After retiring, Americans are finding that sunny beaches in Florida are not the only factor influencing their relocation decisions. Housing space, safety, tax burden, and convenience of daily life are becoming crucial considerations for retirees when choosing a place to settle down.
According to analysis by the U.S. moving service platform, HireAHelper, based on nearly 15 million relocation records of adults, in 2025, there were 2,102,587 people aged 65 and above moving across the United States, accounting for approximately 3.4% of the population in that age group. The median distance of these moves was only 11.7 miles, indicating that a considerable number of retirees did not venture far but relocated near their original residence.
However, the destination for interstate migration of people aged 65 and above is not solely Florida. South Carolina added a net of 5,427 residents aged 65 and above last year, ranking the highest in the nation. Even though Florida had the most people aged 65 and above moving in with 45,696 residents, it also saw 44,881 people moving out, resulting in a net increase of only 815 individuals. At the city level, Las Vegas, Tucson, and Houston saw the most population influx of people aged 65 and above.
On October 4th, the finance website, MoneyLion, reported on five places drawing attention from retirees, utilizing data from census, home prices, safety ratings, and observations of local real estate professionals: Greenville County in South Carolina, Gainesville in Florida, Greenwich in Connecticut, Katy in Texas, and Savannah in Georgia. These five places do not necessarily rank in the top 5 for retirement population influx, and each offers unique features that attract retirees.
Greenville County has recently caught the eye of retirees. Keith Lucas, founder of Retirement Life USA, mentioned that in the past few months, Greenville County has become a more frequently chosen location for their retired clients, with many moving to Travelers Rest, Lyman, and Greer.
Census data shows that people aged 65 and above make up about 15.1% of the population in Greenville County, with a median household income of $71,472. For households with mortgages, monthly housing costs average around $2,106, while mortgage-free households pay approximately $642. South Carolina does not impose state income tax on social security benefits. MoneyLion also listed the property tax rate at around 0.49% in the same piece.
While Florida remains a traditional hotspot for retirement, some are steering clear of high-priced cities like Miami and turning to Gainesville and its surrounding areas.
Data from Redfin shows that neighboring towns like Starke, High Springs, Newberry, and Alachua have median home prices ranging from $149,900 to $357,245.
In Gainesville, the median household income stands at $46,195, with monthly housing costs around $1,599 for mortgaged homes and $615 for mortgage-free homes. The effective property tax rate is approximately 0.78%, and Florida does not levy state income tax.
In terms of safety, the U.S. community and school assessment website, Niche, awarded Gainesville a safety grade of C, with some outlying communities receiving higher ratings.
Another category of retirees prioritizes factors other than affordability.
Greenwich in Connecticut comes with a high cost of living. The population aged 65 and above in the area is slightly over 21%, with a median household income of $134,914. For households with mortgages, monthly housing costs exceed $4,000, while mortgage-free households pay around $1,500.
Real estate broker Megan Sullivan from Douglas Elliman mentioned that her retired clients mostly come from New York City, Westchester County, and other parts of Connecticut. She believes that Greenwich offers a more leisurely pace of life, with lower tax burdens compared to neighboring New York.
According to data provided by MoneyLion, the property tax rate in Connecticut is about 1.54%, with income tax rates ranging from 2% to 6.99%. Tax exemptions are available for social security and some retirement income. Niche rated Greenwich’s safety at a B.
Katy in Texas, near Houston, provides access to urban amenities like healthcare and shopping while offering suburban living. Financial institution Empower has listed it as one of the suitable suburban areas for retirees in the Lone Star State.
Census data shows that the population aged 65 and above in Katy is around 11.1%, with a median household income of $114,912. Monthly housing costs for mortgaged homes are about $2,953, while mortgage-free homes pay approximately $947. Texas does not collect state personal income tax, and Niche gave Katy a safety grade of B-.
Retirees in Savannah, Georgia, may not necessarily choose to reside in the city center. Local real estate agent Alex Rodino mentioned that Richmond Hill, Pooler, and Skidaway Island are outskirts frequently considered by retired clients.
These areas close to Savannah offer urban amenities while providing more living space. The city itself has a population aged 65 and above at approximately 14.3%, with a median household income of $57,137. Monthly housing costs for mortgaged homes are around $1,592, and mortgage-free homes pay about $947. Richmond Hill received a safety grade of B- according to Niche.
These five locations offer significant differences: some prioritize tax burdens, some seek relatively affordable housing, while others are willing to spend more for safety, space, and quality of life. For retirees, choosing a new residence involves more than just picking a warm-weather destination; housing, safety, tax burden, and convenience of daily life must all be taken into consideration.