5. Del Webb’s Sun City Hilton Head, South Carolina — Best Golf Retirement Community
Del Webb’s Sun City Hilton Head is one of America’s most celebrated planned retirement neighborhoods. South Carolina’s retirement-friendly tax laws — including exemptions on Social Security income and generous deductions on pension and retirement income — make it financially compelling.
This gated 55+ community offers championship golf, resort-style amenities, and a vibrant social calendar for active retirees. Healthcare access is well-developed, with Medicare Advantage plan providers and senior care specialists servicing the community.
Home prices are competitive compared to Florida counterparts, offering genuine retirement budget advantages. Financial advisors specialising in retirement income planning, 401(k) rollover management, and required minimum distributions (RMDs) are accessible locally.
For retirees prioritising community, security, and lifestyle in a low-tax state, Sun City Hilton Head represents outstanding value. Its Del Webb brand heritage guarantees a professionally managed, retiree-focused environment that continues to attract buyers from across the United States.
6. Pinehurst, North Carolina — Best Small-Town Retirement Neighborhood
Pinehurst, North Carolina is an elegant small-town retirement destination famous for its world-renowned golf courses and gracious Southern lifestyle. North Carolina’s moderate flat income tax rate and partial Social Security exemption for qualifying retirees provide meaningful retirement tax relief.
Pinehurst’s real estate offers exceptional value — from historic village cottages to modern golf community homes — accommodating retirees across a range of retirement budgets.
The local healthcare network, anchored by FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, offers strong Medicare and Medicare Advantage coverage. Senior living and continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) in and around Pinehurst serve the growing retiree population with quality, compassionate care.
For retirees focused on retirement savings longevity, Pinehurst’s low cost of living dramatically extends purchasing power. Estate planning services and certified financial planners (CFPs) are well-represented, helping retirees manage everything from trust creation to annuity optimisation in this charming, storied retirement neighborhood.
not for me
I don’t like the hot desert, nor high prices in CA, nor cold MI. And how comfortable is FL when a hurricane is bearing down? The last thing retirees need is to pack the car and get in traffic and try to get out if town. Only a fool would choose some of these places.
You’re absolutely right! Whoever wrote this misguided piece must be one of our new genius college grads.
Just two examples. I lived in Carmel – rented, of course. Avg. Tiny home price $2.5 mil and most homes are owned by weekend tech bros. Carmel was nice in 1995. Now – its a soulless empty place most days. As for The Villages 50,000 homes, prices are dropping thru the roof. Nobody is buying them. Not a good place to be. I live on the Oregon coast, and everyday its an endless parade of out of state license plates looking for greener grass.
I have lived in Delaware for the last seven years. We have no sales tax and the property tax is much lower than New Jersey where we lived for 38 years. There are plenty of places to eat out and Philadelphia is a short distance away. Our very quiet neighborhood is the Marshallton section of Wilmington.