Retirees Are Flocking to These 10 States

Forget about heading west — Americans are moving south and east in droves, according to United Van Lines’ latest annual National Movers Study.

In addition, many people are settling down in areas that are less expensive.

The study — which is based on 2023 data that reveals state-to-state migration patterns — also found that when people move from one state to another, the prime motivation for doing so is to find a place to retire.

More than one-quarter — 27% — of people making such moves cited retirement as the reason for relocation.

Where are those folks headed? United Van Lines says these are the states attracting newbie retirees in the biggest percentages.

10. Montana

Inbound movers who cited retirement as their top reason for moving here in 2023: 18.5%

Estimated state population: 1.1 million as of 2023

Share of the population age 65 and older: 20%

If you love the thought of retiring to the great outdoors, it is tough to top Montana. The state also has no sales tax and low property tax rates although income tax rates can climb to 6.75%.

9. Nevada

Inbound movers who cited retirement as their top reason for moving here in 2023: 18.8%

Estimated state population: 3.2 million as of 2023

Share of the population age 65 and older: 16.9%

Nevada offers everything from quiet desert life to the excitement of Las Vegas and Reno. There is no income tax here, and property taxes are among the lowest in the nation.

8. North Carolina

Inbound movers who cited retirement as their top reason for moving here in 2023: 19.7%

Estimated state population: 10.8 million as of 2023

Share of the population age 65 and older: 17.4%

Retiring to North Carolina gives you access to three big metro areas — Charlotte, Raleigh and Winston-Salem. You can also travel to the mountains in the west and the Atlantic Ocean in the east. The state has a flat income tax rate of 4.75% and relatively low property taxes.

7. Arizona

Inbound movers who cited retirement as their top reason for moving here in 2023: 21.1%

Estimated state population: 7.4 million as of 2023

Share of the population age 65 and older: 18.8%

Arizona long has been a magnet for retirees, especially northerners who are eager to leave their snow shovels behind for good. The state’s income tax rate is a flat and low 2.5%.

5. New Mexico (tie)

Inbound movers who cited retirement as their top reason for moving here in 2023: 21.3%

Estimated state population: 2.1 million as of 2023

Share of the population age 65 and older: 19.1%

New Mexico offers retirees the open spaces of the West plus a low cost of living and more than 300 days of sunshine annually. Income taxes here top out at 5.9%.

5. Mississippi (tie)

Inbound movers who cited retirement as their top reason for moving here in 2023: 21.3%

Estimated state population: 2.9 million as of 2023

Share of the population age 65 and older: 17.3%

Mississippi is among the most affordable places to retire in the nation. From the college town of Oxford to Biloxi on the Gulf Coast, retirees have a range of places to settle down.The iIncome tax rate is a flat 5%.

4. Maine

Inbound movers who cited retirement as their top reason for moving here in 2023: 25%

Estimated state population: 1.4 million as of 2023

Share of the population age 65 and older: 22.5%

Maine can get cold in the winter, but anyone who loves the outdoors — particularly the New England variety — will feel at home here. Taxes are on the high side, however, with a top income tax rate of 7.15% and relatively high property taxes.

3. South Carolina

Inbound movers who cited retirement as their top reason for moving here in 2023: 26.8%

Estimated state population: 2.9 million as of 2023

Share of the population age 65 and older: 17.3%

South Carolina has become a popular retirement destination, especially along the Atlantic coast. The cities of Charleston and Myrtle Beach are here, as is Hilton Head Island. The top income tax rate is 6.5%.

2. Delaware

Inbound movers who cited retirement as their top reason for moving here in 2023: 28.1%

Estimated state population: 1 million as of 2023

Share of the population age 65 and older: 20.8%

In Delaware, the climate is mild and the taxes are low. In particular, property taxes are among the most affordable in the U.S. and there is no sales tax. The income tax rate climbs to 6.6%.

1. Florida

Inbound movers who cited retirement as their top reason for moving here in 2023: 29%

Estimated state population: 22.6 million as of 2023

Share of the population age 65 and older: 21.6%

As the southernmost state in the continental United States, Florida is the ultimate retirement destination. The weather is warm throughout the year, senior communities are everywhere, and the ocean is all around.

If you love to golf, there are around 1,250 courses. All of that and no state income tax.