Baby boomers are skipping Florida for the Carolinas in retirement—and cheaper homes are only part of the reason
Florida still ranked No. 3 for boomers in U-Haul's new midyear report, but lower property taxes, cheaper housing, and a quieter pace pushed South Carolina and North Carolina ahead.
The Sunshine State, once the top destination for retirees, is losing its charm to the Carolinas, according to a new report by U-Haul. In July, the moving company released its 2026 Midyear Migration Trends National Report, which analyzed where each generation is moving based on the net gain of moving trucks and containers. The report shows a significant shift in retirement destinations for baby boomers, with Florida dropping to third place behind South Carolina and North Carolina.
Lower property taxes, housing costs, and better proximity to major cities are driving boomers to the Southeast. While Florida still offers warm weather and ocean views, the Carolinas provide more variety in outdoor activities and are within a half-day's drive from major cities like Atlanta and Washington, D.C.
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