Best Locations for Retired Couples: Find Your Ideal Retirement Home

09.05.2025 | Category: Retirement Planning

Summary: Explore the best locations for retired couples, featuring U.S. cities and international destinations that offer affordability, healthcare, tax benefits and lifestyle amenities for a comfortable, secure retirement.

For many retired couples, choosing where to live after decades of working is an important decision. Not every state is retiree-friendly.

The best location for retired couples balances financial security with quality of life, offering low living costs, accessible healthcare and plenty of community activities to stay engaged. The ideal retirement destination offers comfort, adventure and peace of mind for a fulfilling and stress-free life.

Let’s explore some of the best cities for retirees, both in the U.S. and abroad, to help you find your ideal retirement destination.

Factors for choosing the best location for retired couples

Selecting the best retirement destination for you isn’t just about sunshine and scenery. Before making a move, couples should also consider several other important factors, including:

Affordability

From home prices to daily expenses, the cost of living is a key factor in determining how long your retirement savings will last. When evaluating affordable places to retire, consider housing costs, property taxes, utilities, state sales taxes and insurance costs.

Tax benefits

Taxes can slowly erode your retirement income if you’re living in a place that taxes Social Security and retirement income. Consider states that offer significant tax advantages for retirees, such as no state income tax, no tax on Social Security benefits and low property and sales tax.

Healthcare access

Easy access to quality medical care becomes increasingly important as you age. The best location for retired couples is close to reputable hospitals and medical clinics.

Community amenities

Social connection is essential for a happy retirement. The best location for retired couples offers fitness centers, senior activities, walking trails and cultural events to keep you moving and engaged.

Safety

Living in a safe environment is essential for your peace of mind. The ideal location for retired couples features low crime rates, well-lit streets and walkable neighborhoods.

Climate

In retirement, shoveling snow is probably something you’d prefer to avoid. By moving somewhere with mild, comfortable weather, you can ditch the snow shovel and enjoy outdoor activities year-round.

Best cities for retirees in the U.S.

Based on factors such as affordability, tax benefits, healthcare, community amenities, safety and climate, here are some of our picks for the five best cities for retirees in the U.S.

1. The Villages, Florida

Florida is known as a popular haven for retirees. Besides its warm climate during the winter months, the state also has no state income tax and no tax on Social Security.

The Villages, a retirement community located northwest of Orlando, was named by Forbes as one of the Best Places to Retire in 2025.¹ Besides its low crime rate and lower cost of living, The Villages offers retirees several activities to keep them active, such as golf, shuffleboard and dancing.

2. Ocean Springs, Mississippi

If you’re looking for warmer weather but don’t want to relocate to Florida, consider Ocean Springs, Mississippi. This small city of about 18,561 people is ranked the number one place to retire in Mississippi by Niche.com.²

The charming downtown has many shops, restaurants and bars to enjoy, with several offering live music on most nights. Many people who live in Ocean Springs get around town on golf carts.³ Mississippi offers tax advantages for seniors, with no state tax on Social Security or retirement account withdrawals, including distributions from IRAs and 401(k)s.⁴

3. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia, also made the Forbes list of Best Places to Retire in 2025. With its iconic historic squares, cobblestone streets and trees draped in Spanish moss, this historic riverfront city is a perfect choice for retirees seeking charm and affordability.

The cost of living in Savannah is about 10% below the national average, and the average home costs $260,000, about 23% less than the national average.⁵ Georgia does not levy any tax on Social Security income, but retirement account withdrawals are partially taxed.⁶

4. Chattanooga, Tennessee

Tennessee is another state that doesn’t tax Social Security income or withdrawals from retirement accounts.⁷ Located along the Tennessee River, Chattanooga is fast becoming a popular place for retirees.

Its cost of living is almost 20% below the national average, due to reasonably priced housing and healthcare costs.⁸ The area boasts breathtaking natural scenery and plenty of outdoor activities, such as the 13-mile Riverwalk and scenic hikes up Lookout Mountain.

