These six charming havens not only save you Social Security, they keep all of your retirees’ taxes low

When it comes to the best places to retire in the United States, headlines often highlight states with no income or Social Security taxes. However, factors like sales and property taxes, which can materially impact a retiree’s bottom line, are just as important — though often overlooked.

To create a comprehensive vision for tax-friendly cities for seniors, Investopedia In partnership with Travel + entertainment To analyze the data and identify cities with the lowest tax burdens combined. We examined median income taxes, payroll taxes, median sales taxes, median property taxes, and taxes on retirement income from Social Security, 401(k) plans, and state-level IRAs.

Ultimately, six cities rose to the top, each blending minimal tax burdens with attractive local amenities to offer retirees an exceptional balance of value and lifestyle.

1. Conway, New Hampshire

Conway, the smallest community on our list, is made up of several charming villages and boasts views of New Hampshire’s majestic White Mountains.

For active retirees, this area promises endless adventure and natural beauty. Winter brings ice skating, while summer invites you to explore covered bridges, cascading waterfalls and peaceful swimming spots.

The city also boasts quaint bookstores, antique stores, historic buildings, and even a Victorian-era train station for an extra dose of nostalgia.

Like all the locations on this list, Conway residents pay no tax on retirement income, including Social Security income. Residents of Carroll County, which includes Conway, also pay the lowest set of taxes of any of the counties represented on this list — just an average of $916 per month — thanks in large part to New Hampshire’s lack of a sales tax. With no taxes on Social Security benefits, 401(k), or IRAs, retirees who don’t earn other types of income may find their tax bills exceptionally modest.

However, what you save in taxes, you may end up spending on housing since the median home value is $348,900, which is still low by national standards, but higher than elsewhere on this list.

2. Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Nestled within the Allegheny Mountains, Johnstown offers stunning scenery year-round. Between median monthly taxes of $944 and median home values ​​of about $116,000, don’t be surprised if you can afford a home that embodies Johnstown’s beautiful scenery. The tax burden on retirees is very low in part because Pennsylvania’s sales tax rate is a reasonable 6%, with no additional local sales tax. Although the state has an income tax, it is a flat 3.07% and does not apply to Social Security or other forms of retirement income.

Johnstown’s Cambria District includes more than 125,000 acres of public land, including three well-stocked lakes where you can catch bass, muskellunge and panfish. History buffs can bike the 51-mile Ghost Town Trail, which is lined with long-time coal mining communities and dotted with informative plaques telling the area’s story.

3. Hermitage, Pennsylvania

Hermitage offers small-town charm combined with big-city amenities – plenty of vibrant restaurants, shopping, museums and arts. If you get bored of the local offerings, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Erie are all within a 90-minute drive (no traffic).

For retirees who prioritize health care, Hermitage is conveniently located within 25 miles of 12 hospitals, complemented by an array of health care institutions throughout Mercer County.

Despite its amenities, Mercer County residents pay an average of just $968 per month in combined taxes, including nearly $160 in property taxes.

4. Altoona, Pennsylvania

Unlike the other small Pennsylvania cities on this list, Altoona is a mid-sized city with over 40,000 residents. It offers many of the same mountain views and recreational opportunities as Johnstown. Retirees can enjoy swimming, boating and fishing at Canoe Creek State Park, or explore the Railroaders Memorial Museum and the famous Horseshoe Curve landmark.

As for taxes, residents of Altoona and other parts of Blair County pay an average of $982 in combined taxes, including $143 in property taxes and $246 in state sales taxes.

5. Paris, Tennessee

If you haven’t yet had the chance to see the City of Light, you can get a taste of it in Paris, Tennessee. The city embraces its Parisian connection with a 70-foot-tall illuminated replica of the Eiffel Tower in the city’s Eiffel Tower Park.

But don’t be fooled; This small town is also très Americain. The World’s Largest Fry – a week-long festival that serves more than 12,500 pounds of catfish – features a parade, quirky catfish races, a rodeo and even a lively carnival.

As Henry County residents, retirees here enjoy average monthly property taxes of just $58 per month, along with average FICA and federal income taxes of $511. Tennessee has no state income tax. The typical household also pays an average of $433 per month in sales tax.

6. Sebring, Florida

Sebring is best known for Sebring International Raceway, originally a World War II air base transformed into the oldest permanent road racing track in North America. The famous annual 12 Hours of Sebring motorsport race is held here, and the venue’s racetrack is bustling with activity for more than 300 days a year.

Retirees can also enjoy the Sebring Arts and Crafts Festival, the “Let It Grow” Garden and Plant Festival, championship-level golf courses, and access to more than 100 nearby lakes.

Those considering Sebring will find an average combined monthly tax total of $1,015, including about $110 in property taxes, about $360 in state sales taxes per household, and about $550 in FICA and federal income taxes. (There is no state income tax.)

Bottom line

As Benjamin Franklin famously said, Nothing is certain except death and taxes. But you can still take steps to try to reduce the amount you pay in taxes during retirement. These six cities prove that with the right location, it’s possible to keep more of your hard-earned retirement savings without sacrificing comfort or fulfillment.

To learn more about how we created our list of the six surprising tax havens for US retirees, check out our methodology.