10 Best States to Retire to in the U.S.
After a life of hard work, finding the best state to retire in is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. However, for many retirees, this is often a big challenge. The internet is flooded with varying statistics that compare one state to another, and it can all feel very overwhelming.
This article will discuss 10 of the best states to retire to in the U.S. Each state has its own unique benefits that make it a great place to spend your golden years. So, whether you are looking for a warm and sunny climate or a state with plenty of outdoor activities, we have you covered!
What to Consider When Choosing a State to Retire in.
Upon retirement, choosing to live in a different state from the one you worked in is a big decision. Here are a few things you need to think through carefully in searching for the best states for retirement.
- How far the state you want to move to is: Pick a state that’s close to family and friends so that you’re not entirely cut off from them.
- Cost of living: Choose a state with a cost of living that your fixed retirement income can accommodate.
- Purchasing property: Rent property instead of buying it until you are absolutely certain that this is the state where you want to retire.
- Health care: Consider the state’s availability and ease of access to quality healthcare.
- Safety: Make sure the state you choose has as minimal crime rates as possible.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is one of the best states to live in after retirement. The home of the White Mountains is a pretty serene environment, especially if you are a fan of the great outdoors. However, a more compelling reason for considering New Hampshire as the place to live after retirement is its impressively low crime rate.
New Hampshire is the state with the second-lowest crime incidence in the U.S. The cost of living in New Hampshire is also relatively affordable, with the state ranking among the top forty states in terms of its cost-of-living index.
Utah
Utah may not strike you as the kind of place people move to after retirement, but surprisingly, its population has seen a significant spike in recent years. At one point, close to 45,000 people moved to Utah in a year, and these numbers could grow even further. Utah’s landscape primarily consists of canyons, valleys, mountains, and parks that would give you a chance to go sightseeing every once in a while.
Besides this, Utah is one of the states with the highest well-being index in the U.S. This means the quality of life, social amenities, and healthcare in the state are high standards.
Wyoming
If you want to forget about the noise and hustle of the big cities, consider retreating to the peace that Wyoming offers. Despite being the 10th-biggest state, Wyoming has a low population, making it ideal for that calm, collected retirement lifestyle, especially if you prefer being away from the crowd.
Wyoming also has excellent tax considerations. The state doesn’t charge individual income tax, which means you get your retirement income in full. Couple that with the fact that Wyoming is among the top 10 states with the lowest cost of living, and you’ll quickly realize this is a beautiful place to live post-retirement.
Nevada
Sometimes retirement can be all about having fun and making the most out of the fruits of your years of hard work. Nevada should be top of your list if this is the kind of retirement you envision. But if parties don’t cut it for you, the state’s highly stable economy might.
Nevada has high income-generating activities that include entertainment and tourism. Residents in this state also pay lower taxes, given that Nevada doesn’t tax individual income. On the flip side, Nevada has high cases of crime and insecurity, so you might want to reconsider if safety outweighs fun in your priorities.
Florida
One of the best places to live after retirement is Florida. The great weather, sandy beaches, and the idea of living close enough to Disney World can be tempting for any retiree with grandchildren or one who wants slow-paced fun in their sundowning years. Mild-fun aside, Florida doesn’t have state taxes on individual income. This is a big plus because you don’t need to worry about having your retirement income slashed. Not to mention, crime rates in the state are minimal, making it an ideal area for a peaceful retirement.
North Dakota
Tucked away in a lush grassland, North Dakota is an ideal state for nature-loving retirees. This relaxed state is full of stretches of open wheat fields and plains with scattered trees. Besides its beautiful scenery, North Dakota is a pocket-friendly state to live in. Although it has no tax relief for social security benefits or individual income, the state has a 98.8 cost of living index, which is affordable for many retired individuals. You will also get a big friendly community to surround you in your golden years.
Vermont
If you’ve dreamt of retiring to a village-like town with a touch of New England magic, Vermont might appeal to your tastes. This state is mainly made up of small towns, a small population, several lakes, a strange roadside attraction, and several ski towns.
Vermont also boasts one of the best healthcare systems in the country. So, given the health concerns of advanced age, settling in a state that ranks fourth place for quality health care is a great idea. But if you are sensitive to low temperatures, Vermont may offer a colder climate than you’re accommodated to.
South Dakota
Life in South Dakota is a blend of laid-back and exciting. With the state split into four regions, everyone has enough activity to go around. If you enjoy fishing, kayaking, or picnicking, there are plenty of lakes, parks, and veteran monuments for you to visit.
There are multiple hunting lodges for bird watchers and hunters, and for those with an interest in fine arts, there are events, wineries, and exhibitions to explore. To top it off, life in South Dakota is affordable because its cost of living index stands at 98.8.
Nebraska
Corn might be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Nebraska, but there’s more to this Cornhusker state than meets the eye. Nebraska is home to beautiful small towns and roaring cities alike. You can watch bird migrations, hike to Chimney Rock on the Cowboy Trail, or explore world-class cuisines in the cities. But even without all this, this state ranks 18th in terms of well-being. This means it’s the kind of place that offers you a long beautiful retirement life.
West Virginia
West Virginia is the cabin-in-the-woods kind of state you’ve always pictured. The state has a national forest, 37 state forests, mountains, and hills that a dedicated outdoors person would enjoy. It also has mild weather and is one of the cheapest states to live on a fixed retirement income.
