Master-Planned and Gated Communities in Tax-Friendly States
Some people want to get away from high taxes like they want to get away from snowy, cold winters. Both are valid reasons to start looking for a destination to retire or relocate. Moving to a tax-friendly state can set you up for a better financial situation—and may even have a better climate. You want your hard-earned money to go as far as it can—after all, you’ve worked toward your retirement your whole life. So, when you’re making plans to retire or relocate, you’ll want to think about how your income can fit into your ideal lifestyle.
The Benefits of Choosing a Tax-Friendly State
If you’re making the move from a high-tax state like New York, New Jersey, or Maryland, looking into a tax-friendly state is one of the best things you can do for you, your family, and your wallet. Some of the benefits include:
- No tax on Social Security income, which can include 401(k)s, IRAs and pensions
- Additional deductions on other forms of retirement income
- Low sales, property, estate, inheritance and income tax rates
The goal is to get the most out of your savings and to live at your fullest capacity, and tax-friendly states are a great place to do that. But don’t just move because taxes are low. Consider all the other factors, too. Is it a place you want to live in? Does it have the amenities—dining, shopping, attractions, etc.—that you want in your everyday life? You should also look for other potential taxes that aren’t as nice. While tax-friendly states are generous in most tax areas, some may have drawbacks. For example, a state may have low income tax but a higher sales tax.
A Look at Some Tax-Friendly States
Delaware – A destination full of gorgeous beaches, rich history, and beautiful scenery, the charm of seaside life is almost enough to make anyone want to move at the drop of a hat. But to sweeten the deal, Delaware is kind to your retirement incomes, offers low property tax, and has no sales tax.
Pennsylvania - Full of history, an enticing geographical landscape, and a climate that’ll make you want to spend most of your time outdoors, this state is also easy on your wallet. No tax on retirement incomes, a low sales tax, and a lower-than-average cost of living make it an ideal place to retire or relocate.
Florida - If the Sunshine State is your escape from frigid winters, you’ll be pleased to know it’s also tax-friendly. You don’t have to worry about income tax, and your Social Security benefits and 401(k)s are untaxed at state levels.
North Carolina - Enjoy a bit of southern charm, your choice of a mountain or seaside backdrop, and shorter winters. But that’s not all. Lower taxes and lower cost of living make this state an even more desirable destination.
Research and Explore Tax-Friendly Communities Around The U.S.
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Crossings at Sweetbriar
Retirees and other active adults who want a relaxing lifestyle in a perfect location are discovering Pennsylvania’s Crossings at Sweetbriar.
Developed by Landmark Homes, the regional leader in creating upscale age-55+ communities like The Crossings at Sweetbriar, residents have a choice of both one- and two-story designs with open floor plans. Customizable options and special features make each residence unique, and the area’s low cost of living and property taxes add to the value of every home.
The Crossings at Sweetbriar residents have their own private community clubhouse for meetings and special events, plus walking and biking trails through more than 20 acres of preserved open space. But Sweetbriar’s most desirable amenity maybe its tranquil location in the rolling farmlands of central Pennsylvania. Historic sites and seasonal farmer’s market make every day trip an adventure. The nearby town of Lebanon features fine and casual dining restaurants, retail stores, antique shops, and cultural centers like the Gretna Theatre. The Iron Valley Golf Course tops the list of local outdoor-recreation venues, while the Wellspan Good Samaritan Hospital and the Lebanon VA Medical Center offer top-rated health care services. Just a short drive to the southwest is the state capital of Harrisburg, the regional center of commerce and culture.
Request more information below to get all the details. The active-adult lifestyle at a great location offered by The Crossings at Sweetbriar may be just what you’re looking for.
Riverlights
Riverlights is the coastal community where salty air meets southern hospitality. We like to say it feels something like wiggling your toes in the sand with a sangria in hand. Our perfect location makes all the difference – along the Cape Fear River and just five miles from historic Wilmington, rated the most charming beach town on the East Coast with award-winning restaurants and shops.
