12 Retirement-Friendly Cities That’ll Make You Forget About Florida

Florida has always been the favorite of retirees. But just because it's a popular option doesn't mean that it's the best pick for everyone. Plenty of cities across the country can offer seniors more perks than Florida, including a higher quality of life, a lower cost of living, and a more temperate climate.

If you're ready to formulate your retirement plan, here are 12 cities that may be a better fit for your needs than the Sunshine State.

Texas is already a great draw to retirees because it doesn't tax Social Security benefits.

But what makes Frisco better than other cities in the Lone Star State? It has a well-built infrastructure and is affordable. Many families gravitate to Frisco because of its low cost of living and relatively high incomes. For retirees who enjoy a sense of community, this city is a win-win.

North Carolina doesn't tax Social Security income and has low property taxes. It also enjoys a more moderate climate than Florida, so instead of being stuck in one season all year round, you get to experience four distinct ones.

Besides, Raleigh's home insurance costs are low at just $2,141 per year, which is significantly less than Florida's $4,984 per year average. Combine that with access to top-notch healthcare options, and it becomes clear why Raleigh may be a better stress-free retirement alternative than Florida.

Arkansas has affordable grocery and health care costs — living in this state during retirement will cost you less than $50,000 yearly.

So, is Little Rock better than Florida locations? We think so. Arkansas's state capital has a rich history and an impressive city life. It can keep you engaged and entertained without breaking the bank. And what's even better is that you won't have to fight hordes of tourists to get anywhere.

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Living in El Paso offers seniors the same warm weather as Florida. This Texas location also has several perks that the Sunshine State struggles with.

For example, El Paso is more family-oriented, which tends to be something retirees enjoy. The city also has a laid-back vibe and isn't a tourist trap — not many Florida cities can make the same claims.

Picking Savannah as your retirement home can be a smart money move, since Georgia doesn't tax Social Security or other forms of income, making it a good spot for seniors on a budget.

Savannah also has a lower cost of living than in many Florida cities. On the leisure front, the city welcomes outdoor enthusiasts with a pleasant climate year-round. Those who enjoy indoor pursuits can pick and choose between the many museums and other cultural venues.

Yuma is perfect for seniors who love sunshine but don't enjoy tourists on their doorstep. Not only that, but Yuma's climate is a boon for retirees with arthritis or asthma, something that Florida's humid climate can't match.

Another draw for seniors is the relatively low cost of living and affordable health care options. Also, there is no tax on Social Security, inheritance, or gifts in the state, which makes it a tax-friendly option for retirees.

Like Yuma, Santa Fe is ideal for enjoying Florida's sunshine year-round without the humidity. Besides, Santa Fe is more affordable and has a tighter-knit community than touristy Florida.

Santa Fe also has you covered if you enjoy culture and the arts as much as you do the great outdoors. The city has over 250 museums and art galleries, and is close to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

If you've always dreamed of retiring in the South and grudgingly settled on Florida as your retirement spot, you should reconsider. Charleston is the quintessential charming and hospitable southern city, steeped in history and culture.

It also sports beautiful beaches like Folly Beach and a mild climate, giving you the best of everything you could find in Florida without the increased cost of living.

Like other Texas locations on this list, Plano has a great perk for retirees — it doesn't tax any income. But Plano has even more going for it, since the city also has low crime rates and affordable housing.

Less expensive than other cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Plano has a thriving economy. This is good news for seniors who may want to explore part-time employment. Besides, it's less humid than Florida, which is a great advantage for many outdoor lovers.

Choose St. Louis if you want to retire on a budget and need top-quality health care, since the city is home to some of the best hospitals in the nation, such as Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

Additionally, St. Louis offers seniors four distinct seasons and none of Florida's unpleasant, not to mention dangerous, pests. Couple that with a bevy of outdoor pursuits in places like Forest Park, and you have a winner.

Like Florida, Wyoming doesn't have a state income tax. Better still, Casper's housing costs are significantly lower than Florida's.

Tax benefits aside, Casper ranks highly on lists of best places to retire because of its top-notch health care facilities and overall high quality of life. This city has a small-town feel and offers plenty of outdoor options for seniors who enjoy hiking and mild exercise.

Like Raleigh, Charlotte offers seniors affordable homeowners insurance and median mortgage and rent costs. The savings don't stop there, either. Everything from groceries and restaurants to clothing is cheaper in Charlotte than in many parts of Florida.

This city won't be able to offer retirees pristine beaches year-round, but it could give them significant savings that Florida can't match.

While Florida has long been a top destination for retirees, it's not the only place to consider for your golden years. Places like St. Louis, Yuma, and El Paso offer better returns, affordability, and comfort to seniors who are conscious of their budgets and want to avoid money mistakes.

Besides choosing an affordable retirement city, you'll come ahead of the curve if you live close to family and friends. Nothing beats companionship and connection when you're ready to take it easy and enjoy retirement.