Top Retirement-Friendly States to Buy a Home: Discover Where to Enjoy Your Retirement.
As retirement approaches, many seniors and active adults begin to consider where they want to spend their next chapter. Whether you’re dreaming of sunshine, mountain views, or a quiet lakeside town, choosing the right state can make all the difference. The best retirement-friendly states offer affordable living, tax advantages, strong healthcare systems, and vibrant 55+ communities.
Below, we spotlight four of the most retirement-friendly states in the U.S. and highlight three top-rated communities in each. If you’re ready to find your perfect retirement home, start your search here.
Florida: Sunshine, Coastlines, and Tax-Free Retirement
Florida remains a top choice for retirees thanks to its warm climate, no state income tax, and miles of beautiful beaches. It’s also home to some of the most established and active 55+ communities in the country.
Retirement Communities in Florida:
- Shea Homes at Ocala Preserve – Ocala – Located in Florida’s “Horse Capital of the World,” Shea Homes® at Ocala Preserve is a 55+ resort-style community offering luxurious homes, top-tier amenities, and easy access to nature, golf, and culture.
- Northtide Naples – Naples – Located in Naples, Northtide Naples is a vibrant 55+ active-adult RV and manufactured-home community boasting resort-style amenities—a heated pool, spacious clubhouse, tiki hut, library, and regular social events. Less than four miles from beaches, dining, and shopping, it offers an ideal blend of relaxation and convenience.
- Cresswind DeLand – Deland – Nestled along scenic Lake Winnemissett in DeLand, Florida, Cresswind DeLand is a vibrant 55+ community offering resort-style living. Enjoy a lakefront clubhouse with SmartFIT gym, arts studio, pool, tennis—and endless social events. Just minutes from beaches, parks, shopping, and cultural attractions near Orlando.
Arizona: Dry Climate and Desert Living at Its Best
Arizona attracts retirees with its low humidity, scenic desert views, and lower cost of living. The state also offers great tax benefits and is ideal for those with respiratory or joint health concerns.
Retirement Communities in Arizona:
- Trilogy at Wickenburg Ranch – A resort-style 55+ community featuring award-winning golf, spa, pools, fitness, tennis, pickleball, and social events. Enjoy Western charm, modern homes, and year-round outdoor living just an hour from Phoenix.
- Mesa Shadows – Mesa – 55+ manufactured-home community offering affordable, low-maintenance living with resort-style amenities—pool, spa, fitness center, clubhouse, tennis, pickleball, shuffleboard, bocce—and lively social events. Enjoy mountain views and easy access to shopping, dining, trails, and Phoenix-area cultural hotspots
North Carolina: Scenic Variety and Southern Charm
From mountain towns to coastal escapes, North Carolina offers retirees a wide range of lifestyle choices. It’s praised for its mild four-season climate, affordable housing, and access to top healthcare facilities.
Retirement Communities in North Carolina:
- Trilogy Lake Norman – Denver – 55+ resort-style community featuring the spectacular Twin Mills Club—offering pools, fitness, dining, pickleball, boating, trails, and year-round social events—plus custom single-family homes from 1,450–3,300 sq ft starting in the $400k’s
- Brookside by DR Horton, Troutman – Nestled between charming Troutman and Lake Norman State Park, Brookside Freedom Series by D.R. Horton offers accessible ranch‑style homes with upscale finishes and smart‑home tech. Amenities include walking trails, bocce, a dog park, and easy access to boating, I‑77, and Charlotte.
- Cresswind Wesley Chapel – Monroe – Located in Monroe, just 40 minutes from Charlotte, Cresswind Wesley Chapel by Kolter Homes is a vibrant active‑adult 55+ community offering resort-style amenities: clubhouse, SmartFIT gym, outdoor pool, tennis & pickleball courts, trails, and a full-time Lifestyle Director. Homes range from 1,668–2,809 sq ft.
South Carolina: Southern Hospitality Meets Coastal Beauty
South Carolina is beloved for its charming small towns, historical character, and scenic beaches. With a relatively low cost of living and generous tax exemptions for seniors, it’s a smart and serene retirement destination.
Retirement Communities in South Carolina:
- Westport Freedom Series by DR Horton – York – It offers ranch and two-story smart homes with premium finishes, covered patios, and low‑maintenance yards. Community amenities include pool, clubhouse, fitness center with yoga studio, playground, pickleball and bocce courts, walking trails, pavilion, and fire‑pit areas—all near Lake Wylie and Charlotte convenience.
- The Gentry at Handsmill – Lake Wylie – A gated 55+ lakeside community featuring single-story homes with 2–5 bedrooms and flexible bonus rooms. Enjoy direct access to Lake Wylie’s marina, waterfront trails, clubhouse with pool, fitness center, playground, and scenic surroundings—all just 30 minutes from Charlotte.
- Woodside by Landed Gentry – Mount Vernon – A master-planned, gated active-adult community perched among rolling hills, lakes, and pine forests. With four championship golf courses, two clubhouses, USTA-certified tennis/pickleball courts, a resort-style pool, fitness center, 21+ miles of walking trails, and 60+ clubs, it redefines luxury Southern living.
How to Choose the Best Retirement State and Community
When deciding where to buy a home for retirement, consider these key factors:
- Climate and Lifestyle Fit – Warm weather vs. four seasons? Beachfront vs. mountain living?
- Tax Benefits – Some states have no income tax, while others offer property tax relief for seniors.
- Healthcare Access – Proximity to hospitals and specialists is critical as you age.
- Community Features – Do you want golf, fitness centers, social clubs, or quiet nature paths?
- Cost of Living – Factor in housing prices, HOA fees, insurance, and general expenses.
Ready to Begin Your Next Chapter?
Your retirement should reflect the lifestyle you’ve worked hard to achieve. These states and communities provide everything from affordability to luxury, active living to peaceful retreats. Take the next step toward finding your dream retirement home today.
