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Sure, Florida charges no income taxes and offers warm weather year-round. But it’s also crowded in the winter and hot and humid in the summer, and it costs a lot like in many of the more attractive cities.
So which other destinations have started to attract more retirees? let’s take a look.
1. Casper, Wyoming
Let’s get this out of the way: Winters are cold in Wyoming.
Once that happens, consider the benefits of cities like Wyoming and Casper. “Like Florida, Wyoming does not charge any income tax, nor do they charge an inheritance tax,” explained Realtor Andrew Fortune. Great Colorado Homes.
Casper offers abundant outdoor recreation from fishing to hiking to hunting and beyond. The crime rate remains extremely low, and the average home costs $301,892.
2. Athens, Georgia
If Wyoming winters are too cold for you, consider Athens.
Retirees over the age of 62 can enjoy free classes at the University of Georgia in Athens. The cultural scene doesn’t end there, from the Georgia Museum of Art to the thriving local music scene to art galleries. In fact, Athens landed forbes‘List of top 25 cities to retire in 2025.
The cost of living won’t break the bank for retirees, either. The median home price is $332,919, and the college-town atmosphere keeps other costs manageable. “Plus, Georgia doesn’t tax your Social Security benefits, which helps keep them growing,” Fortune said.
3. Midland, Michigan
In a disappointing win, Midland came out on top US News & World Report List of the best places to retire in 2026.
“The Midwest claims close to a third of the top 30 cities for retirement centers in 2026,” said real estate professional Sen. Rhodes. clever proposal. “This is a marked change from the old conventional wisdom that retirees seek southern and beach destinations.”
Midland has affordable housing, with the average home price being just $240,729. Beyond cost, Midland offers ample senior programming in addition to excellent walkability and green spaces. Its strong healthcare system also helps attract retirees from across the country.
4. The Woodlands, Texas
Just north of Houston, The Woodlands offers retirees easy access to a major city without the hustle and bustle.
“Retirees enjoy access to a thoughtfully developed community with world-class health care, high-end shopping and cultural offerings, as well as an extensive trail system,” Rhodes said. In fact, The Woodlands is ranked fourth in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 ranking of retirement destinations.
It doesn’t hurt that Texas charges no state income tax. Or that the average home price in The Woodlands is $304,622, keeping costs manageable compared to the national average of $360,591.
5. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Sioux Falls managed to reach 16th place on the US News & World Report list, and also cracked the top 25. forbes.
The cost of living helps, with homes averaging $326,187. And like Texas, Wyoming and Florida, South Dakota charges no state income tax.
“Sioux Falls offers an ideally livable mid-sized city, it is culturally rich with an actively revitalizing downtown, and Falls Park is an authentic community gathering place,” Rhodes said. “In many instances, residents can cover basic retirement living expenses with Social Security income.”
Editor’s note: Average home prices obtained from Zillow.