Florida is praised by many retirees who flock there every year. The taxes are low, the weather is warm and balmy, and the diverse culture is vibrant and exciting. It’s no surprise that Florida ranks #1 as a retirement destination. Still, many would prefer avoiding the Sunshine State and retiring elsewhere. We understand! Blame it on humidity, hurricanes, and giant banana spiders, and explore 55places.com. Our goal is to match retirees with their ideal living situations, so keep reading to learn about the best alternatives to Florida for retirement.
Dislike Humidity? Try Arizona
Arizona is beloved by residents, retirees, and roughly 100,000 traveling “snowbirds” because it is a gorgeous state. The scenery is unbelievable! The state offers many retiree-friendly real estate options at every price point, from affordable to high-end.
It Gets Hot
In the spirit of unbiased and honest information, you should know that some parts of Arizona get extremely hot during the summer. In areas like Phoenix and Quartzsite, the average temperatures in July are around 108 degrees, but temperatures occasionally reach 120 degrees. But as you’ve probably already heard, it’s a dry heat. AZ is an excellent alternative to Florida retirement if you dislike humidity.
Arizona is a big state with several unique regions. For those who love an urban setting, Phoenix and Scottsdale are bustling cities with excellent dining, golfing, theatre, and cultural centers. Scottsdale is also home to an epic Arabian horse show with a thriving equestrian population.
If you prefer a less urban setting, consider Flagstaff. This mountain town offers towering pines, quick access to Grand Canyon National Park, and exciting wildlife encounters with massive elk and pig-like javelina.
Also, rockhounds interested in mining, geology and gemology should consider Quartzsite. It’s dry, sandy, and hot, but also home to several gem and mineral trade shows that last for months.
Need the Nautical? Consider the Outer Banks, North Carolina
If the idea of desert life is a total turn-off, the Outer Banks, just off the coast of North Carolina, offers hundreds of miles of gorgeous beaches, charming seaside towns, and plenty of U.S. history. The locals enjoy a reputation for being friendly and warm, and nautical historians will be thrilled to learn about famous pirates like Blackbeard, who frequented the area.
Anglers Adore It
The fishing at Outer Banks is excellent, whether you own a boat, charter one, or hang out on the beach every weekend. Sport fishing and deep ocean fishing are huge draws for anglers, but bird watchers and beachcombers will also be well-entertained all year long. If you enjoyed Florida’s fishing but little else about the state, the Outer Banks may be the ideal alternative to Florida for retirement.
The cuisine is quite good, especially if you enjoy fresh seafood. But there are also local breweries, BBQ joints, ice cream and coffee shops, and bakeries galore. If you’re looking for variety in your dining options, this is the place.
The Outer Banks also enjoys a busy tourist season. This is great for the local economy and for retirees hoping to meet new friends without being overwhelmed by them every day of the year.
As a coastal town, the Outer Banks does experience coastal weather. Hurricanes and tropical storms typically pass through within a few hours, causing minimal damage compared to Florida. And, thanks to modern technology like cell phones, social media, and Doppler radar, residents are well aware of potential storms and have plenty of time to “batten down the hatches.”
Still, some retirees may find housing prices high. With median home prices in the high $600ks according to OBX Realty Group, the Outer Banks may stay a vacation destination rather than a full-time retirement option.
Fiendishly Frugal? Retire in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is among our top alternatives to Florida for retirement, as it is known for its affordable living. If you’re coming from a state with costly real estate, high property taxes, and high income taxes (like California, for instance), you may be astonished at how far your money goes in Pennsylvania.
These remarkably low costs of living manifest as:
- Very affordable housing
- Relatively low property taxes
- Affordable goods and services
- Low income tax on wages
- No state income tax on Social Security income, 401k and traditional IRA investments
Pennsylvania is also home to gorgeous scenery, abundant wildlife, and chilly winters, making it a fresh alternative to Florida for retirement. Many retirees find “The Quaker State” an ideal home, especially if they’re into outdoorsy activities like hunting, skiing, hiking, birdwatching, and photography. Whitetail deer hunting is a popular winter activity.
There is a vibrant arts scene in the larger communities, like Erie, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia. And, depending on where in the state you retire, New York state and NYC might be a very short drive away.
Winters Are Cold
There are very few major setbacks for retirees heading to PA. However, the cold, long, snowy winter is a significant deterrent for some people, especially if they’re coming from a tropical state like Florida.
If you can handle a little chill, you might enjoy cross-country skiing, hunting, ice fishing, and photography during the chilliest months. Others prefer to snuggle in with some hot cocoa and a quilt. This lifestyle is not for every retiree, but many adore it.
Contact Us for More Alternatives to Florida for Retirement!
If none of these areas sounds exciting to you, that’s okay! The seasoned team of real estate experts at 55places.com can help you find the ideal setting. We invite you to spend more time on our website to learn about alternatives to Florida for retirement, or call us directly. Our mission is to match you with a situation you’ll love, whether that means golfing, pickleball, or complete privacy. Our talented team is here to help. Contact us today!
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