19. North Carolina
Cost of living: 5 percent below U.S. average
Population: 9.9 million
Best city: Asheville
PRO: In comparison to the rest of the country, North Carolina has generally quite mild weather throughout the year. With all the lush greenery it is a great place for nature lovers. Except for the Kill Devil Hills area, living costs are generally quite low and there is no tax on Social Security.
19. North Carolina
CON: Even though living costs are low, income levels are also pretty low, averaging at $43,616 for seniors over 65. There is no tax on Social Security, but there is a flat rate on other retirement income at 5.9 percent.
NEXT: This state was where the first Civil War battle took place.
18. South Carolina
Cost of living: 7 percent below U.S. average
Population: 4.8 million
Best city: Bluffton
PRO: South Carolina is another state which has pretty mild weather throughout the year, beautiful beaches and scenery. It is pretty affordable with living costs at 7 percent less than the national average, and taxes that are friendly to retirement incomes; this state is a pretty attractive retirement destination.
18. South Carolina
CON: Although the weather is generally pretty mild, summers can get rather hot with high levels of humidity in this Southern state. The standard of health in the state is not particularly great, with many smokers, high levels of obesity, and low consumption of vegetables.
NEXT: The next state’s best retirement city has a rare, Civil War-era, double-barreled cannon displayed in the city hall.
