12 Places to Retire If You're Sick of the Heat

Some like it hot in a place to retire; others not so much.

Senior couple stands on a ski slope with mountains in the background.
(Image credit: Getty)

Some like it hot; others not so much. If you dream of a retirement destination where you get to bundle up for long winters and enjoy jacket weather in the summertime, then head north.

Many of the following locales offer an abundance of winter activities, such as skiing and snowshoeing, as well as a number of other year-round benefits, including low taxes and affordable living costs.

To assess these places to live in retirement, Kiplinger took a look at average temperatures, the cost of living, share of population over 65, and Kiplinger's ratings of tax friendliness. 

Check out these extra-cool spots if you're looking to chill out when you retire.

Disclaimer

Estimates of living costs for retirees, where available, come from PayScale. Populations are from the U.S. Census Bureau. Home values are from Zillow. Crime statistics are from the FBI. Average temperatures are from The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retirement destinations are listed in alphabetical order by state.

Stacy Rapacon
Online Editor, Kiplinger.com

Rapacon joined Kiplinger in October 2007 as a reporter with Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine and became an online editor for Kiplinger.com in June 2010. She previously served as editor of the "Starting Out" column, focusing on personal finance advice for people in their twenties and thirties.

Before joining Kiplinger, Rapacon worked as a senior research associate at b2b publishing house Judy Diamond Associates. She holds a B.A. degree in English from the George Washington University.

With contributions from