26. South Carolina
Quality of life: 13 | Healthcare: 59 | Housing: 80 | Cost of living: 93 | Crime: 44 | Tax: 62 | Climate: 80 | Final score: 50
South Carolina offers a warm climate with mild winters, beautiful coastal regions, and favorable tax rules for retirees, including no tax on Social Security and generous deductions on retirement income. Top places for retirees to live in the state include Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and Charleston.
- Pros: Historic areas like Charleston offer walkable streets and restaurants; numerous coastal areas with gorgeous beaches; lower housing costs and cost of living than many coastal areas; opportunities for an active lifestyle in outdoor areas like Congaree National Park.
- Cons: Quality-of-life and crime scores are below the national average; significant flooding and hurricane risks; public transportation is limited in most areas, including in big cities; and there are lots of pollen and pests, including mosquitoes.
27. Rhode Island
Quality of life: 17 | Healthcare: 79 | Housing: 51 | Cost of living: 68 | Crime: 98 | Tax: 40 | Climate: 50 | Final score: 50
Rhode Island is a small state with big benefits for retirees, including good healthcare options, charming coastal towns, walkable urban areas, and train access via Amtrak and MBTA commuter rail to Boston and New York City from Providence. Top places to live include Providence, Newport, and Narragansett.
- Pros: Traveling throughout the state is easy; cultural enrichment opportunities at RISD Museum and local music festivals; excellent healthcare options at Rhode Island Hospital, Lifespan, and in nearby Massachusetts; crime is very low statewide; walkable urban areas; and cute coastal towns with historical districts.
- Cons: Very high housing costs in desirable areas; high property taxes; taxes on many forms of retirement income; tourists can create congestion and big crowds; and winters are cold with the potential for Atlantic storms.
28. Nebraska
Quality of life: 15 | Healthcare: 70 | Housing: 85 | Cost of living: 67 | Crime: 64 | Tax: 39 | Climate: 63 | Final score: 49
Nebraska features affordable housing and a slow pace of life for retirees who like a small-town feel. Retirees can check out affordable destinations like Lincoln and Omaha.
- Pros: Some college-town amenities, especially in Lincoln, where the University of Nebraska is located; decent hospitals in Omaha and Lincoln; many small towns have strong communities; housing prices are extremely affordable relative to national averages; and the central location allows for easy access to Denver, Chicago, and Kansas City.
- Cons: Nebraska taxes Social Security and some retirement income; there are few major metro areas; tornado risk in the Great Plains; hot and humid summers and cold winters; and almost the entire state is very car dependent.
29. Connecticut
Quality of life: 27 | Healthcare: 95 | Housing: 61 | Cost of living: 25 | Crime: 94 | Tax: 4 | Climate: 49 | Final score: 49
Connecticut has solid healthcare options and is close to both Boston and New York, but it can be very expensive to live there, with high taxes and living costs. Retirees may enjoy living in smaller towns like Mystic and Old Saybrook or in areas like Greenwich, which offers commuter-rail access to New York City.
- Pros: Very close to New York and accessible to the city by train from many locations; charming small towns and coastal towns; walkable suburbs in some areas like New Haven; and top-notch healthcare, including Yale New Haven Health.
- Cons: Complicated tax rules in addition to high taxes; very expensive cost of living in suburbs close to New York; lots of traffic leads to congestion and makes commutes difficult; and winters can be cold and snowy.
30. Kansas
Quality of life: 16 | Healthcare: 60 | Housing: 90 | Cost of living: 77 | Crime: 47 | Tax: 42 | Climate: 73 | Final score: 49
Kansas offers a slower pace of living, even in many cities, as well as low housing costs and a low overall cost of living. Wichita, Topeka, and Kansas City are good metro areas for retirees who want some urban amenities with less chaos.
- Pros: Housing is affordable, and costs of living are low; fairly good healthcare in major metro areas; limited traffic congestion even in urban areas; and classic small-town living with many community events and active local church communities.
- Cons: Kansas taxes retirement income, including Social Security benefits for high earners; summers are hot and humid, and winters are cold; tornado and thunderstorm risks; cultural amenities are limited; rural areas may lack high-quality healthcare options; and many areas are car dependent.
