5 States Where Retirees Regret Moving (And What Cost Them the Most)
Written by
Cynthia Measom
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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When people dream of a retirement destination, things like mild weather and affordability often come to mind.
Unfortunately, sometimes, things don’t quite turn out like expected. These six states might seem like the perfect place to retire at first glance, but for some retirees, they’re a source of regret.Â
Florida
Florida continues to be a popular place to move for retirees, but insurance costs are a common source of regret after the move. The Sunshine State had the highest median property insurance costs for mortgaged homes in the country at $2,273, per the U.S. Census Bureau.
Texas
Texas appeals to retirees because it has no state income tax, but insurance and climate-related costs can strain budgets.
Homeowners insurance premiums have increased dramatically in recent years, per the Texas Department of Insurance. Additionally, the state’s tendency for extreme heat during the summer can also result in higher-than-expected utility costs, which some retirees may underestimate when budgeting for the move, per BMG.
Louisiana
Louisiana’s lower home prices attract retirees. The median home price in the state is $251,700, according to Redfin data, which is over $200,000 lower than median home price in the U.S. of $433,21. However, hurricane exposure and insurance affordability often lead to regret. Census data shows Louisiana among states with high property insurance costs tied to severe weather risk.
California
Although California offers plenty of perks related to climate and recreation, covering housing and insurance costs can be a struggle. A 2025 analysis from the Terner Center for Housing Innovation at UC Berkeley details insurance availability problems in the state due to wildfire risk.
Nevada
Nevada attracts retirees with tax advantages, such as no state income tax and relatively reasonable property taxes. However, water scarcity and extreme heat are ongoing issues in the Southwest, resulting in unaffordable utility bills, as reported by various local news outlets like Nevada Current.
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