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What are the top U.S. retirement destinations in 2026?

In 2026, migration data show retirees are moving toward Florida and North Carolina, which lead in net retiree relocations. Other popular retirement destinations include:

Top states retirees are moving to

• Florida – Continues to lead in retiree relocation thanks to its warm climate, tax advantages, and wide range of senior-friendly communities.
• North Carolina – Attracts retirees with moderate weather, growing healthcare hubs, and a mix of coastal and mountain living.

Growing retirement cities and regions

• Southwestern cities such as Mesa, Arizona, along with parts of Nevada including Henderson and North Las Vegas, are seeing increased interest due to lower taxes, dry climates, and expanding retirement infrastructure.

Emerging trends

• Mid-sized cities in the Midwest and South are gaining popularity for their lower cost of living, strong healthcare access, and balanced lifestyles compared to larger metropolitan areas.

Generally speaking, Florida continues to dominate many retirement lists with multiple cities ranked high for livability and cost. Mid-sized Midwest and Southern cities are increasingly attractive for affordability, healthcare access, and quality of life.