10 Great Places to Retire If You Hate the Cold

Hot Springs, Arkansas

Average high temperature in July: 93℉
Average low temperature in January: 31℉
Cost of living for retirees: 7.5% below U.S. average
Share of population 65+: 21.3% (U.S.: 14.5%)
Arkansas’s tax rating for retirees: Tax-Friendly
Lifetime health care costs for a retired couple: Below average at $355,695 (U.S.: $394,954)

You won’t need to travel far for rest and relaxation if you settle in this retirement hotspot. Surrounding the north end of the city of Hot Springs is Hot Springs National Park, which has 47 hot springs that come out of the mountain of the same name and two bathhouses, where you can drink from fountains and soak in the water. The relaxing experience extends into the city proper, where there are many spa and massage services to choose from. You can also unwind by golfing at one of the area’s 11 championship courses or by fishing or boating on one of the three local lakes.

Even your wallet can de-stress. Housing and health care for retirees are particularly low, at 24.1% and 12.2% below the national average, respectively. The median home value in Hot Springs, about 60 miles southwest of Little Rock, is $115,600—far below the national median of $176,700.

Carlsbad, California

Average high temperature in July: 70℉
Average low temperature in January: 45℉
Cost of living for retirees: 33.8% above U.S. average*
Share of population 65+: 14.0%
California’s tax rating for retirees: Least Tax-Friendly
Lifetime health care costs for a retired couple: Above average at $408,522

With its vibrant cultural community, ocean-side living and sunny climate, Carlsbad is a great place to retire. It’s a small city (population: 112,000) compared with nearby San Diego (population: about 1.4 million), but has no shortage of amenities, with 25 parks, nearly 50 miles of hiking trails and a full calendar of artsy offerings, including Foreign Film Friday and free summer concerts. Plus, you can choose among a host of retirement communities with ocean views.

Of course, you have to be able to afford it. Like much of California, the cost of living is high. For example, the median home value in the U.S. is $176,700; in California, it’s $366,400, and in Carlsbad, it’s $614,000. The taxes also weigh heavily on your wallet. One of the 10 least tax-friendly states for retirees (and everyone else), California taxes virtually all retirement income except Social Security benefits, and it has the highest income tax rates in the nation.

*Based on cost of living for retirees in nearby San Diego

Punta Gorda, Florida

Average high temperature in July: 92℉
Average low temperature in January: 52℉
Cost of living for retirees: 5.2% below U.S. average
Share of population 65+: 47.9%
Florida’s tax rating for retirees: Most Tax-Friendly
Lifetime health care costs for a retired couple: Above average at $409,097

With its desirable climate and favorable tax status, Florida is filled with popular retirement destinations. Punta Gorda consistently ranks as one of the best. (It was among our top picks for cheapest places where you’ll want to retire.) Because nearly half of its residents are age 65 and older, the city is wise to recognize its strong senior presence and do all it can to satisfy them. You can find numerous retirement communities, restricted to people age 55 and older, that offer waterfront sites, golfing, fishing and other activities. In town, the Harborwalk along Charlotte Harbor is just a portion of the 18 miles of bike trails and pedestrian pathways you can enjoy.

For more amenities, including many restaurants and a lively arts scene, Sarasota is a little more than 50 miles away on the Gulf coast and is another great place to retire.