The Fairway to Fulfillment: A Guide to the Best Places to Retire for Golfers

For many, the dream of retirement is synonymous with the perfect swing, the smell of fresh-cut grass, and the quiet satisfaction of a round of golf well-played. For a dedicated golfer, retirement is an opportunity to immerse oneself in a lifestyle centered around the sport.

Finding the ideal location to spend your golden years requires more than just a nearby course. It involves balancing a favorable climate, a supportive community of fellow enthusiasts, world-class healthcare, and a financial structure that protects your hard-earned nest egg.

In this guide, we draw on our decades of experience as a leader in senior living to highlight the best places for a golf-heavy retirement. While one option is a 55+ community near or even on a golf course, a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) can also provide the ultimate "hole-in-one" lifestyle.

Why Geography Matters for Your Golfing Retirement

When you are no longer tied to a location by career, the world becomes your fairway. However, stretching your retirement income is a major factor in maintaining a high quality of life. Choosing a tax-friendly state can significantly impact your ability to afford club memberships, new equipment, and travel to premier courses.

Many of the top golfing destinations also happen to be the most tax-friendly for retirees. States like Florida, Delaware, and the Carolinas are perennial favorites because they often exempt Social Security benefits from state income tax and offer various deductions for other forms of retirement income, while offering great courses and great weather. By reducing your tax burden, you ensure more of your savings goes toward the activities you love most. While none of Acts’ East Coast communities have a golf course on campus, they still provide plenty incentives for an avid golfer to consider. Let’s get into the details.

Top Retirement Destinations for Golfers

1. Florida: The Undisputed Capital of Golf

It should come as no surprise that Florida consistently ranks as a top destination for golfers. With over 1,000 courses, the "Sunshine State" is truly a golfer's paradise. Whether you prefer the Atlantic Coast, the Gulf Coast, or the vibrant atmosphere of South Florida, you are never far from a world-class fairway.

• Boca Raton: The brand name of Florida retirement. At Acts, we serve this region through Edgewater at Boca Pointe and St. Andrews Estates. St. Andrews Estates even features its own fishing lake, offering a relaxing alternative for those days you aren't on the links.
• Dunedin and Bonita Springs: Dunedin offers small-town charm with big-city access to the Tampa area. Mease Life across from the charming downtown is perfectly situated for those who enjoy coastal living and local exploration. Meanwhile, The Terraces at Bonita Springs provides luxury living in one of Florida's most desirable Gulf Coast locations.
• Tax Benefits: Florida has no state income tax, no tax on Social Security, and no inheritance or estate tax. This financial freedom allows you to fully indulge in the resort-style lifestyle the state is known for. 

2. South Carolina: Lowcountry Elegance and Renowned Greens

South Carolina offers a diverse geography, from the historic charm of Charleston to the legendary golf courses of Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach. It is a state that prioritizes the needs of older adults, ranking 14th in the nation for its percentage of residents over 65.

• Rock Hill: Located near the North Carolina border, Rock Hill provides a laid-back Southern atmosphere with easy access to regional attractions. Park Pointe Village is a favorite for those who want a community-focused lifestyle with all the perks of the Carolinas.
• Financial Advantage: South Carolina does not tax Social Security benefits and offers generous retirement income deductions for those 65 and older.

3. Alabama: Southern Charm and Affordability

Alabama, often called "The Heart of Dixie," is one of the most affordable and tax-friendly states in the country. It offers a slower pace of life that appeals to many looking for a peaceful yet active retirement, 18 holes without (as much) stress.

• Spanish Fort and Huntsville: These cities provide a wonderful mix of cosmopolitan contrast and Southern charm. At Acts, we offer a secure, gated environment at Westminster Village in Spanish Fort, and Magnolia Trace in Huntsville.
• Tax Perks: Alabama exempts Social Security and most retirement income—including distributions from 401(k)s and IRAs—from state income tax.

4. Georgia: Mild Winters and Vibrant Communities

Georgia is a magnet for retirees because it offers a little bit of everything: lively cities like Atlanta, mild winters, and a low cost of living.

• Gainesville: Nestled in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains, Gainesville is a haven for outdoor recreation. Lanier Village Estates offers a resort-like setting that makes it easy to stay active and socially engaged.
• Tax Friendliness: Georgia does not tax Social Security and allows for significant retirement income exclusions.

The "CCRC" Advantage: Why It’s the Smartest Choice for Golfers

While choosing a city is important, choosing the right living arrangement is what ensures you can enjoy your retirement without the burdens of homeownership. Moving to a

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) offers several key advantages for the active golfer:

Maintenance-Free Living

Owning a traditional home requires constant attention—mowing the lawn, raking leaves, shoveling snow, and managing repairs. Your time is better spent on the green than behind a lawnmower. Most CCRCs handle all exterior maintenance, landscaping, and let residents avoid major repairs like water heaters or leaky roofs. This "maintenance-free" lifestyle frees you to pursue your passions without the physical or financial strain of home upkeep. 

Predictable Monthly Costs

A major concern for retirees is whether their savings will last. Traditional homeownership comes with unpredictable costs, such as rising property taxes, emergency repairs, and unknown health services needs in the future. At a CCRC, your property taxes disappear; your utilities, maintenance, and amenities are bundled into one predictable monthly fee; and advanced health services are available right on campus.

The Security of Life Care

One of the best benefits of a CCRC is Life Care. Particularly a Type A contract, which allows residents to pre-pay a portion of future health services, so if they or their spouse ever need a higher level of care such as assisted living or skilled nursing, their monthly fee isn’t directly impacted. This protects nest eggs from the skyrocketing costs of market-rate healthcare, ensuring that residents can continue to enjoy their new lifestyle regardless of what the future holds.

On-Campus Amenities Tailored for Golfers

Acts Retirement-Life Communities strives to create environments that encourage a life well-lived. Many of our 28 campuses feature amenities designed specifically for the golf enthusiast, including:

• Putting Greens and Par-3 Courses: Several of our communities feature on-site putting greens, and Fairhaven in Sykesville, MD features a small par-3 course, allowing you to practice your short game just steps from your front door.
• Fitness and Wellness Centers: Staying strong and flexible is key to a long golfing career. Our modern fitness centers often include trainers and specialized classes like yoga and water aerobics to help you maintain your peak physical condition.
• The Acts Travel Program: One of our most unique benefits is the Acts Travel Program. As a resident of one Acts community, you gain access to all 28 campuses across nine states.

This means you can book a stay at one of our Florida or Carolina communities in the winter to enjoy a "golf vacation" while still enjoying all the comforts and benefits of your home community.

Making an Informed Decision

Choosing the right place to retire is a personal journey that involves weighing your budget, your health, and your desire for connection. We invite you to trust your instincts and explore what a community-focused life can offer.

If you are ready to take the next step, we recommend the following:

• Talk to our residents: They are our best ambassadors and can give you a first-hand account of the active lifestyle we foster.
• Schedule a tour: Visit a campus, sample the fine dining, and see our world-class facilities for yourself.
• Consult our experts: Our Life Care Consultants are here to help you navigate the financial and lifestyle options that best fit your goals. 

 

Retirement should be the absolute best time of your life—a period of rest, relaxation, and, of course, plenty of golf. Let us help you find the perfect fairway to your future. Explore any of our 28 campuses now to get started.