5. Greenville, South Carolina

Greenville, South Carolina, offers retired couples a mix of affordability, cultural vibrancy and accessible healthcare. The median home price in Greenville is 22% below the national median, and property taxes are low.⁹ Social Security income isn’t taxed in South Carolina, but there are partial taxes on retirement income.¹⁰

Best retirement destinations internationally

Many retirees are discovering that their retirement savings stretch further in countries outside the U.S. Here are the top four countries on International Living’s World’s Best Places to Retire in 2025.¹¹

Panama

Panama’s retirement visa, called the Pensionado visa, requires retirees to have $1,000 per month in pension income. While you are required to have a private healthcare cover, it is significantly more affordable than healthcare in the U.S.¹²

Portugal

Portugal consistently ranks at the top of best retirement destination lists for American retirees. It offers a mild climate, a safe environment, affordable living costs and accessible healthcare.

While housing prices may be higher in Lisbon and the Algarve, they are considerably lower in other parts of the country. Retirees can secure residency with a D7 Passive Income Visa.¹²

Costa Rica

Retired couples can live comfortably in Costa Rica on $2,000 to $3,000 per month. Its Pensionado visa requires retirees to have a monthly income of $1,000. The public healthcare system provides universal coverage, while private insurance plans offer shorter wait times and greater flexibility.¹¹

Mexico

Housing costs in several Mexican towns can be as much as 60% below those in the U.S., making it more affordable for retirees to live well on a fixed income. The country offers Temporary Resident Visas, which can be renewed for multiple years and may lead to permanent residency.¹³

Before relocating to another country, it’s essential to thoroughly research its safety conditions, including political stability, crime rates, healthcare access, and travel advisories from trusted sources.

Find your perfect retirement haven

Selecting an affordable place to retire can make all the difference as you grow older. The best location for retired couples offers a mix of financial stability, healthcare access and a welcoming, active community, whether you’re drawn to the charm of the South or the affordability of life abroad. It also provides opportunities to meet retirement saving milestones and implement effective strategies.

As you plan for your next chapter, make sure your finances and insurance needs are just as secure as your new zip code. Mutual of Omaha can help you protect what matters most, with retirement planning tools and insurance solutions tailored for your lifestyle. Go through our Retirement Planning section to get more guidance and help secure your future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is most tax-friendly for retired couples?

One of the most tax-friendly states for retired couples is Wyoming. It has no state income tax, meaning retirees don’t pay taxes on Social Security income, pensions or other retirement income. The state also has low property taxes and no state estate or inheritance taxes. The overall tax burden in Wyoming is among the lowest in the country, making it an attractive option for retirees seeking to stretch their retirement savings.¹⁴

Is it safe for American retirees to live abroad?

Yes, it can be safe for American retirees to live abroad, as long as they choose a country with low crime rates. According to the Global Peace Index, Portugal is among the top 10 most peaceful countries in the world. Panama and Costa Rica are ranked higher than the U.S. for peacefulness. ¹⁵

How can we try out a new city before committing?

It’s wise to check out a new city before making a permanent move. If you’re considering relocating to a specific place, try spending a few weeks or months there to get a real sense of daily life. During your stay, explore different areas, shop at the local stores, use public transportation and engage in community events and activities. A trial run can help you assess whether the location aligns with your needs and preferences.

Sources

Forbes, Best Places To Retire In 2025: Greenville And Other Surprisingly Affordable Gems, The Villages, FL, May 2025
Niche.com, 2025 Best Places to Retire in Mississippi, 2025
Niche.com, Ocean Springs, MS
SmartAsset, Mississippi Retirement Tax Friendliness
Best Places, Savannah, GA Cost of Living
SmartAsset, Georgia Retirement Tax Friendliness
SmartAsset, Tennessee Retirement Tax Friendliness
Best Places, Chattanooga, TN Cost of Living
Livian Estates Team | Keller Williams Greenville Upstate, Why Retire in Greenville, SC? | Top Reasons for Retirement
SmartAsset, South Carolina Retirement Tax Friendliness
International Living, Best Places to Retire in 2025: The Annual Global Retirement Index, 2025
Global Citizen Solutions, The 10 Best Countries for Americans to Retire in 2025, 2025
Investopedia, 5 Developed Countries for Easy Residency or Citizenship, August 2024
Investopedia, The Best Tax-Friendly States for Retirees, April 2025
Vision of Humanity, 2025 Global Peace Index

Disclosure:

Registered Representatives offer securities through Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisor Representatives offer advisory services through Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. Mutual of Omaha Advisors is a division of Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company.

Mutual of Omaha and its representatives do not provide tax and/or legal advice, and the information provided herein is general in nature and should not be considered tax and/or legal advice.

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