Along with sunshine, gorgeous scenery and resort-style amenities, the perfect retirement destination also includes retirement-friendly tax laws. While you should consult a tax professional for more specific information, here is an overview of some of our favorite low-tax retirement communities.
1. Sun City Peachtree — Griffin, Georgia
Just 35 miles south of Atlanta, Sun City Peachtree is a sprawling 55+ community that offers an impressive line-up of amenities including an 18-hole golf course, a 45,000 square-foot clubhouse, and fabulous tennis facilities. In Georgia, Social Security income is exempt and residents over the age of 65 may qualify for property tax deductions.
2. Sun City Anthem — Henderson, Nevada
Perched in the foothills of the Black Mountains above the glittering Las Vegas Strip, Sun City Anthem is a sprawling active adult community with over 7,000 homes, three clubhouses, two 18-hole golf courses, and a wide range of amenities. Nevada is a tax-friendly state with no state income tax, no inheritance tax, and no estate tax.
3. The Villages — The Villages, Florida
With plans to expand to over 75,000 homes, The Villages is the largest active adult community in the world. This 55+ community is a town in itself with retail centers, medical facilities, recreation centers, and other services. As a retirement haven, Florida offers sunshine and tax-friendly laws such as no state sales tax and certain homestead exemptions on property taxes.
4. Sun City Hilton Head — Bluffton, South Carolina
Del Webb’s Sun City Hilton Head is an age-restricted community that exudes Southern charm while letting active adults enjoy one of the state’s most popular resort destinations. Highlights include over 8,000 homes, a lovely Town Center and Amenity Complex, and 36 holes of championship golf. South Carolina does not tax Social Security benefits and also offers retirement income deductions.
5. Heritage Shores — Bridgeville, Delaware
Located in Southern Delaware’s Sussex County, Heritage Shores features homes designed by a variety of builders, an 18-hole championship golf course, and a spacious clubhouse with numerous amenities. As one of the most tax-friendly states for retirees, Delaware has no sales tax and no tax on Social Security benefits. Residents over 60 or 65 may also qualify for exemptions on retirement income and credits on property taxes.
6. Robson Ranch — Eloy, Arizona
Halfway between Phoenix and Tucson, Robson Ranch is a desert oasis that features amenities such as an 18-hole golf course, a spacious clubhouse, and beautiful grounds that include fishing lakes and walking trails. Arizona appeals to retirees with low-income tax rates as well as exemptions for Social Security benefits and some retirement income.
7. Valencia Reserve — Boynton Beach, Florida
Set in Southeast Florida’s Palm Beach County, Valencia Reserve is a new active adult community that features a 41,000-square-foot clubhouse and semi-customizable single-family homes based on 17 different floor plans. In addition to having no state income tax, Florida also has no inheritance tax or estate tax.
