Retirees are flocking to these 10 U.S. states—No. 1 offers low taxes and sunny weather
Real Estate
CNBC

Retirees are flocking to these 10 U.S. states—No. 1 offers low taxes and sunny weather

Why This Matters

In 2023, Florida was the most popular destination for U.S. residents aged 60 and over.

July 5, 2025
01:00 PM
3 min read
AI Enhanced

Spend'Starter s' cost at least $1 million in over 200 U. Cities, Zillow findsEarnHow much you need to earn to be upper-middle class in every U. StateSpendThe 10 U.

Cities where rents are rising the fastest—5 are in the Midwest and InvestHow long $2 million in retirement savings lasts in every U. StateReal EstateNew report: The 10 U.

Cities where rent is the most affordableCdwheatley | E+ | Getty ImagesRetirees are fleeing California and flocking to Florida. In 2023, Florida was the most destination for U.

Residents aged 60 and over, according to a June study by SmartAsset, which analyzed the data from the Census Bureau's American Community Survey.

The state saw a net migration gain of 44,504 residents 60 and over — the highest in the country and more than double that of the next highest state, North Carolina, which had a net gain of just over 20,000.

In contrast, California experienced the largest net loss, with 56,858 more people in the age group leaving than moving in.

While the Sunshine State has had the nation's largest net migration of people 60 and older since at least 2021, net migration to Florida in 2023 was down significantly from 2022's net gain of 77,290 residents largely due to a decline in retirees moving to the state.

Here are the top 10 states where retirees moved in 2023, ranked by the highest net inflow of people aged 60 and over. FloridaNet migration: 44,504Total population aged 60 and older: 6,515,4532.

North CarolinaNet migration: 20,369Total population aged 60 and older: 2,610,4223. ArizonaNet migration: 20,203Total population aged 60 and older: 1,905,5624.

South CarolinaNet migration: 14,676Total population aged 60 and older: 1,408,4245. GeorgiaNet migration: 13, 789Total population aged 60 and older: 2,370,4556.

TexasNet migration: 10,050Total population aged 60 and older: 5,889,5827. NevadaNet migration: 5,782Total population aged 60 and older: 757,3488.

IdahoNet migration: 5,182Total population aged 60 and older: 463,0849. OklahomaNet migration: 4,940Total population aged 60 and older: 925,67610.

DelawareNet migration: 4,519Total population aged 60 and older: 296,881Retirees may be moving to Florida for good reason.

Despite its relatively high cost of living, Florida was ranked the best state to retire in by WalletHub in 2025, due to its tax-friendly policies, recreational opportunities and government-funded grams for seniors.

A major draw of retiring in Florida is that the state has no income tax. For retirees, this means Social Security benefits, pensions and retirement account withdrawals are not taxed.

Additionally, Florida has no estate or inheritance tax, which can be a financial advantage for those planning to pass on wealth.

The state also boasts the second-most shoreline miles in the country, and ranks second in the amount of adult volunteer activities, fifth in theater companies and seventh in golf courses and country s — offering retirees a number of ways to stay active and engaged, according to WalletHub.

Are you ready to buy a house. Take Smarter by CNBC Make It's new online course How to Buy Your First. Expert instructors will help you weigh the cost of renting vs.

Buying, financially prepare, and confidently navigate every step of the cess—from mortgage basics to closing the deal.

Today and use coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 30% off $97 (+taxes and fees) through July 15, 2025.

Plus, for CNBC Make It's to get tips and tricks for success at work, with money and in life, and request to join our exclusive community on LinkedIn to connect with experts and peers.

9:1709:17We in an $835K French chateau—and turned it into a bed and breakfastUnlocked.

FinancialBooklet Analysis

AI-powered insights based on this specific article

Key Insights

  • Financial sector news can impact lending conditions and capital availability for businesses

Questions to Consider

  • Could this financial sector news affect lending conditions and capital availability?

Stay Ahead of the Market

Get weekly insights into market shifts, investment opportunities, and financial analysis delivered to your inbox.

No spam, unsubscribe anytime