Best ZIP Codes for Retirees on a Fixed Income
What Retirees Need From a ZIP Code
Retirees have different priorities than young families. The most important factors are: low cost of living, access to healthcare, low crime rates, mild climate, and low or no state income tax on Social Security and pension income.
States With No Tax on Retirement Income
Several states don't tax Social Security benefits or pension income at all, including Florida, Texas, Nevada, Tennessee, and Mississippi. This can represent thousands of dollars per year in savings for retirees.
Healthcare Access by ZIP
Proximity to quality hospitals and specialists matters more as we age. When evaluating ZIP codes, check the distance to the nearest hospital, the availability of primary care physicians, and whether major medical centers accept Medicare.
Using ZipScore to Find Retirement ZIP Codes
Visit our Best for Retirees page for a data-driven list of top ZIP codes ranked specifically for retirement quality of life. You can also compare any two ZIP codes to see differences in cost of living, crime, and demographic data side by side.
Top Affordable Retirement States
- Mississippi: Lowest cost of living in the US, warm climate
- Arkansas: Very affordable housing, no Social Security tax
- Alabama: Low property taxes, Gulf Coast access
- Tennessee: No income tax, growing retirement communities