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Key Takeaways
- Gregory, South Dakota, experiences few natural disasters, helping retirees avoid high insurance premiums and costly property damage.
- The cost of living is well below the national average, with a 2025 median home price of $240,000 and lower everyday expenses.
- South Dakota has no personal income tax, and seniors may also qualify for property tax relief programs that further reduce expenses.
Climate change doesn’t just affect weather and the environment—it can also impact your retirement. Living in an area prone to natural disasters may mean higher insurance premiums, steeper utility bills, and costly home repairs.
To help avoid those expenses, you might consider Gregory, South Dakota. This quiet Midwestern town of about 1,200 people faces a relatively low risk from extreme weather events.
Disaster-Proof Retirement in Gregory
Many retirees move for warmer weather, often to Florida, Arizona, or the Carolinas—but those areas face risks like hurricanes, floods, and extreme heat.Growing concerns about climate change are prompting some retirees to choose safer locations with stable weather, good amenities, and energy-efficient homes for long-term health and financial security.
One of these retirement hot spots is Gregory, South Dakota. It’s one of Investopedia’s 50 best cities to retire in and ranks as very low risk on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) natural hazard index compared with the rest of the U.S.
Note
To learn more about how we created this list of the best places to retire in the northeastern U.S., read our methodology.
While the county has seen 20 declared disasters in the last 20 years—mostly severe storms—its overall risks remain limited. FEMA rates wildfire and earthquake risk as low, though hazards like hail, ice storms, and winter weather are considered moderate.
Gregory: A Small Town with Big Peace of Mind
Gregory, South Dakota, offers small-town charm, a slower pace, and a strong sense of community. With just over 1,200 residents, it features local businesses, community events, and outdoor activities like golf, hunting, and nearby water recreation at Lake Francis Case. The town also has a new hospital and long-term care facility.
As a retiree, South Dakota treats you very well because there’s no personal income tax. This means all your retirement income, including Social Security benefits, pension withdrawals, and retirement distributions from 401(k)s and individual retirement accounts (IRAs), is exempt from state income taxes. Any investment income is also not taxed.
Note
If you’re aching to get to a big city, Sioux Falls is 170 miles east or about a three-hour drive away from Gregory.
The Cost-of-Living Advantage
Living in Gregory also comes with financial perks. The city’s cost of living is well below the national average—for example, the median home listing in 2025 was $240,000, compared with $429,990 nationwide.
South Dakota offers several tax relief programs for seniors and disabled residents, including sales and property tax refunds, property tax freezes, and exemptions. Depending on your age, income, disability status, and homeownership, you may qualify for reduced or delayed property taxes—or even full exemptions in some cases, such as for disabled veterans.
Budgeting for food and taxes is also much friendlier on your pocketbook in Gregory compared to the national average. The average cost of food is $645 per month compared to $832 per month in the nation. Taxes averaged $605 per month in Gregory, while they cost the average citizen $860 per month in the United States.
The Bottom Line
Climate change can raise retirement costs through lower property values and higher insurance. Choosing a location like Gregory, South Dakota, can reduce those risks while granting recreation, community, and financial advantages.
