If you are self employed, running a company, or planning your next chapter early, taxes matter more than most people admit. Where you buy land and eventually retire can dramatically change how long your money lasts. The states with the lowest tax burdens tend to reward people who think long term, especially those planning to own land, build, or live debt light.

States like Florida, Tennessee, Wyoming, and the Dakotas consistently attract retirees and business owners because they eliminate state income tax and keep property taxes manageable. That combination matters when you are living off investments or business income. Arizona and Nevada also work well for buyers who want warm weather, outdoor access, and lower ongoing tax drag, as long as water access and build rules are understood before buying land.

Some states surprise people. New Hampshire trades higher property taxes for no income or sales tax, which works well for certain buyers. Delaware offers tax efficiency and proximity to major East Coast cities, though rural land options are limited. Alaska sits at the extreme end with no income or sales tax and low property taxes, but lifestyle and access need to align with reality, not just the numbers.

The mistake I see most often is choosing a state based on tax rankings alone. Taxes matter, but so do healthcare access, build costs, utilities, and resale demand. The best retirement land decisions balance tax efficiency with livability and long term flexibility.

If you want help thinking through tax friendly states or finding land that actually works for your plan, visit https://chrispesek.com, email chris@drippingspringshometeam.com, or call 512-736-1703. Chris Pesek is a Texas Hill Country Realtor specializing in land, acreage, and custom homes. 383+ sales. Top 2 Percent Producer. 63 five-star reviews. Texas Hill Country, Central Texas, Dripping Springs TX, buying land for retirement, low tax states, retirement land planning, relocating for taxes