When you live in Riverlights, your days radiate with the positive energy that happens when you live on the water in the Carolina sunshine. Eat up as the sun goes down at our waterfront restaurant. Venture through the art gallery and local shops at our Marina Village. Kayak on still waters for a sun-soaked day on the river. Walk and bike our trails. Join new friends for sunrise paintings on the boardwalk, front porch happy hours or book clubs that give back to local charities. This all sounds good to us. Hopefully, it sounds good to you.
Our array of single-family, low-maintenance, luxury, townhomes, duplexes, and apartments means there is something for everyone. So, schedule your personal tour with our community specialists or start your virtual tour here.
Retire Tennessee Program Communities
Whether you’re ready for full-time retirement or want to relocate to a better place, Tennessee is a state that deserves your attention.
Consider these facts before deciding on another location: Tennessee collects no state tax on income or other retirement-plan benefits and no sales tax on prescription drugs. Property taxes in Tennessee are very reasonable, especially with available exemptions for retirees and age 65+ residents, resulting in the second-lowest overall state and local tax burden per capita in the nation. And Tennessee offers the eighth-lowest cost of living in the U.S.—more than 10% below the national average.
The Retire Tennessee program is a state government initiative designed to spread the word about all of the great reasons for retiring or relocating to the Volunteer State. From the Great Smoky Mountains in the east to the banks of the Mississippi River in the west, a total of 19 urban and rural counties in the program highlight the unique natural attractions and cultural amenities that each has to offer.
Tennessee has more than 60 state and national parks with some of America’s finest freshwater fishing lakes and hiking destinations that range from the 210-mile Cumberland Trail to Chattanooga’s 16-mile Riverwalk. The delightful four-season climate means that you can enjoy a round of golf or a kayak excursion any week of the year. And the world-famous Tennessee music scene includes Beale Street blues in Memphis, the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and bluegrass festivals in charming mountain towns like Kingsport and Cookeville.
Request more information below and let the Retire Tennessee program introduce you to the next great adventure in your life.
Lakewood Ranch
Live the Florida lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of—with 20+ villages, each featuring distinctive homes, amenities, and features, Lakewood Ranch is designed to support every aspect of your life. New homes include townhomes, condos, attached villas, single-family homes and estates, with prices from the $300s to over $1 million.
We set out to build a community that is more than just the homes it’s made up of. Here you’ll find all the shopping, dining, entertainment, education, healthcare, nature, and recreational options you could want to make the most out of every day. And the best part is that it’s all already here. You don’t have to envision it—you can simply start living it.
Our 48% open space plan and mixed-use component work together to provide each village on The Ranch with easy access to parks, trails, and recreational opportunities like three town centers, a sports campus featuring pickleball, Sarasota Polo Club and The Farmers’ Market.
Just beyond our backyard you can enjoy Sarasota’s white sand beaches and arts scene, Tampa’s sports teams, and quick access to four airports.
ideal-LIVING has named Lakewood Ranch Best Health and Fitness Community and Best Golf Community. Lakewood Ranch has also earned the spot as the #1 best-selling community in the U.S. for all ages for six years running.
Come explore Florida’s favorite place to call home. LakewoodRanch.com
What to expect at The Ranch:
• 20+ villages, 1 is 55+
• 3 town centers & 8 neighborhood shopping plazas with Publix Grocery stores
• 150 miles of multi-surface trails
• 10,000+ acres of lakes, parks, and preserves
• 60+ clubs and groups
• Over 200 shops and eateries
• 13 community parks
• 162 holes of golf
• 32 courts for racquet sports
• A-rated schools & higher education campuses
• Sarasota Polo Club
• Farmers’ Market voted #1 in Florida
• Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club
• 22 fields at Premier Sports Campus
• Sights and Sounds Performing and Fine Arts Series
Ready to discover it? Great. Request more information below to receive discovery tour packages
and specials. You won’t know until you go!
