These are the best places to retire in the US, not in Florida

Anywhere but Florida

Thanks to spiraling costs and the impact of climate change, Florida is quickly losing its luster as a retirement destination. In fact, when Forbes magazine compiled its list of the 25 best places to retire – considering factors such as housing costs, taxes, healthcare, air quality, crime rates, and risk of natural hazards – only one city in the Sunshine State made the cut.

Click through the gallery to discover the new retirement hotspots where the living is good and your 401(k) goes further…

Apache Junction, Arizona

For active retirees, this small desert community northeast of Phoenix offers panoramic wilderness, an abundance of outdoor activities in the Lost Dutchman State Park, and sunshine most days of the year. The median house price sits 5% below the national average too, coming in at $382,000.

Nestled in the shadow of Superstition Mountain, Apache Junction also offers an above-average ratio of primary care physicians, as well as a good retiree tax climate. Social Security is exempt from income tax and there are no state taxes on estates or inheritances.

Athens, Georgia

Athens, Georgia, is a vibrant college town where seniors will feel immediately at home. It’s a rare mix of southern heritage and a buzzing music and arts scene, while college sports events at the University of Georgia are an integral part of life. The median house price of $333,000 is 18% below the national average, the retiree tax climate is as agreeable as the actual climate, and there are plenty of free outdoor activities to keep you busy too.

There's no shortage of hip neighborhoods to explore either, and the even-brighter lights of Atlanta are only 70 miles away.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Bethlehem is another former steel town reinventing itself, this time in the lovely Lehigh Valley, about 75 miles north of Philadelphia and 85 miles west of New York City. The former steel stacks on the south side of the city (pictured) have been transformed into buzzing cultural centers, the historic Moravian District is full of award-winning cafés, and there are plenty of places to hike, bike, and kayak throughout the Lehigh Valley.

Median house prices are 17% below the national average, at $334,000. The serious crime rate is low and there is a high number of primary care physicians.

College Station, Texas

This bikeable college town just 85 miles northwest of Houston is a more laidback version of Austin, offering a thriving local economy, diverse dining options, and the chance to cheer on the Fightin’ Texas Aggies from the local Texas A&M University. 

The median home price is $347,000, an impressive 14% below the national average. Retirees appreciate the low crime rate, an abundance of doctors, and no state income or estate tax.

Columbia, Missouri

Midway between St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is a classic college town with a thriving cultural scene. For more active seniors, nearby Rock Bridge State Park offers incredible hiking trails, while the MKT Trail is a nine-mile rail trail built on the bed of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad. Co-Mo, as the locals call it, is affordable too.

The median home price is $306,000, 24% below the national median. There’s a high ratio of primary care doctors and Missouri's top rate of income tax rate has just been lowered to 4.70% – with Social Security benefits now completely exempt.

Fargo, North Dakota

Fargo is North Dakota’s largest city, famous for its Art-Deco hotels, vibrant arts community, and friendly Great Plains vibe. Population-wise, it’s a relatively young city. The average age sits around 31 years old, but there’s much to recommend Fargo to seniors too.

The air quality is good, it’s easily bikeable or walkable, and there's a high number of primary care doctors. The majestic Great Plains are on the doorstep, beckoning to be explored, and the median house price is a very affordable $305,000. There's no state tax on Social Security or estates either.

Greenville, South Carolina

Greenville sits in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers the perfect mix of beautiful nature and Southern hospitality. House prices are affordable, with the median house price of just $317,000 , a staggering 22% below the national average.

The city’s gorgeous Falls Park ranks in Tripadvisor’s Top Ten Parks in America, the cultural and foodie scene is buzzy, and everywhere is easily reached by foot or bicycle. There’s no state estate tax or tax on Social Security benefits either.

Iowa City, Iowa

If you can live with the very cold winters, there’s a lot to recommend this famous college town in southeastern Iowa. It has a very high ratio of primary care physicians, is eminently bikeable and walkable, and it has a very low rate of serious crime. In fact, Livability.com ranked Iowa City as one of the best places to live in the USA, stating that the city offers “plenty of outdoor activities, opportunities to flex your creative muscle, and a low cost of living."

The median house price is $289,000 and there is no state income tax on Social Security or other retirement income.

Lawrence, Kansas

This bicycle-friendly town can be found just 40 miles west of Kansas City and is home to two colleges. It has a bohemian heart with plenty of great things to see and do, plus an array of hip places to eat and drink.

The city boasts over 50 public parks and a median home price of $318,000, 21% below the national median. Lawrence also has a terrific live music scene, especially in summer when the gazebo in South Park hosts a range of free public concerts.

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Lexington, Kentucky

The charming central Kentucky town of Lexington sits in the heart of the state’s famous horse country. The air quality here is excellent, and the city is literally surrounded by serene rolling hills of bluegrass. However, it still offers all the benefits of a lively modern city, including some of the country’s leading bourbon distilleries.

The median home price of $316,000 sits 22% below the national median, there’s a high ratio of primary care physicians, and although there is a state inheritance tax, anything left to close relatives is exempt.

Lincoln, Nebraska

Nebraska doesn’t immediately spring to mind as a great place to retire, but if you’re looking for big city charm in a rural setting, you can’t beat the state capital, Lincoln. Life is a little more relaxed and slower paced, but you’ll find everything you need.

The cost of living is low, the median house price of $283,000 is 30% below the national average, and the job market is strong should you want to supplement your retirement income.

