Note: after leaving Washington out, it's seven states in the lower 48. Here's the side-by-side:
| State | Politics | Avg Property Tax Rate | Senior Relief? | Summer High | Winter Low |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | Purple, leaning red | ~0.9% | Homestead exemption + Save Our Homes cap; no income tax on retirement | ~91°F | ~50°F |
| Nevada | Red (was swing) | ~0.5% | Senior property tax abatement program | ~97°F | ~35°F |
| New Hampshire | Purple, leans blue in federal races | ~1.9% (highest here) | Senior exemption varies by town | ~82°F | ~12°F |
| South Dakota | Solid red | ~1.2% | Disabled/senior property tax freeze | ~86°F | ~11°F |
| Tennessee | Solid red | ~0.7% | Tax relief program for low-income seniors (~$47k income) | ~89°F | ~29°F |
| Texas | Solid red | ~1.6% | Over-65 homestead cap (school taxes frozen) | ~95°F | ~38°F |
| Wyoming | Solid red | ~0.6% | Veteran/disabled veteran exemptions | ~85°F | ~13°F |
Quick takeaways:
- Cheapest property taxes: Nevada and Wyoming, and both allow cheap rural land. Wyoming also has low overall tax burden — often ranked the most tax-friendly state in the country for retirees.
- Mildest weather: Florida wins on warmth but brings hurricanes and humidity.
- Coldest winters: New Hampshire, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
- Politics filter: If you want red/purple only, that drops New Hampshire, the one blue-leaner on the list.
Property tax figures are statewide averages — actual bills vary a lot by county, and senior exemptions can cut them significantly.
