9 Cities Realtors Think Will Lose Their "Retirement Hotspot" Status

For many retirees, retirement means freedom, which allows them to choose a new geographic location for reasons other than a job. These can include better weather, lower taxes, better housing affordability, or many other reasons catered to a person's unique preferences.

Some traditional retirement hotspots have lost their luster, and retirees are now beginning to migrate elsewhere to meet their retirement needs. 

Financial restraints are increasingly a factor for those reaching retirement age. Many have to seek new ways to help pay the mortgage, which has them considering homes outside traditional retirement hotspots. 

Keep reading to see what's out, what's in, and what you need to consider before making a move.

Sunny weather, access to healthcare, and a vibrant community filled with activities like golfing have made Naples a popular retirement destination. 

However, in recent years the rising cost of living, coupled with rocketing Homeowners Insurance (HOI) premiums, have pushed retirees to seek homes in areas less likely to be hit by hurricanes. 

Many are choosing places like North Carolina or Tennessee that still offer the milder, warm weather but with less weather associated risks.

"Cities like Asheville offer a more temperate climate, thriving arts scenes, and outdoor activities," according to Jon Alper, a lawyer who specializes in Florida asset protection and estate planning. 

"States like Tennessee provide affordability and a slower, more relaxed way of life that appeals to those looking for a quieter retirement."

Florida's lack of state income tax has made many of its cities — like Sarasota — a prime retirement destination for those who are on fixed incomes or who have a sizable savings to put toward their retirement years.

"While Florida has always been prepared to welcome retirees, the challenges of managing weather-related risks have revealed some cracks," according to Alper. 

"Concerns about accessibility during emergencies, especially for older populations, have led some to consider areas where the weather is less of a factor."

Many retirees seek a community of like-minded individuals, which makes locations like The Villages popular for retirement. 

These communities are known for restrictions that regulate the design and operation to cater specifically to senior living, according to Alper, who says some people find them too restricting and have instead decided to branch out to other areas, like Michigan's lakefront communities.

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"Savannah, Georgia used to be a popular spot for retirees because of its rich history, warm winters, and coastal lifestyle," according to Charissa Bright, owner and founder of Bright Buys Houses in Watkinsville.

However, she says that higher property taxes and insurance costs are now causing some retirees to look for more affordable places throughout Georgia and South Carolina. 

"There are a growing number of retirees choosing Athens, Georgia instead." she continues, adding that Athens has a lively community, much lower expenses, and great healthcare options.

The Lehigh Valley has previously attracted retirees with its strong medical care infrastructure and reasonable cost of living, but recent years have seen costs skyrocket without additional benefits. 

Few natural disasters are likely to strike residents, however once a year they are plagued with an unreasonable number of invasive lantern flies. Now, it sounds like folks nearing retirement age are setting their sights more towards southern states.

"Retirees are also being lured to Fredericksburg, Texas, with its combination of historical charm and modern amenities, according to Alexei Morgado, CEO and founder of Lexawise Real Estate Exam Preparation. 

"Affordability, quality healthcare, and a balanced lifestyle have now become the top priorities for retirees."

West Virginia had gained recognition from retirees simply through a lower cost of living. Surprisingly, the state ranks very well for low property taxes and affordable HOI, which can draw in the retirement crowd.

But, one area it doesn't rank particularly well is weather, because it does experience all four seasons. Folks looking for someplace sunny and warm might be disappointed, and may prefer something further south, according to Morgado.

"The city lies on the Gulf Coast of the Sunshine State and has seen its number of retirees decline over recent years," according to Omer Reiner, president of FL Cash Home Buyers, LLC, who notes that the cost of living has been steadily rising in Dunedin, and it's once beautiful weather has been shifting in less desirable direction.

Instead, snowbirds are now eyeing South Carolina instead. "Everyone loves the beaches like Myrtle Beach, they love the fishing, golfing, southern food and the quaintness of the cities," says Texas real estate agent Gleshia Joyner, who adds that other parts of the state have some pretty great spots going for them as well, like Hilton Head.

Separately, Ilene Horowitz, a residential REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Realty in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey said that she expects some folks to still flock to Florida, but she thinks many more will find their dream retirement spot in Delaware.

"Recently, I've seen a shift among some clients towards inland areas in these states rather than coastal regions," she says. "Some are also considering city centers over beachfront locations in Florida, while Delaware's milder climate and proximity to retirement communities near beaches are attracting interest."

Everybody loves Los Angeles, but retirees are moving away from the California hotspot because of the high cost of living. Additionally, the ongoing wildfires of January 2025 have devastated the area leaving a housing crisis in their wake.

"Retirees are moving away from LA to retire in the Coachella Valley," explains Holden Andrews, founder of Helpful Home Group, who says the lower cost of living coupled with nice weather and access to senior-friendly activities like pickleball, golf, and tennis, all make this area a bit more popular.

Portland is declining as a retirement destination, with some choosing to leave that area and relocate across the country to coastal Virginia instead, according to Jacki Paolella, a Hampton Roads REALTOR®, buyer, and listing agent with Keller Williams Coastal Virginia has noticed clients becoming frustrated with the city.

Instead, Paolella sees many benefits to retiring in southeastern Virginia.

"Our proximity to the ocean, beautiful waterways, cost of living, Virginia's laws about LGBTQ+ rights, and our (mostly) mild weather drew them to the area," she says of the incoming retirees planning to spend their golden years in Virginia.

The shifting retirement landscape is changing what retirees once thought of as hotspot locations, and many Americans are looking in less traditional areas, including overseas, when it comes to finding the perfect place to spend their retirement.

This is why those about to retire may want to rethink those popular locations when it comes time to retire, and instead consider areas where it may be easier to maximize retirement savings for a better quality of life.