7 Beautiful Places To Retire That Make Florida Look Cheap

Retirement is a time in life when you can do all the things you never had time for when you were working: take an art class, travel the world, learn a new language — the options are endless.

If you relocate to a city for your job, you might want to explore other locales that offer a more leisurely lifestyle. While many retirees move to Florida, many other idyllic retirement locations offer scenic views, outdoor recreation and quality healthcare that also won’t tax your social security benefits. Here are seven beautiful places to retire outside the Sunshine State.

Charleston has southern charm, classic architecture, and modest weather year-round. Many cities have shorter winters, with average temperatures hitting a low of around 40 degrees. The highest temperature in July reaches 91 degrees, which is much lower than one finds in Florida. A caveat: Charleston comes with frequent thunderstorms and hurricanes during the season, especially near the coast. 

A lovely waterfront destination nestled between lush forests and flowing rivers miles from the Pacific Ocean, Astoria brims with outdoor activity and picturesque views. The highlight is Astoria-Megler Bridge, which spans four miles from Astoria to the mouth of the Columbia River. Once called Fort Astoria, the city is the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains and has historical roots in the Lewis and Clark Trail, which led to Western expansion. 

Retirees enjoy fishing and frequenting local restaurants, craft breweries and museums. The area’s architecture features Victorian homes throughout the city.

Situated along the Merrimack River in New England, Manchester showcases brilliant fall foliage, winter skiing and a popular cycling community with endless opportunities to socialize, so leave the car keys at home and explore the town by bike. 

New Hampshire doesn’t charge sales tax and retirees with a side hustle won’t have to pay state income tax. Head to the Farmer’s Market for fresh local produce and enjoy senior ski deals such as free skiing Monday through Friday or $35 for the entire season. Manchester is a great place for retirees who don’t like the hot and humid summers in the south.

Voted the number one place to retire in 2022 and 2023 by U.S. News and World Report, Lancaster ranks high for quality healthcare, low taxes and affordable housing with an average monthly mortgage payment of $1,100. 

Lancaster is home to the oldest and largest Amish community in the U.S., where you can take a horse and buggy ride through the Pennsylvania Dutch countryside. Enjoy water sports and hiking trails, and if you’re a foodie, you’ll love downtown Lancaster which houses traditional dining options and unique venues, including the Vintage Candy Shop, Hammond Pretzel Bakery and a Bistro Barberet & Bakery.

Surrounded by the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway, deemed one of the most scenic mountain drives in America, Roanoke offers retirees a picturesque community with a thriving downtown with restaurants, festivals, activities and stunning views.

Retirees can take advantage of Roanoke’s low cost of living,19.1% lower than the U.S. average and 22.4% lower than Virginia. The area has several 55+ communities and two hospitals, especially important for seniors living in rural areas who need emergency medical care. 

If you’re a fan of the game of golf, you know the name Augusta, the birthplace of the Masters, a national event and private golf course. You’d think the town would be expensive, but Augusta has a low cost of living with median home values below $100,000. 

Downtown, you’ll find the Riverwalk along the Savannah River with festivals, activities, art galleries, hotels and an Amphitheater. Augusta also has a storied history and is home to Woodrow Wilson’s childhood residence, the James Brown Arena, the first African-American Baptist Church in America and the eight-acre Georgia Golf Hall of Fame’s Botanical Gardens.

Set on the central coast of California, San Luis Obispo has been named one of the best coastal communities for retirees. The city is home to a laid-back, leisurely lifestyle with abundant outdoor activities. Retirees can head to the Pacific Ocean beaches, view brilliant sunsets, attend wine tastings in local vineyards and enjoy casual and fine dining. 

Explore the area’s history with a visit to Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Museum, hosting artifact collections from Native California, American settlements and the Mission Era or visit multiple shopping venues.