Dataw Island
There is a place off the South Carolina coast, near the charming town of Beaufort, where nature and luxury share center stage. Shaped by the Intracoastal Waterway and a rich Southern history, the SC gated golf community of Dataw Island is a pristine parcel of 870 acres waiting to be discovered.
The Dataw Island Club is the perfect choice for you. Golf and Social memberships are available for island residents. If you live in the area and are interested in joining the club, call to find out about the special Country Club Membership incentives. For membership information call (843) 838-3838. Ask about their vacation memberships!
The Dataw Island Club has completed its two year renovation of their golf courses. The Cotton Dike course, designed by Tom Fazio, was completely renovated in 2011, and the Arthur Hills designed Morgan River course has also completed its renovation.
“Top 100 Amenity Communities” – ideal-LIVING Magazine
“Best in Value Golf Community” – Links Magazine
“Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” – The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses
Dataw Island is a luxurious and private residential golf community nestled in an unrivaled South Carolina landscape. Within the gates, there is 24-hour security. There’s vibrancy there, a constant bustle of activity that reflects the area’s rich wildlife and Dataw’s collaborative culture. Residents can walk, bike or travel by golf cart to social gatherings, functions and meetings.
From deepwater slips that lead to blue waters to the manicured golf courses named for legends; from an indoor lap pool to a whirlpool spa; from tennis lessons to Spanish lessons, Dataw Island is humming with leisure. Start the day sunny side up in your Lowcountry residence. Uncover cozy, shaded nooks perfect for soaking in the coastal breeze. Join neighbors for a Yacht Club meeting or challenge friends to a game of croquet on the lawn. From a calendar of social events to thoughtful gathering spots woven throughout, Dataw Island’s connected community is inspired by you.
Waterways
One of the best places to live in Georgia.
Nestled amid ancient moss-draped oak hammocks, winding freshwater lagoons and the salt marshes of coastal Georgia’s low country, Waterways is a private gated community with distinctive homes and modern amenities, just 30 minutes south of historic Savannah in Richmond Hill, Georgia. This surprising low country community offers luxury homes surrounded by a protected natural landscape.
Each Waterways neighborhood is designed with its own unique character and charm. Here, you’ll find a wide selection of interconnected neighborhoods, convenient access to community amenities, and homesites with lagoon, park, and wooded views. Homesites start in the 90s, townhomes from the 300’s and homes from the 400’s.
This is ideal living.
Just outside of Savannah, on the Georgia coast, there’s a master planned community that’s rooted in nature and built with modern amenities. Here, water’s influence is the center of the lifestyle, and health and wellness are valued along with days of adventure and exploration.Here, your family can escape from the noise of the world in a place where spontaneous get-togethers, outdoor activities, and the influence of water create a new rhythm of life.
The Waterways Marina Is Now Open….
Located along Redbird Waterway, the Marina features direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway, the Great Ogeechee River, and the Atlantic Ocean. Featuring dry slip storage, a ship store, and fueling and launching facilities, Waterways residents will have all they need for endless adventure. The center of our waterfront lifestyle is found at the Marina Village, with stunning views of golden marshes, dry slip storage spaces, along with fresh water boat slips for residents. Green spaces and events lawns will complement a curated collection of quaint retail shops and casual dining. Accessible from every corner of the community via Harbor View Drive, a road with spectacular views of glistening waters, Marina Village is sure to become the heartbeat of Waterways. Choosing the perfect place for your next adventure is about so much more than finding a home. Get a feel for the Waterways lifestyle with a Discover Waterways Visit, an immersive three day, two-night getaway. Schedule Your Visit Today!
On Top of the World Communities
Renowned for beautiful homes and unrivaled active and social amenities, On Top of the World in Ocala, FL, is truly a leader in creating quality lifestyles.
A world of opportunities to relax and enjoy life-while staying active with both body and mind-is waiting for you at On Top of the World.
