5 States Near Florida To Check for Retirement
Written by
G. Brian Davis
Edited by
Amber Barkley
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There’s plenty to like about Florida, from its abundant beaches to its mild winters to its fishing and boating access — though the cost of living can be high, depending on where you live.
But after a surge of inbound migration during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the population flood has ebbed. In 2022, an impressive 314,467 residents moved to Florida, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That dropped to 185,067 in 2023 — and 64,017 last year.
Why? Many feel the Sunshine State has just grown too expensive. Statewide, home prices have surged 53.2% over the past five years. Homeowners insurance has skyrocketed by 72%, according to a report by ValuePenguin.
So what nearby states offer viable alternatives for retirement? Try these five offering more bang for your post-career buck.
Alabama
- Median Home Price: $228,669
- Home Price Savings vs. Florida: 41.0%
Alabama features mild winters and a massive discount on housing compared to Florida.
Adam Hamilton, CEO of real estate accounting platform REI Hub, highlighted the savings potential.
“Alabama makes a great alternative to Florida, primarily for financial reasons,” he explained. “It is known for having some of the best tax policies for retirees, and that alone can make a big difference for retirees on a fixed income. Social Security benefits aren’t taxed, and neither is pension income or retirement account withdrawals.”
In other words, your retirement nest egg stretches much further.
As a final thought, Alabama does offer some coastline and beaches of its own, if that’s part of what appealed to you about Florida.
Tennessee
- Median Home Price: $319,167
- Home Price Savings vs. Florida: 17.6%
Another appeal of Florida is its lack of income tax — but it’s not the only Sun Belt state to keep its paws off your income. Tennessee likewise doesn’t tax personal incomes.
“Tennessee attracts retirees with its low cost of living and mix of urban and rural areas,” said consumer finance expert Aaron Razon of Couponsnake. “The state also boasts both a rich cultural scene and outdoor recreational opportunities.”
Indeed, the “Volunteer State” features stunning natural beauty from the Great Smoky Mountains to rolling countryside to snaking lakes and rivers.
South Carolina
- Median Home Price: $298,029
- Home Price Savings vs. Florida: 23.1%
With median home prices nearly $100,000 lower than Florida’s, South Carolina also offers a great opportunity for savings without sacrifice.
Steve Schwab, CEO of vacation rental management platform Casago, recommended it as a retirement destination. “South Carolina has fantastic beach towns that are definitely underrated. It also tends to be significantly less touristy than Florida, a plus for retirees.”
As a starting point, Schwab urged aspiring retirees to check out Anderson, nicknamed “The Friendliest City in South Carolina.”
North Carolina
- Median Home Price: $331,761
- Home Price Savings vs. Florida: 14.4%
Just across the border, North Carolina has plenty of its own charms. In fact, both Carolinas have topped Allied Van Lines’ list of top states for inbound migration for three years in a row now.
North Carolina features a mix of small and medium-sized cities, each with its own unique personality. And nature lovers can enjoy both mountains and coastline, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Linville Gorge.
Georgia
- Median Home Price: $329,110
- Home Price Savings vs. Florida: 15.1%
Likewise, Georgia offers a lower cost of living than Florida without giving up the warm weather, beaches and mix of rural outdoor activities and cultural events in the cities.
Yehuda Tropper, CEO of Beca Life Settlements, helps clients nearing or in retirement cash out their life insurance policies. He said that increasingly, his clients have been opting for Georgia over Florida. He also pointed out that Georgia doesn’t tax Social Security benefits. It also offers tax exclusions on retirement income.
There are still plenty of bargains to be found in Florida, but if you want to skip the crowds and high housing and insurance prices, check out these five alternatives instead.
Editor’s note: Home prices were sourced from Zillow and are accurate as of April 28, 2025.
More From GOBankingRates
Sources
- United States Census Bureau, “State Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2024.”
- ValuePenguin, “The Best and Cheapest Homeowners Insurance Companies in Florida (2025).”
- Adam Hamilton, REI Hub
- Aaron Razon, Couponsnake
- Steve Schwab, Casago
- Allied, “Where Are People Moving to in 2024? Allied’s U.S. Migration Report.”
- Yehuda Tropper, Beca Life Settlements
