Episode 127: The Baby Boomer Retirement Wave — Part 2: Where They're Going Domestically

When 10,000 people turn 65 every day, a lot of them start thinking about where to spend their retirement years. Let's look at the domestic migration patterns.The Undisputed Champion: Florida45,000+ inbound moves among 65+ residents in a single yearNet gain of nearly 38,000 Baby Boomers annually — largest single age-group migration in the countryWhy: Warm weather, no state income tax, established retiree communities, good healthcare infrastructure, proximity to Northeast familyThe Traditional Powerhouse: ArizonaPhoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson — huge retiree populationsNo tax on Social Security benefitsRelatively low property taxesDry climate appeals to those with certain health conditionsConsistently ranks top 5 for retiree in-migrationEmerging Retirement DestinationsTexasNorth CarolinaSouth CarolinaTennesseeCommon threads: Lower cost of living, favorable tax treatment, warm/mild climates, growing healthcare infrastructure. Taking market share from Florida and Arizona.Where Retirees Are LeavingCaliforniaNew YorkNew JerseyIllinoisConnecticutWhy: High taxes, high cost of living, cold winters💰 The Math: Moving from New Jersey to Florida or Tennessee can save a retiree $120,000 to $360,000 in taxes over 20 years.The Migration Numbers2.1 million Americans 65+ moved in 2025Nearly 1 in 5 relocated to a different stateIs Florida Getting Too Crowded?Florida's popularity is creating problems:Rising home pricesInsurance costs skyrocketingTraffic congestionInfrastructure strainSome retirees are looking at Florida and deciding it's too expensive or too crowded. They're looking for alternatives with similar benefits without the drawbacks.Enter: International OptionsFor a subset of retirees, the calculation is changing. If Florida is expensive and crowded, and you're open to adventure — why not look beyond U.S. borders? The same money that buys a modest condo in Florida might buy a beachfront property somewhere else.Tomorrow: The growing trend of Americans retiring abroad.📧 Email David at [email protected]]]>