Repeatedly named one of the best places in the country to live by Where to Retire magazine, this 13,000 acre master-planned community appeals to active adults looking for a fabulous lifestyle and well-designed, beautifully appointed homes. Surrounded by central Florida’s celebrated horse country and crystal clear springs, On Top of the World is close to everything, yet far from the ordinary.
Here’s a taste of what you’ll find at On Top of the World:
• Concrete-block, energy-efficient home designs
• Several different communities and neighborhoods available featuring single family, maintenance-free and luxury estate homes, many with golf or preserve homesites
• Three, par-72 golf courses with PGA and LPGA professionals on staff
• Over 250,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities
• Community Town Square with indoor entertainment venue, fitness center and lifelong learning programming at Master the Possibilities Education Center.
• And much more!
Cresswind Charleston
Cresswind Charleston brings the award-winning Cresswind active adult lifestyle to the Charleston area. This gated community is integrated within the thriving community of The Ponds while maintaining its own privacy. Cresswind features a full list of resort-style amenities, all located within a natural, Lowcountry setting.
Residents can take a short walk to the 12,000-square-foot clubhouse, enjoy pickleball and tennis or participate in activities at the event lawn and amphitheater. Additionally, homeowners have the opportunity to enrich their lives with cooking and yoga classes or bocce ball. Residents also can nurture their talent in the art room, play pool, swim in the resort-style pool, fish or kayak – and stay fit and healthy at a well-equipped fitness center.
Cresswind Charleston offers spacious homes featuring a wide range of personalization opportunities, designer choices, uniquely designed with careful attention to details. Single-family, ranch-style homes will include designer features, energy efficiency and designs complementary to active living. Tour nine designer-decorated model homes, open daily.
Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head
Your Latitude! You’ve earned a life where every day feels like an escape. Find your paradise at Latitude Margaritaville, the 55-and-better lifestyle where fun and relaxation meet.
Inspired by the legendary music and lifestyle of singer, songwriter and best-selling author Jimmy Buffett, this is where life rolls easy, neighbors are friends and the party never ends. Awesome recreation, FINtastic dining and entertainment will make the town center the place to be and just a golf cart ride away. Masterfully crafted new Latitude homes let you hang your hat where your heart is.
Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head is located on Highway 278, 2.5 miles east of I-95 in the city of Hardeeville, South Carolina – the scenic gateway to world-famous Hilton Head Island. The area is steeped in natural beauty, with an abundance of golf courses, pristine beaches and waterways for boating, kayaking, and fishing. Nearby are the historic cities of Savannah, GA and Charleston, SC filled with museums, cultural arts, shopping and dining.
Babcock Ranch
All towns aren’t created equal. In fact, most towns aren’t created at all. They just happen. The decade of careful planning that preceded the first turn of a shovel at Babcock Ranch is just one of the countless ways Babcock Ranch sets itself apart. With a seamless melding of modern technology and timeless hometown charm – all nestled within expansive natural spaces – America’s first solar-powered town provides a whole new way of life.
Osprey Cove
The sun rises over the marsh grass, painting the sky in watercolors and reflecting off the pond your patio overlooks. Your golf bag sits by the front door as you eagerly prepare for a day on the greens. Afterward, you’ll join your friends on a boat cruise and take in the sunset over the St. Mary’s River. This is life at Osprey Cove.
Abutting the Florida state line, Osprey Cove is a highly prestigious private golf community in the town of St. Marys, Georgia. Spread out over 1,100 acres, Osprey Cove provides diverse real estate options, with preexisting, new, and custom-built single-family homes to fit a wide range of price points. A mix of architectural styles, sizes, and layouts adds visual interest to the neighborhoods. And since many homes face the course, marsh, creeks, or lakes, scenic views are all built guaranteed.
Of course, the real star at Osprey Cove is the golf course, which Golfweek ranked in its “Top 5 in Georgia” and Golf Digest awarded a 5-star rating. The 18-hole Mark McCumber-designed championship course works with the natural characteristics of the land and river, while incorporating strategy, variety, and surprise. This golf course is truly a highlight to living at Osprey Cove.