31. Utah
Quality of life: 22 | Healthcare: 97 | Housing: 45 | Cost of living: 60 | Crime: 58 | Tax: 34 | Climate: 66 | Final score: 49
Utah is a prime destination for active retirees who enjoy being outdoors and who appreciate the mountain views. St. George is a top destination for retirees, with a growing number of 55-and-over communities in the area.
- Pros: University of Utah Health and MountainStar provide good healthcare options, particularly in metro areas; close proximity to Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, and ski resorts like Park City; and a dry climate can be easier on the joints.
- Cons: High earners still face taxes on Social Security; retirees may struggle with high altitudes in many parts of Utah; homes along the Wasatch Front have experienced rapidly rising housing costs; and most suburbs are car dependent.
32. Idaho
Quality of life: 17 | Healthcare: 59 | Housing: 55 | Cost of living: 83 | Crime: 89 | Tax: 46 | Climate: 48 | Final score: 48
Boise, Idaho Falls, and Twin Falls were once top retirement destinations, but housing prices have increased in recent years due to high demand. Idaho still offers benefits for retirees, though, including walkable midsize cities, low crime rates, and a low cost of living.
- Pros: Very low crime and cost of living; ample opportunities for outdoor recreation throughout the state, especially in the mountains and lakes surrounding Boise, Coeur d’Alene, and Sun Valley; warm summers but with limited humidity and cold winters but with ample sun; a growing presence of retirees has resulted in more senior-friendly amenities, including retirement neighborhoods and golf communities.
- Cons: Housing costs are on the rise in in-demand areas; limited access to quality healthcare outside Boise; most areas are car dependent; air-quality issues due to wildfire smoke; and snowy and icy conditions can create safety issues in the winter.
33. North Dakota
Quality of life: 7 | Healthcare: 76 | Housing: 83 | Cost of living: 86 | Crime: 44 | Tax: 63 | Climate: 45 | Final score: 47
Low costs are top reasons to choose North Dakota as a retirement destination, although winters can be long and cold, and crime rates are above the national average. Grand Forks is a good option for those looking to retire in North Dakota despite the weather.
- Pros: Homes are extremely affordable, including in metro areas like Grand Forks, Fargo, and Bismarck; low traffic in much of North Dakota; many small rural communities offer a slow pace of living and a strong sense of community.
- Cons: Winter weather can be harsh, with heavy snow and frigid temperatures; limited cultural and entertainment options outside of university towns; healthcare options are limited but statewide outcomes are good; and retirees will be car dependent throughout the state.
34. Wyoming
Quality of life: 10 | Healthcare: 57 | Housing: 71 | Cost of living: 47 | Crime: 71 | Tax: 74 | Climate: 48 | Final score: 46
Wyoming charges no state income tax and puts retirees close to top destinations, including Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. Quiet towns like Laramie, Sheridan, and Lander could be good options for seniors looking for a slow-paced life.
- Pros: Outdoor recreational activities are unmatched; housing costs are very reasonable outside of expensive destinations like Jackson Hole; many small towns provide rural living with strong community ties; and a low overall tax burden, including low property taxes in many areas.
- Cons: Many areas lack access to high-quality healthcare; traveling to airports can require a long drive; winter can be cold and windy, with frequent storms; the most in-demand areas are incredibly expensive; and a small population means fewer amenities for retirees.
35. South Dakota
Quality of life: 8 | Healthcare: 68 | Housing: 78 | Cost of living: 64 | Crime: 44 | Tax: 66 | Climate: 55 | Final score: 46
South Dakota offers an affordable cost of living and favorable tax rules for retirees; however, rural areas have limited amenities, and winters can be harsh. Sioux Falls can be a good option for retirees seeking a city with a newly revitalized downtown and expanding amenities.
- Pros: Low tax burden, including low property taxes, no state income tax, and no tax on Social Security or other retirement income; very affordable housing costs and a low overall cost of living; outdoor recreational opportunities at Badlands National Park and in the Black Hills.
- Cons: Winters are cold and snowy; healthcare options are limited outside of big cities; risks of severe storms and tornadoes; few cultural amenities; and the state is very car dependent.
