9 Places To Retire That Feel Like Florida (But Aren’t)

It's hard to beat Florida's pleasant weather, beach life, and retiree-friendly tax laws. That being said, many retirees are looking to find similar perks elsewhere now that Florida has become overcrowded. This has left many on the hunt for a new home that feels like Florida, but isn't.

If you're looking for Florida alternatives that offer coastal living without financial stress, or year-round sunshine without all the tourists that come along with it, you'll want to check out these nine places that capture the feel of the Sunshine State all while helping you to avoid wasting money in retirement.

Augusta is a great healthcare hub, making it easy for retirees to access care tailored to their needs. It's also similar to Florida in that the state of Georgia doesn't tax Social Security, allowing you to maximize your senior benefits.

Want more incentives? How about being able to golf to your heart's content? Augusta is the home of the Masters tournament every spring, and the city also sports several more courses where you can practice to improve your handicap.

Living in Biloxi during retirement will enable you to enjoy a coastal lifestyle similar to what you would in most Florida locations. Moreover, you'll be spoiled by all the choices you'll have when it comes to shopping, dining, and cultural venues or events.

Want even more good news? Biloxi is more affordable than Florida, by far. For instance, the median home price in Biloxi is just $210,400, according to BestPlaces, which is a far cry from Florida's median of $362,400.

The biggest boon and downside of living in Florida are paradoxically the same — the weather. Florida's summers are oppressively hot and humid, making the state the opposite of the sunny haven it is during winter.

If you want to experience mild winters and all four seasons in a city surrounded by nature, pick Charlotte. This North Carolina city is not just ripe with outdoor opportunities and an awesome food scene — it also has more affordable healthcare, an important consideration for seniors.

Ever dreamed about retiring to Europe? While Florida can offer you the warm climate of Italy and Spain, it doesn't follow up with festivals or a heritage like New Braunfels's.

This Texas city is proud of its German roots and holds a Wurstfest festival every fall to celebrate them. Besides, this city is close to Austin and San Antonio, putting you firmly in the "happening" area of Texas.

The name of this city is music to the ears of the would-be Florida retiree, and it does live up to the hype. Virginia Beach welcomes seniors with a mild climate and a golden beach that looks out on the Chesapeake Bay.

Like Florida, Virginia doesn't tax Social Security, and its cost of living is similar. What sets Virginia Beach apart is its proximity to Washington, D.C., and its high-quality healthcare offerings.

If high humidity is the reason Florida is off your radar, why not try a desert city like Las Cruces? Nestled high in the Chihuahuan Desert, Las Cruces has a warm, dry climate throughout the year.

The city's median home price is $269,700, according to BestPlaces, almost $100,000 lower than Florida's average. This reasonable home cost may offset New Mexico's 5.9% tax rate.

Florida is famously known as the Sunshine State, but Yuma, Arizona, enjoys sunny skies 91% of the year. The city doesn't restrict your access to water activities either — you can hang out on a beach or kayak on the Colorado River.

To make things better, Arizona doesn't tax Social Security, estates, or inheritances. Yuma's cost of living and median home price are also lower than Florida's.

If New Mexico and Arizona fail to compare favorably to your idea of Florida coastal living, Gulfport may be right up your alley. Located on the Gulf Coast, this city has a similar climate to Florida, not to mention access to beaches.

Gulfport is also affordable. For example, its cost of living is 51.9% less expensive than Miami's, and its median home cost is 203% lower, according to BestPlaces.

Finally, let's look at a location reminiscent of Florida but with added Southern charm. In this Tennessee city, the Chattanooga River offers retirees outdoor pursuits like fishing and hiking.

Chattanooga's climate is mild, without Florida's extreme. The city also lies between mountains, giving seniors a more picturesque setting than any Florida location. Let's not forget affordability. The cost of living in Chattanooga is 41.5% lower than in Miami, according to BestPlaces.

From Biloxi to Las Cruces, plenty of affordable cities can give you Florida's sunshine and vibrant communities where you can avoid wasting your retirement savings on a high cost of living.

Want to make even more of your golden years? Contact a financial advisor to see if making a move is right for you.