Even if you don’t play golf, there’s plenty to do in Osprey Cove. Visit the River Club to work out, play tennis, swim in the junior Olympic pool, or join one of many fitness classes. Kayak on the river or go ocean fishing for King mackerel and cobia.
Request more information about Osprey Cove for when you’re ready to start living the coastal life.
PGA Village Verano
PGA Village Verano is a gated, new home community in Port St. Lucie, FL. This neighborhood features nineteen unique floorplans ranging from 2- to 4-Bedrooms and a wide range of personalization options.
PGA Village Verano’s clubhouse, Club Talavera, is the centerpiece of the community. Residents enjoy access to resort-style amenities that include South Florida’s largest, private Pickleball Center featuring 27 courts. The Talavera Fitness Center includes an indoor pool with lap lanes & apa; locker rooms with saunas; cardio studio; full strength training & cardio center; tennis, bocce and basketball courts; and a resort-style outdoor pool with cabanas and sundeck. As the only master-planned, new home community affiliated with the PGA Golf Club, our residents enjoy golf cart access and special privileges to our award-winning neighbor. The Talavera Social Club is the perfect place to gather, and features billiards & card rooms, lounge, library, demonstration kitchen, arts & crafts studio and ballroom with catering kitchen. A full-time Lifestyle Director keeps the social calendar full of activities and events.
Verano’s new SmartFIT Training Center also offers PGA Village Verano residents a cutting-edge, easy-to-use circuit training system as part of Kolter’s exclusive partnership with global fitness leader EGYM.
The Sanctuary at Sunset Beach
The Sanctuary at Sunset Beach, located in the southernmost area of Coastal North Carolina, is the epitome of beach living with the added convenience and low maintenance of a planned community. Located steps away from local shops and restaurants, you can enjoy the laid-back coastal lifestyle Sunset Beach is known for. The resort-inspired amenities will make a weekend at home feel like a vacation getaway. Amenities within the community will include a resort-style pool with tanning ledge and lap lanes, coastal clubhouse, fitness center, open air cabana, outdoor fireplace, grilling stations, outdoor lounge area, golf cart parking, and miles of sidewalks & walking paths. The Sanctuary is only minutes from the beach (1.5 miles) and the intracoastal waterway, in close proximity to a variety of restaurants, beach shops, boutiques, the Sunset Beach Fishing Pier, bars & pubs, concerts at The Village Park COA Gazebo, golf courses, The Ingram Planetarium, local markets, and public parks. Well-appointed single family home and land package, both pre-designed and build to suit, are offered from the mid $400’s to $800’s. As one of the area’s premier new home communities with a color palette inspired by the sand, sun, salt, and sea, let The Sanctuary at Sunset Beach be your oasis at home!
Visit www.billclarkhomes.com to explore your new home options today!
Las Vegas Meadows
Las Vegas has become one of the most desirable spots in the country for 55+ living. Just 5 minutes from the Strip, Las Vegas Meadows is the perfect community for the active adult who doesn’t want to slow down any time soon.
Despite being centrally located in a large city, Las Vegas Meadows is surprisingly peaceful, as it is tucked away on 42 gate-guarded acres. The remodeled and updated pre-owned homes include two to three bedrooms, depending on the layout, and start at about $60K. Inside, you’ll enjoy an open living room layout, including appliances in excellent condition, and a walk-in shower. Outdoors, desert landscaping with an irrigation system, a new roof, and a covered carport leaves little for you to worry about. Additionally, home rentals are available from $995/month.
The affordable price tag belies the luxury community amenities at Las Vegas Meadows. A sparkling pool with covered patios and an indoor spa and sauna offer ample opportunity to recharge at the sleek clubhouse. Or work up a sweat in the gym or on the tennis or pickleball courts. An on-staff activities director ensures there’s a full calendar of social and recreational events to fill your calendar.