36. Montana
Quality of life: 19 | Healthcare: 58 | Housing: 56 | Cost of living: 80 | Crime: 73 | Tax: 48 | Climate: 48 | Final score: 46
Montana has spectacular scenery, idyllic college towns, and low property taxes, but the housing market has been heating up in in-demand areas, and the winters are very long. Missoula and Bozeman provide a college-town feel that many retirees appreciate.
- Pros: Low crime in most areas; plenty of slower-paced small towns with tight-knit communities; property taxes well below those of many other states; and spectacular scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities at Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake.
- Cons: Limited access to healthcare, especially outside of metro areas; air-quality issues due to wildfire smoke; snowy and cold for a good portion of the year; tourists can create crowds; and the state is car dependent.
37. Kentucky
Quality of life: 8 | Healthcare: 15 | Housing: 91 | Cost of living: 94 | Crime: 79 | Tax: 56 | Climate: 63 | Final score: 46
Costs of living and housing are both affordable in Kentucky, and the Appalachian Foothills and BlueGrass region offer gorgeous scenery. Retirees can consider college towns like Lexington and the surrounding horse country, or try cities like Louisville for a more urban experience.
- Pros: Housing is very affordable, even in metro areas like Bowling Green and Lexington; Social Security is tax exempt, and there's a large exemption for other retirement income; Lake Cumberland and Kentucky Lake offer outdoor recreation and boating; crime is low; and many rural towns have strong communities with local festivals.
- Cons: Kentucky ranks very low on key public-health metrics, which puts strain on the local healthcare system; healthcare quality varies, with top-tier care mostly found in Louisville; summer can be hot and humid; there's a tornado risk; and there are fewer amenities relative to the state’s population than elsewhere.
38. Maine
Quality of life: 5 | Healthcare: 80 | Housing: 65 | Cost of living: 63 | Crime: 100 | Tax: 31 | Climate: 34 | Final score: 45
Maine provides world-famous coastal towns, including Portland and Bar Harbor. It consistently ranks as one of the safest states in the country and offers attractive fall foliage as well as coastal summer weather, but unfortunately, winters are cold and snowy.
- Pros: Some walkable towns with coastal New England charm, including Brunswick, Portland's Old Port, and Belfast; low crime; good healthcare access in hubs like Bangor and Portland; and outdoor recreation at Acadia National Park.
- Cons: Winters are long, cold, and snowy; state and local taxes are high, and Maine taxes many types of retirement income, as well as charging high property taxes in in-demand areas; high housing costs in the most popular locations; dining and cultural amenities are few; airport access is limited; and tourists can cause overcrowding in the summer and fall.
39. Oklahoma
Quality of life: 13 | Healthcare: 12 | Housing: 93 | Cost of living: 82 | Crime: 47 | Tax: 61 | Climate: 81 | Final score: 45
Oklahoma has favorable tax rules for retirees, a low overall cost of living, and affordable housing. Top destinations in Oklahoma include Oklahoma City and Tulsa, which have seen recent development and now offer more amenities to retirees.
- Pros: No tax on Social Security, a portion of other retirement income is tax deductible, and property taxes are low; housing is affordable; major urban areas are undergoing revitalization; and traffic is low, so commuting is easy.
- Cons: Below-average healthcare ranking in terms of both access and outcome; despite a generally warm climate, there is potential for severe weather, including hail, and severe thunderstorms, especially in the central and eastern parts of the state.
40. Tennessee
Quality of life: 18 | Healthcare: 25 | Housing: 76 | Cost of living: 93 | Crime: 32 | Tax: 73 | Climate: 66 | Final score: 45
Tennessee has favorable taxes for retirees and offers some unique cultural attractions, including access to the music scene in Nashville. Mild winters and a growing number of 55+ communities near Nashville and Knoxville could make these areas attractive places for retirees to call home.
- Pros: No state income tax and low property taxes; very low costs; picturesque Smoky Mountain towns near Gatlinburg offer beautiful scenery; good access to cultural amenities; and winters are mild.
- Cons: Some areas, including parts of Memphis, have high crime rates; Tennessee ranks poorly in many healthcare metrics; and summers are hot, long, and humid.
41. District of Columbia
Quality of life: 50 | Healthcare: 60 | Housing: 37 | Cost of living: 43 | Crime: 0 | Tax: 35 | Climate: 76 | Final score: 45
Washington, D.C., is best known as the nation's capital. While it is expensive to live there, it also offers great perks, including very walkable areas, top-notch public transportation, and excellent access to healthcare.
