Where you retire matters more than ever. Healthcare and housing costs keep climbing, and every dollar counts when you are living on a fixed income.
Here is one way to stretch your Social Security check further: move to a state that does not tax it. Right now, nine states offer that advantage: Arkansas, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.
But a tax-friendly state is only half the equation. You also want a town where homes are still within reach. These 15 cities check both boxes.
Florida
Punta Gorda is a relaxed coastal city with beautiful canals and plenty of boating. Median home prices run about $380,000, according to Realtor.com.
Fort Myers is a great fit if you love golf or beach days and want to spend around $300,000 on a home.
South Dakota
Sioux Falls is the largest city in the state. It has strong healthcare access and steady population growth, which helps keep housing available.
Spearfish is a quieter choice, surrounded by national parks and hiking trails, a good fit for retirees who like the outdoors.
Rapid City sits close to Mount Rushmore and offers plenty of outdoor activities. Median home values are in the mid-$300,000s.
Tennessee
Columbia is less than an hour from Nashville, which means you get small-town affordability with easy access to a major city’s culture and economy.
Knoxville is a university town with a median home value of $360,000. It’s a lively place for retirees who enjoy arts, events, and a vibrant community.
Texas
Galveston brings together coastal living, a tourism-driven economy, and a lot of historical charm. It’s an easygoing place to settle down.
San Antonio is known for its scenic River Walk and a lower cost of living than most big American cities. It blends big-city energy with a small-town feel.
El Paso is one of the most affordable cities on this list, with median home values near $220,000. You get big-city culture set against open desert landscapes.
Washington
Wenatchee offers lush scenery, a relaxed pace, and homes priced around $300,000, a peaceful option for retirees looking for a quieter life.
Sequim stands out in Washington for its unusually sunny weather and fields of lavender. The median home price there is only $280,000.
Nevada
Carson City, Nevada’s capital, sits near Lake Tahoe and has a lower cost of living than the nearby resort towns.
New Hampshire
Portsmouth is a historic seaport with great walkability, charming shops, and smaller homes priced in the $300,000 range.
Manchester offers affordable housing around $300,000 with mountain views right outside your window.
No single city is the right answer for everyone. But if protecting your Social Security income is a priority, starting your search in one of these nine states puts more money back in your pocket from day one.
Note: All housing costs were sourced from Zillow.