Florida has long been the default answer for Americans chasing a warm retirement, but the moving trucks are telling a different story. U-Haul's 2026 midyear migration report, tracking one-way moves between July 2025 and June 2026, put South Carolina first and North Carolina second for net gains of Baby Boomer arrivals — with Florida slipping to third, behind Arizona and Alabama.
The appeal isn't hard to puzzle out. Both states offer Atlantic beaches, historic towns, golf, boating and fishing, plus four real seasons without brutal northern winters. The trade-off: hot, humid summers, hurricane season, and rising flood insurance costs in coastal zones.
In North Carolina, the southeastern coast around Wilmington and Southport is drawing attention. Southport pairs historic homes and centuries-old live oaks with a walkable downtown of shops and seafood restaurants along the Cape Fear River, and Oak Island nearby delivers miles of sandy beach. Wilmington, which ranked 10th on U-Haul's list of metros attracting Boomers, adds urban conveniences: a Riverwalk lined with restaurants and galleries, the Cameron Art Museum, shows at Thalian Hall, and Wrightsville Beach a short drive away. It's also a filming favourite — movies like "A Walk To Remember" were shot here. Financially, North Carolina doesn't tax Social Security benefits, though IRA withdrawals are generally taxable.
South Carolina's top-ranked coastal metros offer two distinct lifestyles. Myrtle Beach, second in the nation for Boomer gains, is a busy resort scene on the Grand Strand with golf courses, beaches and dinner theatres — just expect crowds and traffic in high season. Charleston, ranked fourth, counters with historic neighbourhoods, a walkable downtown, an active arts scene and celebrated restaurants like Husk. For something quieter, Beaufort — about 90 minutes south — has moss-draped oaks, tidal marshes and a reputation as "America's happiest seaside town." The state also sweetens the deal financially: no state tax on Social Security, retirement income deductions for those 65 and older, and a homestead property tax exemption for qualifying homeowners.
For travellers scoping out a retirement move — or just wanting a slower-paced coastal holiday — the Carolinas make a strong case. The report only reflects U-Haul customers, so it's a snapshot rather than the full picture, but the direction is clear: more older Americans want coastal living without Florida's crowds, and the Carolinas are delivering it.