- Pros: Many cultural amenities; top-notch healthcare options, including George Washington University Hospital and nearby Johns Hopkins; an engaged civic culture due to strong government presence; and easy access to multiple airports, including Reagan National and Dulles, to make travel easy.
- Cons: Housing is very expensive; costs of living are high; the District charges its own income tax; and some areas have very high crime rates.
42. Alabama
Quality of life: 7 | Healthcare: 23 | Housing: 91 | Cost of living: 82 | Crime: 58 | Tax: 54 | Climate: 77 | Final score: 45
Alabama is an affordable retirement destination with a warm climate and some attractive towns along the Gulf Coast. Retirees may also want to consider Birmingham, which offers a vibrant cultural scene and proximity to hiking and beaches.
- Pros: Housing is very affordable; beautiful beaches along the Gulf Coast Strip, including Gulf Shores and Orange Beach; crime rate and tax burden slightly below the national average; warmer weather and mild winters; and many small cities like Fairhope, where there are artsy communities and a large retiree presence.
- Cons: Alabama ranks very low in many health metrics, and healthcare options are limited in rural areas; amenities are not as numerous as in other states; coastal areas face a hurricane risk; and summers can be hot and humid.
43. Nevada
Quality of life: 27 | Healthcare: 38 | Housing: 58 | Cost of living: 66 | Crime: 35 | Tax: 56 | Climate: 72 | Final score: 45
Nevada has no state income tax and mild winters. Washoe County is worth considering for those who enjoy outdoor recreation and affordable living.
- Pros: Abundant sunshine; favorable tax rules, including no state income tax on Social Security; entertainment options in Las Vegas and Reno; travel is easy via McCarran/Harry Reid International Airport and Reno–Tahoe International Airport; and many 55+ communities, including Sun City developments in Summerlin and Anthem.
- Cons: Healthcare outcomes for seniors across the state are below average; crime rates are above average; extreme heat with triple-digit temperatures in the summer; ongoing fears about droughts; crowds from tourists in Reno and Vegas.
44. Vermont
Quality of life: 6 | Healthcare: 100 | Housing: 67 | Cost of living: 0 | Crime: 96 | Tax: 20 | Climate: 37 | Final score: 43
Vermont boasts beautiful scenery, lovely weather in the summer and fall, low crime rates, numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, and strong healthcare outcomes for seniors, particularly around Burlington, where retirees may find a great place to settle.
- Pros: Beautiful lakes; small towns with tons of charm; extremely low crime rates; skiing and hiking opportunities on the Long Trail; and walkable areas in some metros like Burlington.
- Cons: The cost of living is higher in Vermont than in any other state, and property taxes are high. Most retirement income is also taxed; fewer amenities than larger states; limited access to healthcare in rural areas; big crowds in ski towns; and long, snowy winters with months of cold weather.
45. Louisiana
Quality of life: 10 | Healthcare: 2 | Housing: 94 | Cost of living: 79 | Crime: 49 | Tax: 60 | Climate: 85 | Final score: 43
Louisiana is home to cultural meccas like Baton Rouge and New Orleans, has an amazing food scene, and offers waterfront living on the Mississippi River. Lafayette offers affordable 55+ communities, good access to healthcare, and cultural enrichment for retirees.
- Pros: Housing costs are low in most areas; fantastic festivals and strong culture, including Mardi Gras and local jazz clubs in New Orleans; mild winters.
- Cons: Louisiana’s health outcomes for seniors are among the weakest in the country; the summers are hot and humid; there are significant flooding and hurricane risks; aging infrastructure creates public access issues and limits community amenities; and bayou and marsh environments lead to a high mosquito population.
46. Mississippi
Quality of life: 2 | Healthcare: 0 | Housing: 97 | Cost of living: 84 | Crime: 76 | Tax: 54 | Climate: 80 | Final score: 43
Mississippi is extremely affordable, including in metro areas. Winters are mild, and the Gulf Coast offers beaches, casinos, and numerous new developments. Residents can consider Biloxi if they want to take advantage of these bustling areas.
