Retirees are fleeing California and flocking to Florida.
In 2023, Florida was the most popular destination for U.S. residents aged 60 and over, according to a June study by SmartAsset, which analyzed the data from the Census Bureau’s latest American Community Survey.
The state saw a net migration gain of 44,504 residents 60 and over — the highest in the country and more than double that of the next highest state, North Carolina, which had a net gain of just over 20,000. In contrast, California experienced the largest net loss, with 56,858 more people in the age group leaving than moving in.
While the Sunshine State has had the nation’s largest net migration of people 60 and older since at least 2021, net migration to Florida in 2023 was down significantly from 2022’s net gain of 77,290 residents largely due to a decline in retirees moving to the state.
Here are the top 10 states where retirees moved in 2023, ranked by the highest net inflow of people aged 60 and over.
1. Florida
- Net migration: 44,504
- Total population aged 60 and older: 6,515,453
2. North Carolina
- Net migration: 20,369
- Total population aged 60 and older: 2,610,422
3. Arizona
- Net migration: 20,203
- Total population aged 60 and older: 1,905,562
4. South Carolina
- Net migration: 14,676
- Total population aged 60 and older: 1,408,424
5. Georgia
- Net migration: 13, 789
- Total population aged 60 and older: 2,370,455
6. Texas
- Net migration: 10,050
- Total population aged 60 and older: 5,889,582
7. Nevada
- Net migration: 5,782
- Total population aged 60 and older: 757,348
8. Idaho
- Net migration: 5,182
- Total population aged 60 and older: 463,084
9. Oklahoma
- Net migration: 4,940
- Total population aged 60 and older: 925,676
10. Delaware
- Net migration: 4,519
- Total population aged 60 and older: 296,881
Retirees may be moving to Florida for good reason. Despite its relatively high cost of living, Florida was ranked the best state to retire in by WalletHub in 2025, due to its tax-friendly policies, recreational opportunities and government-funded programs for seniors.
A major draw of retiring in Florida is that the state has no income tax. For retirees, this means Social Security benefits, pensions and retirement account withdrawals are not taxed. Additionally, Florida has no estate or inheritance tax, which can be a financial advantage for those planning to pass on wealth.
The state also boasts the second-most shoreline miles in the country, and ranks second in the amount of adult volunteer activities, fifth in theater companies and seventh in golf courses and country clubs — offering retirees a number of ways to stay active and engaged, according to WalletHub.
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