It’s almost become a cliche. When you mention retirement, moving to Florida comes to mind. Florida has long been regarded as the retirement capital of the U.S.
There is, of course, nothing wrong with moving to Florida after retiring. But you may not want to follow the crowds. In this article, we turn the spotlight on some alternative retirement destinations beyond the Sunshine State. Explore the benefits of other regions and challenge the assumption that Florida is the only retirement haven for your golden years.
There are many factors to consider when picking a place to retire, from finances and availability of healthcare to the proximity of loved ones and quality of life. You might find in this post the place that tickles your imagination and may even turn out to be perfect for you.
Year after year, thousands of Americans choose to retire in Florida. What’s not to like? The weather is warm, the cost of living is reasonable, and there is no state income tax. Besides, it’s great to live in an established tourist destination. Your friends and family are likely to visit often. And you will feel like you are living a perpetual beach holiday.
With so much going for the Sunshine State, it’s no surprise that it is home to many retirement communities. Designed for the growing population of retirees, these retirement communities in Florida offer numerous benefits. Many promote an active lifestyle garnered with social events, travel, and recreational activities, making them attractive to people who want to enjoy their golden years to the fullest.
The list of best places to retire in Florida does not end there. Many Florida cities and towns regularly feature in the “top 50 places to retire” rankings. Cities like Sarasota, Naples, and St. Augustine are noted for picturesque landscapes, cultural attractions, and access to good healthcare facilities. Whether you seek a peaceful coastal retreat, a thriving cultural hub, or a tranquil suburban setting, you will find your fit in Florida.
Are you among the people who do not enjoy hot and humid summers? Perhaps it is simply too far away for you. You may prefer to move closer to your family when you retire. After all, being surrounded by loved ones can bring great joy and give you a sense of security. Consider choosing a location that allows you to maintain those valuable relationships.
Is there a specific state you've always been curious about? WalletHub evaluated all 50 states and chose the 10 best states to retire in the USA in 2023. They based their selection on affordability, quality of life, and access to health care. Virginia took the first spot, and Florida the second. According to the report, other top states for retirees are Colorado, Wyoming, Delaware, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Minnesota, Idaho, and North Dakota.
Although Florida is often associated with a lower cost of living, it's not the only state that lets you stretch your retirement dollars. States like Nevada, Tennessee, and Texas have lower taxes, affordable housing options, and access to quality healthcare. North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee are also emerging as popular alternatives for retirees seeking affordable housing and a lower cost of living. According to the WalletHub study, Alabama, Mississippi, and Oklahoma are the three most budget-friendly states. Alaska, New York, and California have the highest cost of living.
As for the best cities to retire in the USA in 2023-2024, U.S. News ranks as many as 5 Pennsylvania cities among their top 10: Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, Allentown, and Reading. Four are in Florida (Pensacola, Tampa, Naples, and Daytona Beach), and one is in Michigan (Ann Arbor).
Pennsylvania’s Lancaster and Harrisburg took the two highest spots in the U.S. News ranking due to excellent healthcare, affordable housing, and high quality of life. Lancaster boasts a bustling center, manicured suburbs, and pastoral farmland. The parks and forests of Harrisburg are great for hiking, mountain biking, or camping.
There are also numerous active retirement communities all over the USA, such as Green Valley (Arizona), Sun City Summerlin (Nevada), and Leisure World (Maryland), to name just a few.
Of course, choosing a place to retire can’t be based only on rankings. Your retirement destination is a deeply personal choice. Consider your preferences and hobbies to ensure that you continue to pursue your passions and enjoy life to the fullest. Take the time to explore different places and weigh the pros and cons. Pay attention to what matters to you, for example, the proximity to loved ones, affordability, cultural opportunities, or a desire to experience something new.
Before making a decision, do your homework. Research the medical care facilities, housing prices, as well as local taxes. For example, it’s nice to hear that a state does not levy an income tax, but other taxes may be higher, such as the sales or property tax.
Spend some time in the place that is to become your future home. Live like the locals live and talk to the locals. That will give you a good idea of whether the place of your dreams is the place you can call home.
Do you want to learn about more awesome retirement destinations in the USA and the world? Check our blog post on Best Places to Live in 2023.
Wherever you decide to move in your retirement, you can rest assured that your move will go smoothly and stress-free with Shyft.
Moving is an overwhelming experience. However, the process can be easy and efficient with the right moving service. AARP® Moving Services powered by Shyft provides a reliable and convenient solution. Here is how Shyft can help you transition smoothly to your new home.
Time-saving and efficient process: Shyft’s innovative contactless method is designed to make your relocation as hustle-free as possible. One quick video call is all Shyft needs to take your complete inventory and send you multiple quotes from different moving companies.
Verified and trustworthy moving partners: Shyft partners with moving companies that meet strict professionalism, reliability, and customer satisfaction criteria. These partners are vetted to ensure they have the necessary licenses, insurance coverage, and a proven track record of delivering excellent service.
Tailored services: Shyft’s moving partners are trained to provide specialized services that cater to your needs. Whichever type of moving company you opt for, every aspect of the relocation is handled with care and precision. By choosing Shyft, you can have peace of mind knowing that your belongings will be treated with respect and attention to detail.
Cost savings and exclusive discounts: Shyft ensures you get competitive pricing when relocating. When you accept a quote, there are no additional fees or hidden costs. This alleviates the financial burden and makes relocation more affordable. On top of that, AARP members get up to $250 off every time they move.
Stress-free coordination: Shyft will assign a dedicated Move Coach, your single point of contact. The Move Coach organizes and oversees the entire move from door to door, assists with scheduling, answers questions, and addresses any concerns. You can focus on other aspects of the transition while leaving the logistics to the experts.
To enjoy a stress-free moving experience, first download the Shyft Next app on your iPhone or Android device. Then call 1-888-501-3181 or fill in the short form online to schedule a video call with a Shyft representative. This Shyft representative will be your Move Coach.
During the 30-minute video call, the Move Coach will create your moving list as you point the camera on your device at the items you want to move and send it to you shortly after the video call. This list is typically 95% accurate. Go through it carefully and add or remove specific items or services.
Your approved inventory list then goes to the secure platform where hundreds of verified professional moving companies can bid for your move by offering their best pricing. You will receive three or more top quotes to choose from. When you accept a quote, it becomes locked. The price cannot change, providing you book the move before the quote expiry date and do not alter any details.
Whichever company handles the move, your dedicated Move Coach will oversee the whole process from start to finish. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact Shyft 24/7.
To prepare for the relocation, download the Shyft moving checklist. Then proceed to book your move with Shyft. And remember, AARP members get an exclusive discount of up to $250 every time they move.
By partnering with trusted movers, providing exclusive benefits, and offering dedicated support, Shyft ensures you can transition to your new home with ease.
