US boomers flock to Florida — but really smart retirees buy in these 3 quiet places instead (and they probably don’t want you there)

The story is clearly visible in migration data: 45,696 people over the age of 65 moved to Florida in 2025, but 44,881 retirees of the same age left during that period, according to HireAHelper's New Retirement Map. The Sunshine State effectively recorded a net gain of just 815 retirees last year, enough to push Florida out of the top 10 states for net retiree migration.

So, where are the retirees who actually ran the numbers going? Three quiet markets keep showing up in the data. And the people already there would rather you skipped this article. Here’s a closer look at those states.

1. South Carolina

The Palmetto State saw a net gain of 5,427 retirees in 2025, higher than any other state in the country, according to the HireAHelper map.

Abundant sunshine and mild winters aren’t the only reason retirees are flocking to South Carolina. In their list of pros and cons of retiring in the state, Edelman Financial Engines says South Carolina offers several tax advantages for those over the age of 65, including an exemption on Social Security benefits, low property taxes and a $50,000 homestead exemption.

Housing is also relatively affordable and there’s a wide variety of retirement communities designed for those over the age of 55.

But South Carolina has one drawback it shares with Florida: natural calamities. Between 2014 and 2025, the state recorded a staggering 14 major disasters, including floods and hurricanes, according to the South Carolina Emergency Management Division.

That means if you’re moving to the state for retirement, you might want a robust home insurance policy. By using a comparison platform like Insurify, you can instantly view quotes from top-rated providers to ensure you aren’t paying a hidden “loyalty tax” to your current insurer.

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2. Tennessee

Tennessee has no state income tax at all, according to the Tax Foundation and is among the most affordable states in the U.S., in terms of cost of living — which could be two of the many reasons why retirees are actively moving to the state. In fact, the HireAHelper map shows that the region saw a net gain of 3,191 retirees in 2025, making it the fourth-most popular destination for older Americans.

The Volunteer State is also known for its friendly climate, with mild winters in many regions and plenty of sun in the summers.

Apart from the low cost of living and climate, the state’s national parks and beautiful scenery make it an ideal destination for anyone seeking an active, outdoorsy retirement, according to Empower.

And staying active and healthy, particularly in retirement becomes that much more important when you consider the rising health care costs, which can make it harder to stretch your savings.

But, as you’re planning for decades ahead, you might want to consider joining senior-focused organizations like AARP for discounts on almost everything.

As one of the most trusted organizations for older Americans, AARP not only offers money-saving perks, but they can also help you make informed financial and health decisions.

AARP members get access to guides that can help you make the most of Social Security, choose the right Medicare plan and uncover other government benefits — potentially saving you thousands.

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3. Texas

With 5,156 net retirees gained in 2025, Texas is the second-most popular retirement destination in the country, according to the HireAHelper map.

It’s easy to see why: The state has no income taxes, cheap and abundant real estate and an overall cost of living that’s well below the national average.