas proximity without the chaos)
- South Carolina (coastal but more affordable)
- Arizona (holding strong for dry warmth)
The Tried-and-True Favorites
Florida isn’t going anywhere. Warm winters, beaches, and no state income tax keep the moving trucks rolling south. Places like Naples, Sarasota, and The Villages stay packed because everything is built around retirement life—golf carts are practically the official transportation.
Arizona hangs on tight, too. Scottsdale and Tucson offer that perfect dry heat that makes joints feel better, plus endless golf and hiking. The desert sunsets alone are worth the move for many people.
A Quiet Star in Tennessee: Rarity Bay
If you haven’t heard of Rarity Bay yet, you will. It sits on a peninsula jutting into Tellico Lake in East Tennessee, with the Smoky Mountains as the backyard view. It’s gated, peaceful, and built for people who love being outside year-round.
The weather is gentle—four real seasons without brutal winters or scorching summers. Tennessee doesn’t tax retirement income, and property prices feel reasonable compared to coastal hot spots. Homes range from cozy lake cottages to bigger custom builds, many with docks right out back.
What keeps people happy once they’re there:
- A gorgeous golf course that winds through the hills
- Miles of walking trails and a full equestrian center
- Dozens of clubs—everything from boating and fishing to book groups and pickleball leagues
- Community events that actually get good turnout
It’s far enough from Knoxville to feel like an escape, close enough for decent shopping and hospitals. For a lot of retirees, it’s the sweet spot between boredom and overwhelm. If you have Tennessee on your list of potential destinations, be sure to check out Rarity Bay homes for sale and chat with locals to hear about their first-hand experiences in the area.
A Classic Choice: Boca Raton, Florida
Let’s face it, Florida = retirement. It has a desirable climate, plenty of things to do, and it’s relatively affordable to seniors. But what makes Boca Raton a great choice for retirement is its location in South Florida, right on the beach. Several retirement villages fill the community. You’ll confidently find any amenities you may be looking for in a place in retirement.
If you’re more looking for a single-family home in Boca Raton, there’s no shortage of options either. You’ll need to have a little more of a budget, but if you’re used to Northeast prices or Califronia prices, you’ll be pleasantly surprised how much a home costs in Boca.
Lastly, living in Boca Raton puts you close to so many things in South Florida. You’ll never have a dull moment in your retirement years.
Desert Living with a Twist: Summerlin Near Las Vegas
Summerlin proves you can live near Las Vegas without living in Las Vegas. It’s a huge master-planned community west of the Strip, up in the foothills where the air is cleaner and the summers a little less intense.
Several neighborhoods inside Summerlin are geared toward people 55 and older—Sun City Summerlin, Regency, Trilogy, and a few others. Nevada has no state income tax, which means more cash for travel or grandkids. You can catch a show downtown one night and hike Red Rock Canyon the next morning.
Daily life looks like this:
- Over 250 parks and 150 miles of trails weaving through the neighborhoods
- Clubhouses packed with pools, gyms, tennis courts, and classes
- Resident-run groups for cards, woodworking, theater—you name it
- Guard gates and good security for peace of mind
It works best for people who still want some energy in their lives but prefer quiet streets and mountain views at home. If Nevada is on your retirement list, start looking at homes for sale in Summerlin right away.
A Few Other Places Turning Heads
Greenville, South Carolina, keeps climbing lists with its walkable downtown, mild weather, and reasonable home prices. Walla Walla, Washington, pulls in wine lovers who want small-town charm and rolling vineyards. Out in Texas, spots around Austin and San Antonio offer culture and barbecue without Florida-level humidity.
Even some Midwest cities are making comebacks. Places with strong hospitals, low crime, and four-season beauty are drawing people who don’t mind a real winter if the summers are gorgeous.
Picking the Right Spot for You
At the end of the day, the perfect retirement town is the one that matches how you want to spend your time. Some folks need water every day. Others want mountains or a quick flight to see family. A few just want the lowest possible tax bill and good neighbors.
The good news? There are more solid choices now than ever. Whether it ends up being the calm lakes of Rarity Bay, the desert buzz of Summerlin, or somewhere completely different, the key is visiting first. Talk to people who live there. Walk the neighborhoods. Feel the vibe.
