5 Best Places for Retirees To Move in 2026 (That Aren’t Florida), According to Real Estate Experts
Written by
G. Brian Davis
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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Sure, Florida charges no income tax and offers warm weather all year round. But it’s also crowded in the winter and hot and muggy in the summer, and many of the more appealing cities cost an arm and a leg.
So what other destinations have started attracting more retirees?
Also see the 50 best retirement cities for the middle class.
1. Casper, Wyoming
Let’s get this out of the way: The winters are cold in Wyoming.
That done, consider the upsides of Wyoming and towns like Casper. “Like Florida, Wyoming charges no income tax, nor do they charge inheritance taxes,” explained Realtor Andrew Fortune of Great Colorado Homes.
Casper offers plenty of outdoor recreation, from fishing to hiking to hunting and beyond. Crime rates remain extremely low, and the average home costs $301,892.
2. Athens, Georgia
If Wyoming winters are just too cold for you, consider Athens.
Retirees over 62 can enjoy free classes at the University of Georgia in Athens. The cultural scene doesn’t end there either, from the Georgia Museum of Art to a rich local music scene to art galleries. In fact, Athens landed on Forbes‘ list of the top 25 cities to retire in 2025.
The cost of living won’t break retirees’ bank, either. The average home costs $332,919, and the college-town vibe keeps other costs manageable. “Also, Georgia doesn’t tax your Social Security benefits, which helps stretch them further,” Fortune said.
3. Midland, Michigan
In an upset victory, Midland topped U.S. News and World Report’s list of the best places to retire in 2026.
“The Midwest claimed close to a third of the top 30 cities for retirement hubs in 2026,” said Sain Rhodes, real estate professional with Clever Offers. “This is a remarkable shift from the old conventional wisdom that retirees seek southern and beach destinations.”
Midland features cheap housing, with homes averaging just $240,729. Beyond cost, Midland offers ample senior programming on top of great walkability and green spaces. Its strong healthcare also helps attract retirees from across the country.
4. The Woodlands, Texas
Just north of Houston, The Woodlands gives retirees easy access to a major city without the hustle and bustle.
“Retirees enjoy access to world-class healthcare, high-end shopping, and cultural offerings, as well as a thoughtfully developed community with extensive trail systems,” Rhodes said. Indeed, The Woodlands ranked fourth in U.S. News and World Report’s 2026 rankings of retirement destinations.
It doesn’t hurt that Texas charges no state income tax, either. Or that the average home costs $304,622 in The Woodlands, keeping costs manageable compared with the national average of $360,591.
5. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Sioux Falls managed to land 16th on the U.S. News and World Report list, and also nabbed a top 25 spot from Forbes.
Cost of living helps, with homes averaging $326,187. And like Texas, Wyoming and Florida, South Dakota charges no state income tax.
“Sioux Falls offers an ideally livable mid-sized city, it’s culturally rich with an actively revitalized downtown, and Falls Park as an authentic community gathering space,” Rhodes explained. “In many instances, residents can cover basic retirement living expenses from Social Security income.”
Editor’s note: Average home prices were sourced from Zillow.
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