Best Places to Retire in 2024
When you’re ready to kick back and enjoy your retirement, choosing the right location can make all the difference. Whether you’re seeking warm weather, tax-friendly policies, or vibrant cultural scenes (or a combination!), there’s a perfect spot out there for you. Here are some of the top destinations to consider for your golden years:
1. Florida
It’s no secret why Florida continues to be one of the best states to retire in 2024. With a warm and sunny climate, retirees enjoy Florida’s beautiful beaches and outdoor activities year-round. From the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic, Florida offers endless opportunities for leisure. Like to golf? Take your pick in Florida, with the most golf courses of any state. Florida is also considered one of the most tax-friendly states for retirees, and many parts of the state have a lower cost of living compared to other popular retirement destinations. With theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios enticing the family for frequent visits, plus vibrant arts and music scenes, museums, theaters, and sports venues, retirees will never run out of engaging things to do. Did we mention there’s a good chance your family will want to visit, a lot?
2. North Carolina
While North Carolina is moderately tax-friendly, the cost of living is lower than many other states, making it attractive to retirees on a fixed income. The state also offers stunning natural beauty, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Outer Banks, with an especially mild climate, allowing for outdoor enjoyment year-round. Home to world-class healthcare facilities, North Carolina retirees have access to top quality medical services. And the rich cultural scene with cities like Asheville, Charlotte, and Raleigh, provides plenty of opportunities for exploration and enrichment.
3. Pennsylvania
One of the most tax-friendly states, Pennsylvania does not tax Social Security or retirement income from accounts like 401(k)s, IRAs, and pensions. It also has the lowest flat income tax rate in the country, of 3.07%. Beyond the financial advantages, Pennsylvania is steeped in history with attractions like the Independence National Historical Park, the Gettysburg Battlefield, and numerous museums and theaters throughout the state. The state also offers diverse natural landscapes, including the Pocono Mountains and the scenic Allegheny National Forest. Retirees can also rest assured that their healthcare needs will be met with some of the best medical centers in the country.
4. Delaware
Delaware is known for its favorable tax environment, especially for retirees. Delaware has no sales tax, no inheritance tax, no estate tax, low property taxes, and offers exemptions on Social Security benefits and pension income. Considering how much this makes it one of the best places to retire in 2024, Delaware is still a bit of a hidden gem for retirees, with many overlooking the stunning coastal scenery with miles of pristine beaches as well as the proximity to major cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. Coastal towns like Rehoboth, Bethany, Dewey, and Lewes offer seaside living for retirees to enjoy beachcombing, fishing, boating, and more. The state also consistently ranks as one of the safest states in the nation, providing retirees with peace of mind in their retirement years.
5. Alabama
Alabama offers several reasons why it’s a great place to retire in 2024. With its charming Southern hospitality, Alabama offers a relaxed pace of life. The cost of living is also lower than the national average, making it a terrific option for retirees who want to make the most of their retirement savings. Alabama also has especially attractive tax policies like no income taxes on retirement income from government pensions or 401(k) plans. With warm winters, beautiful beaches, and scenic mountains, residents enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, boating, and birdwatching all year long. Cities like Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, and Birmingham offer museums, galleries, theaters, and other cultural events for retirees to enjoy, and there are also charming smaller options like Spanish Fort.
6. South Carolina
With a mild climate year-round, retirees love South Carolina’s pleasant weather. They also enjoy the low cost of living, particularly in housing, healthcare, and everyday expenses, allowing them to stretch their savings further. And the financial benefits continue with very friendly taxes toward retirees. South Carolina partially taxes retirement income, but retirees 65 and older can claim up to $10,000 in deductions from retirement accounts. The state is also known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque mountains, and scenic marshes. Historic cities like Charleston and Savannah offer rich cultural experiences while coastal towns like Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach provide relaxing sandy beaches. And don’t overlook sleeper locations like Rock Hill.
7. Georgia
Georgia is also considered one of the best places to retire due to its affordability, tax benefits, mild climate, outdoor recreation options, rich cultural attractions, and quality healthcare facilities. Retirees appreciate Georgia’s low cost of living, favorable tax policies, and diverse landscapes - from beaches to mountains - offering plenty of opportunities for leisure activities. With charming historic towns, vibrant cities like Atlanta, Macon, and Gainesville, and numerous retirement communities, Georgia provides retirees with a fulfilling lifestyle and access to essential amenities, making it a great choice for 2024 destinations.
8. Maryland
Maryland consistently ranks as one of the best places to retire thanks to its renowned healthcare institutions, scenic beauty, and rich cultural heritage. From the tranquil Chesapeake Bay to the Appalachian Mountains, Maryland offers a backdrop for outdoor adventures and wellness activities. Retirees also enjoy exploring historic areas like Annapolis, cultural havens like Baltimore, and charming locales like Chestertown and Adamstown. Fortunately, the state’s efficient transportation network makes travel seamless. Maryland also offers tax benefits for retirees, including exemptions on retirement income and property tax credits, meaning you can stretch your daughter further while enjoying the seaside life.
9. New Jersey
There are plenty of reasons why New Jersey has become one of the best places to retire in 2024. Its extensive transportation network and proximity to major cities like Philadelphia and New York City provides access to world-class cultural attractions, entertainment, and healthcare while offering a more suburban lifestyle. The diverse communities in New Jersey range from charming coastal towns along the famous Jersey Shore to historic cities like Princeton and Morristown. The state is home to several renowned medical institutions as well as favorable tax benefits including exemptions on retirement income like Social Security and pensions. While the cost of living is more than some of the other states on this list, its prime location and access to all four seasons makes it a retirement winner.
Explore Retirement Communities in the Best States to Retire in 2024
Choosing where you want to retire is a decision that depends on many personal factors and preferences. As you navigate this transition, consider those that align with your vision for retirement, such as climate, finances, amenities, and proximity to family members. The single best place to retire is the one that suits your individual needs and desires, providing you with the opportunity to create the fulfilling and enjoyable retirement you've always dreamed of.
If you’re seeking a luxurious retirement community in these locations, Acts Retirement-Life Communities has 28 resort-style campuses in nine states along the East Coast. And as a Continuing Care Retirement Community, residents don’t have to move as their healthcare needs change. For retirees who enjoy travel, the Acts Travel Program provides residents with access to all our locations, transforming retirement into premiere vacation opportunities.
