American retirees no longer have the Sunshine State as their No. 1 destination. Instead, a state further north than Florida has taken the crown, according to United Van Lines’ latest annual National Movers Study.
The study — which is based on 2024 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 be closer to family.
More than one-quarter — 28% — of people of all ages who made a move in 2024 cited family ties as the reason for relocation. United Van Lines says it is “the first time in decades” that a desire to be closer to family was the prime reason for moves.
However, many other folks are moving simply because they are in search of a great place to retire. Where are those folks headed? United Van Lines says these are the states attracting newbie retirees in the biggest percentages.
10. New Hampshire
Inbound movers who cited retirement as their top reason for moving here in 2024: 18.4%
Estimated state population: 1.4 million as of 2024
Share of the population age 65 and older: 20.8%
New Hampshire is a great place for retirees who love the outdoors. You can ski in the White Mountains, take a summer vacation at Lake Winnipesaukee or stroll through the blazing foliage of fall.
The state has a flat 3% income tax that is only levied on interest and dividend income. However, property taxes are high.
9. Utah
Inbound movers who cited retirement as their top reason for moving here in 2024: 19.1%
Estimated state population: 3.5 million as of 2024
Share of the population age 65 and older: 12.2%
Utah is a land of incredible beauty that is home to five national parks. That makes it an ideal new home for retirees who are full of wanderlust.
The state’s income tax rate is a flat 4.55%, and property taxes are among the lowest in the nation.
8. Maine
Inbound movers who cited retirement as their top reason for moving here in 2024: 20%
Estimated state population: 1.4 million as of 2024
Share of the population age 65 and older: 23%
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 property tax rates that rank near the middle when compared with other states.
7. North Carolina
Inbound movers who cited retirement as their top reason for moving here in 2024: 20.3%
Estimated state population: 11 million as of 2024
Share of the population age 65 and older: 17.6%
Retiring to North Carolina gives you access to several big metro areas — including 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 4.5% and relatively low property taxes.
6. Nevada
Inbound movers who cited retirement as their top reason for moving here in 2024: 21.9%
Estimated state population: 3.3 million as of 2024
Share of the population age 65 and older: 17.4%
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.
5. Mississippi
Inbound movers who cited retirement as their top reason for moving here in 2024: 25.9%
Estimated state population: 2.9 million as of 2024
Share of the population age 65 and older: 17.6%
Mississippi is among the most affordable places to retire in the nation. From the college town of Oxford in the state’s northwest to the city of Biloxi on the Gulf Coast, retirees have a range of places to settle down.
The income tax rate is a flat 4.7%.
4. Arizona
Inbound movers who cited retirement as their top reason for moving here in 2024: 26.3%
Estimated state population: 7.6 million as of 2024
Share of the population age 65 and older: 19.3%
Arizona long has been a magnet for retirees, especially folks from northern regions who are eager to leave their snow shovels behind for good.
The state’s income tax rate is a flat and low 2.5%.
3. South Carolina
Inbound movers who cited retirement as their top reason for moving here in 2024: 26.8%
Estimated state population: 5.5 million as of 2024
Share of the population age 65 and older: 19.3%
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 6.4%.
2. Florida
Inbound movers who cited retirement as their top reason for moving here in 2024: 31%
Estimated state population: 23.4 million as of 2024
Share of the population age 65 and older: 21.7%
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 at least 1,250 courses. All of that and no state income tax.
1. Delaware
Inbound movers who cited retirement as their top reason for moving here in 2024: 31.1%
Estimated state population: 1.1 million as of 2024
Share of the population age 65 and older: 21.3%
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%.
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