- Pros: Low cost of living, affordable housing, rural areas with small towns, and recreational opportunities along the Gulf Coast.
- Cons: Very poor senior healthcare metrics; limited access to amenities relative to the state’s population. Summers are humid.
47. Delaware
Quality of life: 9 | Healthcare: 75 | Housing: 65 | Cost of living: 67 | Crime: 42 | Tax: 31 | Climate: 67 | Final score: 43
Delaware has some favorable tax rules for seniors, offers famous beach communities like Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, and provides easy access to nearby cities, including Philadelphia and Baltimore. Residents may enjoy the suburbs of Wilmington and Sussex County, where there are growing senior communities.
- Pros: Gorgeous beaches; affordable housing and cost of living; and great health outcomes for seniors.
- Cons: Limited cultural and entertainment amenities; tourists crowd beach towns in the summers; the tax burden is very high; crime rates are above average; and the state is very car dependent.
48. Arkansas
Quality of life: 6 | Healthcare: 19 | Housing: 93 | Cost of living: 100 | Crime: 37 | Tax: 50 | Climate: 74 | Final score: 41
Arkansas offers beautiful scenery, outdoor recreational opportunities, growing metro areas, and warm winters. Little Rock will appeal to retirees who like Southern cCharm combined with a rich cultural scene and mild climate.
- Pros: Outdoor recreational opportunities, beautiful scenery at the Ozark Mountains, Beaver Lake, and the Hot Springs area; small towns; very affordable cost of living and housing; and tax benefits for retirees, with no tax on Social Security and exclusions on some retirement income.
- Cons: Arkansas ranks very low in senior healthcare metrics, and there is very limited access to care in rural areas; crime rates are relatively high statewide; low number of restaurants and other amenities per capita; tornadoes and flooding are serious risks; and summers are hot and humid.
49. West Virginia
Quality of life: 0 | Healthcare: 5 | Housing: 100 | Cost of living: 48 | Crime: 94 | Tax: 54 | Climate: 58 | Final score: 41
West Virginia boasts amazing mountain views, a slow-paced lifestyle, and extremely affordable housing. Charleston, Huntington, and Parkersburg are low-cost areas where retirees can afford to live comfortably on limited incomes.
- Pros: The New River Gorge, Monongahela National Forest, and countless hollows and ridges provide gorgeous scenery and tons of outdoor recreational activities; house prices are the lowest in the country; many communities provide a slow pace of living with a small-town feel; property taxes are low compared with those of many states; crime rates are low.
- Cons: Senior healthcare outcomes are poor and there is limited rural access to healthcare; aging infrastructure limits public service amenities, and cultural, entertainment, and restaurant amenities are very limited.
50. New Mexico
Quality of life: 15 | Healthcare: 40 | Housing: 79 | Cost of living: 78 | Crime: 2 | Tax: 50 | Climate: 79 | Final score: 40
New Mexico destinations like Santa Fe, Taos, and Albuquerque are rich in culture, history, and scenic views. Unfortunately, high crime rates and high prices in in-demand areas mean retirees have to be careful where they settle here.
- Pros: Vibrant culture and strong art scene in Santa Fe, the International Balloon Festival draws crowds; housing is reasonable outside of in-demand areas; and some urban metros have walkable downtown cores with rich histories, including Old Town Albuquerque and Santa Fe Plaza.
- Cons: High crime rates in many areas; limited access to quality senior healthcare outside of urban centers; limited cultural and entertainment amenities.
51. Hawaii
Quality of life: 13 | Healthcare: 83 | Housing: 0 | Cost of living: 10 | Crime: 100 | Tax: 16 | Climate: 84 | Final score: 40
Hawaii offers an amazing tropical retirement lifestyle – one that is, however, only accessible to those who can afford it. It is very expensive, and retirees can feel very isolated on the island since reaching the mainland is a challenge.
- Pros: Beautiful beaches; tropical climate that's nearly perfect year-round; ample outdoor recreational activities, including Diamond Head, Makapuʻu Point, Na Pali Coast trails; great senior healthcare; very low crime across the state.
- Cons: The most expensive housing market across all 50 states and among the highest cost of living; very high tax burden; entertainment and dining options are limited relative to Hawaii’s population, compared to other states; the distance from the mainland can be a dealbreaker for some.
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