Sunny South Carolina!
I live in North West, South Carolina, far enough inland that hurricanes are not a concern. I would not call it a retirement community where I'm at, you can see Hog Back Mountain from my back porch though. Lots of gentleman horse farms. Lots of industry, and pretty gun friendly. No open carry, but shall issue carry permits, you have to take a training course, cost anywhere from 35-100 USD for the course. I can point you to a $35 dollar class.
Coast is about 3 hours away. It snows once or twice a year. Usually melts the next day. Taxes aren't too bad. Lots of jobs if you looking for work. Hunting and fishing a plenty.

There are a lot of retirement communities being built down in the low country. Around the marine base in Beaufort. Close to the coast, but not coastal prices. Lots of golf, if that's your thing.
Not as hot as Florida, but we do see over 100 for a day or two each summer.