Curious what the best states to retire in the U.S. are?
It is common practice for US senior citizens to relocate to sunnier pastures once they hit retirement age and the overwhelming majority chooses to stay within the boundaries of the country. We have compiled a list of the 8 best states to retire in the US and indicators such as climate, life expectancy, cost of living, and crime rates were used in the ranking. You may be surprised, but Florida is not the top contender.
Let’s take a look at the countdown to see who did make it to the first place, in a style similar to our coverage of the best places to retire abroad.
No. 8: California
California might have a higher cost of living than other states, but its appeal is undeniable. The warm weather, the countless attractions, and the lively atmosphere attract numerous senior citizens each year. In addition, California also has a higher life expectancy than the national average.
Continue reading for the rest of the best states to retire in:
No. 7: South Dakota
Though much colder than other states in our countdown, South Dakota has a number of advantages that manage to draw in the seniors. For one, it has the fourth highest life expectancy for seniors in the US. In addition, the low cost of living make it one of the most affordable states to retire in.
No. 6: New Mexico
Over the past decade, New Mexico’s senior population grew by a whopping 30%. However, despite the warm weather and friendly people, this state does have one of the highest crime rates in the country.
No. 5: Florida
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Although internationally renowned for its abilities to attract seniors, Florida only managed to secure the 5th spot in our countdown. Why is that? Well, despite its very accommodating atmosphere, this state has a high crime rate and most scams are directed at the elderly population.
No. 4: Virginia
For those who prefer a milder and more temperate climate, Virginia might be the perfect choice. This state has one of the lowest crime rates in the US, which attracts thousands of senior citizens each year.
No. 3: Arizona
Warm weather and high life expectancy are what attract more and more senior citizens on the lookout for retirement spots to Arizona. However, you should pay attention to the city and neighborhood you choose, as some regions have a higher crime rate.
No. 2: Utah
Though not your typical sunny retreat spot, Utah more than makes up in terms of lifestyle and cost of living. As one of the most affordable states in the country, Utah can ensure that senior citizens will be able to afford anything their heart desires.
No. 1: Hawaii
Island life seems to be the most suited for senior citizens, as life expectancy is higher here than anywhere else in the US. The warm weather and low violent crime rates are yet another plus. However, the cost of living in Hawaii is much higher than in other states, so senior citizens who are not sitting on a hefty nest egg might have a harder time relocating here.