Madison, Wisconsin

If you don’t mind cold winters, Wisconsin’s capital could be the place for you. It’s home to world-class museums and galleries, as well as a vibrant urban environment that's never far from nature.

The median home price of $408,000 is about 1% above the national average, and there is a state income tax of 5.3% should your joint earnings go above $39,150. But the medical facilities are outstanding and there is no state tax on Social Security or government retirement plans.

Newark, Delaware

Midway between Philadelphia and Baltimore, the tiny college town of Newark offers small-town charm, with all the big-city amenities within easy reach. Here you’ll find history, culture, and nature, all on your doorstep, as well as a high number of physicians, good air quality, and a very low crime rate.

The median home price is $351,000, a very welcome 13% below the national average. There is no state sales tax, no state estate or inheritance tax, and no state income tax on Social Security.

Pasco, Washington

Retiring in the Pacific Northwest can come with a hefty price tag attached. But this pretty city on the venerable Columbia River is one of the more affordable options. Sitting in the heart of the Tri-Cities area, the median home price of $406,000 is only 1% above the national average.

Better still, the cost of living is 3% below the national average. Add in a comfortable climate, a good number of primary care physicians, and a low crime rate, and Pasco certainly deserves consideration.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s Steel City has undergone a huge transformation over the past couple of decades, becoming one of the most affordable retirement destinations in the country, with tight-knit communities, an abundance of downtown parks and trails, and top-notch medical facilities.

The median house price is 43% below the national average at $231,000, and Pennsylvania has a flat rate of 3.07% personal income tax; Social Security is exempt for retirees.

Raleigh, North Carolina

North Carolina’s state capital is famous for its oak-lined streets and numerous parks, earning it the nickname of the "City of Oaks." It also boasts a charming historic downtown, a vibrant performing arts scene, museums and galleries, and a host of annual festivals.

At $440,000, the median home price is 9% above the national average, but that is offset by low state taxes, great healthcare, and a very comfortable climate.

Rochester, Minnesota

There’s no denying that it gets cold in Rochester in winter, with temperatures hovering between 25-29°F – but this charming Minnesotan town has so much else going for it as a place to retire to. It is home to the world-famous Mayo Clinic, boasts 100 city parks, 85 miles of bike trails, and the gorgeous Silver Lake sits just a mile from downtown.

There’s a buzzing arts and food scene, an outstanding ratio of primary care doctors, and a median house price of $328,000 – 19% below the national average. 

San Antonio, Texas

This lively South Texas city is the seventh biggest city by population in the United States, but it doesn’t feel like it. In fact, wander the city’s famous River Walk and, at times, you’ll feel as though you have the place to yourself.

The median home price of $252,000 is a staggering 38% below the national average. There is no state income or estate tax. And the city’s status as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy ensures that you will always eat well.

Savannah, Georgia

If there is a more charming place to retire than the river city of Savannah in Georgia, we don’t know of it. Spanish moss hangs from majestic oaks, cobbled streets are lined by stately townhouses, and there are countless cafés, galleries, and museums where you can while away the day.

With the median house price sitting 20% below the national average at $322,000, it’s affordable too, especially when your Social Security and up to $65,000 of your retirement income is exempt from state taxes.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

South Dakota’s largest city takes its name from the series of falls that the mighty Big Sioux River thunders over in Falls Park, right near the center of town. It’s the most historic part of the city too, home to the farmers’ markets, cafés, museums, and galleries that make Sioux Falls an excellent retirement base for seniors.

The median home price is $326,000 and there’s no state income, estate, or inheritance tax.

Spokane, Washington

If you’re looking for a Seattle lifestyle at a fraction of the cost, you should consider retiring to the lovely Washington river town of Spokane, just 280 miles to the east. The gourmet coffee – and weather, it has to be said – are on par with Seattle, but where the median house price in the Emerald City is around $885,000, it’s only $390,000 in Spokane.

Throw in good air quality, a low risk of natural hazards, plenty of primary care doctors, and no state income tax, and a Pacific Northwest retirement is more affordable than you might think.

Tucson, Arizona

This bustling Sonoran Desert city is perfect for seniors looking for year-round warmth. For the active, it’s an outdoor playground, with Saguaro National Park straddling the east and west of the city, while those who like the finer things in life will be pleased to hear that Tucson is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

There is no shortage of primary care doctors, no estate or inheritance tax, and a median house price of just $329,000, 19% below the national average.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

With its warm summers, mild winters and a golden beach that seems to stretch on forever, Virginia Beach offers everything seniors like about Florida, but without a lot of the downsides. The city sits at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, just 200 miles south of Washington D.C., there are no state taxes on your Social Security, and the median house price is right on the national median at $404,000.

It’s like Florida, but in a location where your East Coast family can easily drop in and visit.

Winchester, Virginia

This gorgeous historic town sits nestled in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, just 75 miles northwest of the nation’s capital. For retirees looking for history, culture, and stunning nature, right on their doorstep, Winchester simply can’t be beaten.

The median home price sits 5% below the national average at $382,000. There’s no state tax on Social Security, inheritances, or estates. And the entire town is eminently walkable.

The Villages, Florida

If you really have your heart set on Florida, there is only one place in the Sunshine State you should consider, according to Forbes: The Villages, a retiree-oriented town just 50 miles northwest of Orlando.

The town offers "active retirement living at its best," backing its claim with world-class golf courses, a host of entertainment, recreation, shopping, and dining opportunities, and endless social activities. Winters are mild, median home prices are right on the national average at $404,000, and there is no state income or estate tax.

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