10 States Retirees Are Moving to Now (Florida Isn’t the Only Hotspot)

If you'd asked yesteryear's retirees about the best place to spend their golden years, the default answer would have been Florida. But times have changed, and nowadays, seniors are spreading out across the country in search of better weather, lower costs, and a higher quality of life.

According to a 2026 study by HireAHelper, millions of retirees are relocating each year, but where they move doesn't always tell the whole story. In many cases, nearly as many seniors are leaving a state as arriving, revealing a gap between expectation and reality.

The only way to understand inbound (incoming retirees) numbers is by also looking at outbound (departing retirees) numbers, which we will do below. States that retain many retirees are doing something right, while those with high turnover may not live up to the hype.

If your retirement plan is underway, these are the 10 states retirees are moving to right now. Let's see what the numbers say about whether they're actually happy once they get there.

Editor's note: All 2025 migration data comes from HireAHelper.

Florida

Inbound: 45,696

Outbound: 44,881

Net: +815

Unsurprisingly, Florida was still the top retirement destination in 2025. But the state also saw an almost equal number of retirees leave, resulting in a modest net gain of just 815.

The razor-thin margin means Florida's appeal is strong as ever, but it's no longer a guaranteed long-term fit. Rising home prices, insurance premiums, and everyday costs are making it harder for retirees to stay put, even if the lack of income tax (and the sunshine) still draws them in.

Texas

Inbound: 24,079

Outbound: 18,923

Net: +5,156

For its part, the other traditional retirement spot, Texas, had a solid net gain of over 5,000 retirees in 2025. Its lack of income tax and relatively affordable cost of living and housing continue to pull in seniors.

Still, the fairly large number of outbound moves indicates that factors such as rapid population growth, humidity, and high property taxes are prompting many to reconsider.

California

Inbound: 21,125

Outbound: 34,088

Net: –12,963

If you want a perfect example of why you shouldn't ever only look at inbound numbers, this is it. California had the third-largest number of inbound retirees in the nation, yet it recorded an overall migration loss of 12,963 in 2025.

That's an extraordinary difference between arrivals and departures. While some seniors still flock to California's climate and amenities, far more are leaving due to the high cost of living and tax burden.

Arizona

Inbound: 17,966

Outbound: 15,454

Net: +2,512

Arizona has long been a go-to retirement spot. After all, it's Florida minus the hurricane threat and the constant hum of the dehumidifiers in the background. The state's net gain of 2,500 retirees in 2025 shows its enduring popularity.

Strong retirement communities may be a factor, but the relatively high outflow suggests it's not the perfect long-term fit for everyone, especially as housing costs continue to rise.

North Carolina

Inbound: 17,231

Outbound: 14,029

Net: +3,202

North Carolina is far from a sleeper, but its numbers are still surprising, pointing to long-term livability. While not the cheapest state in the South, it has lower housing costs than Florida, especially in inland cities like Raleigh and Greensboro.

Geography is another draw. Retirees can choose between the Blue Ridge Mountains, suburban hubs, or coastal towns. Being able to adjust lifestyle without leaving the state helps reduce outbound moves.

South Carolina

Inbound: 14,007

Outbound: 8,580

Net: +5,427

South Carolina's combination of relatively high inbound and low outbound migration suggests retirees are settling in, likely drawn by the lower taxes and coastal living at a more affordable price point than Florida or Texas.

South Carolina offers the same kind of scenery retirees seek in Florida, but often at a lower cost with less congestion. Insurance cost, population density, and overdevelopment are also generally less intense.

Georgia

Inbound: 13,515

Outbound: 11,869

Net: +1,646

Georgia's 2025 migration numbers show it as a middle-of-the-road retirement destination. The state offers a mix of affordability and access to major metro areas like Atlanta, making it attractive to seniors seeking value and convenience.

Still, the relatively high outbound number suggests that the uncomfortable humidity, tornado risk, and moderate taxes put off quite a few retirees.

Pennsylvania

Inbound: 12,449

Outbound: 14,127

Net: –1,678

Pennsylvania's weather is as far from the Sunshine State's sunny skies as it comes. The four distinct seasons could be a draw for some, but long, cold winters may be part of why more retirees leave rather than settling down.

While Pennsylvania has relatively affordable housing — especially outside of the big cities — and no Social Security tax, its high property and inheritance taxes are likely another reason for the negative net migration.

Tennessee

Inbound: 12,384

Outbound: 9,193

Net: +3,191

Tennessee maintains a positive net migration, attracting and retaining retirees with its lack of income tax, relative affordability, and lifestyle variety.

Retirees can choose between vibrant cities like Nashville, quieter scenic areas near the Smoky Mountains, or mid-sized cities like Chattanooga without needing to leave the state. Tennessee's central location also makes it easy to stay connected to family across the Southeast and Midwest.

Virginia

Inbound: 11,671

Outbound: 12,507

Net: –836

Virginia has it all on paper, but not so much in reality. Its mix of historic charm and proximity to major cities can be appealing. 

Still, higher living costs, unpleasant humidity, and traffic congestion may be what's driving retirees to look elsewhere after making their initial move to Virginia.

Bottom line

Retirees are looking for places where their money goes further and their lifestyle works long term. That means moving beyond simply chasing sunshine.

The latest data indicate that while states like Florida, Texas, and Arizona continue to attract large numbers of seniors, they don't always keep them. Instead, places like South Carolina and Tennessee are emerging as ideal for a stress-free retirement, combining strong inbound migration with better retention.

Always look at both sides of the story before making any retirement decisions because the best destination isn't just where people are flocking. It's where they choose to stay.

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