Minutes away from Las Vegas Meadows, you can enjoy Michelin-star restaurants, world-class entertainment, and easy access to McCarran International Airport. Should you find yourself yearning to get in touch with Mother Nature, you’re only a short drive from Lake Meade, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, and Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area.
With a year-round warm climate, favorable tax policies, and an active and vibrant community, it’s easy to see why Las Vegas Meadows is a sure bet.
Request more information to discover if Las Vegas Meadows is the right community for your active 55+ lifestyle.
Also, check out our other Thesman Communities:
Briarwood
Las Palmas
Las Palmas Grand
Las Vegas Meadows
Palmas Del Sol
Palmas Del Sol East
Sunrise Village
Village Green
Wellen Park
Imagine more fun times at Wellen Park. From boutique shops to live music, all-day eateries to stunning sunsets, there are hundreds of ways to brighten your days. With beautiful residences and awesome amenities – not to mention amazing residents – each neighborhood is crafted so that the well life reigns supreme. Wellen Park is a vibrant community where everyday fun flourishes and the spirit of wellness thrives. That’s why living at Wellen Park truly feels like your best day ever, every day.
We invite you to stop by the Wellen Park Welcome Center to learn more about the community. One of our brand ambassadors will meet with you to answer questions and guide you through interactive touchscreen kiosks that display neighborhood amenities, home plans, Downtown Wellen shopping and dining, and regional attractions.
The Isles of Collier Preserve
Final Phase Now Selling! Limited opportunities remain to buy a new home at The Isles.
Nestled within a pristine natural setting just minutes from Downtown Naples, Florida's preeminent new home builder is creating a colorful update of classic coastal living. Inspired by the timeless architecture and traditions of Old Naples, elegant new Minto homes overlook miles of scenic kayak and hiking trails. With over half of the 2,400 acres dedicated to lakes, nature preserves, and natural habitat, combined with outdoor-inspired amenities, The Isles of Collier Preserve is an extraordinary new active adult gated community where the magic of Old Naples and unspoiled nature still coexist.
Enjoy all aspects of an active lifestyle influenced by wellness at The Isles Club, featuring resort-style amenities such as a resort-style pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, and a yoga lawn. After a scenic day exploring this beautiful community, sip on cocktails and savor coastal Florida flavors with family and neighbors at the resident-exclusive Overlook Bar & Grill, overlooking the Cypress Waterway.
The Isles is a master-planned community boasting 1,600 unique coastal-themed new construction residences for sale from the $500s, many with stunning water and nature views.
Mount Vintage
Mount Vintage is a well-established 2,000 acre private community conveniently located just a few miles from Augusta, GA and Aiken, SC.
Carefully planned to enhance the natural beauty and tranquility of this setting…it is truly one of a kind.
The Town Center/Athletic Club complex includes a pool, Har-Tru tennis courts, Bocce Ball, fitness center, lending library and community garden, lots of planned activities.
Golf course architect Tom Jackson designed twenty-seven holes that fit perfectly into the diverse topography. The clubhouse is centered on a fully restored piedmont plantation house, circa 1840. The golf club is semi-private and also includes a state-of-the-art practice facility, professionally staffed Pro Shop, private lockers and The Grille.
Mount Vintage is convenient to shopping and entertainment. There are nine major hospitals in the area. 70,000 acre Lake Strom Thurmond is just 30 minutes away. The Blue Ridge Mountains, Atlantic Ocean beaches, and the cities of Atlanta and Charlotte are just a two and a half hours drive.
Mount Vintage is dedicated to excellence and has become home to people who appreciate a quiet, yet fun-filled lifestyle. Choice of spec homes priced from the $300’s or build your home to suit your lifestyle. Lots from $39,000.
Plan your visit
These are only a few of the tax-friendly states. You may find that you’re looking for a destination out west or somewhere else in the south. Take a look at the list of other low-tax states below, and browse the 55+, resort, gated and other communities waiting to welcome you with open arms.