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Key Takeaways
- Gregory, South Dakota experiences few natural disasters, which helps retirees avoid high insurance premiums and costly property damage.
- The cost of living is well below the national average, with a 2026 median home price of $105,000 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.
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.
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, which was named as one of Investopedia’s best places to retire in 2025. It also made our 2026 list. This quiet Midwestern town of about 1,200 people faces a relatively low risk from extreme weather events. It ranks as very low risk on FEMA’s natural hazard index compared with the rest of the U.S.
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.
A Small Town with a Peaceful Atmosphere
Gregory offers small town charm, a slower pace, and a strong sense of community. It’s home to small 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), are exempt from state income taxes. Any investment income is also not taxed.
Fast Fact
If you’re looking to get to a big city, Sioux Falls is 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. The median home listing in 2026 was $105,600, compared with $410,800 nationwide. The median rent is $746 per month, which is significantly lower than the national average of $2,000 per month.
South Dakota offers several tax relief programs for older adults, 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 $847 per month nationwide.
