Best & Worst State To Retire | How to Decide

Here’s Where You Should Retire in the US — Taxes, Quality of Life & More Explained

Last Updated October 17, 2024

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Retirement is a beautiful reward after a long road of work. Whether you’re just starting to plan your retirement or have been counting down the days since you started working, where you choose to retire is an important aspect of your retirement. There are so many factors to consider when choosing which state to retire in the US. 

Weather, taxes, quality of life, access to healthcare, and more. These are all things to consider when choosing where to retire. We have compiled a list of the best (and worst) states to retire in based on these elements and explain why you might want to retire in these states

Of course, when making these decisions, you should have your final expenses handled. Luckily, at Final Expense Benefits, we specialize in finding the best final expense insurance that works with you and your family. Call us at (866) 786-0725 or use our free quoting tool, and we will help you find the cheapest option with the best benefits for you. 

This list will heavily depend on your preferences, so we suggest that you find the elements that you prioritize and make a decision based on those factors. 

How to Find the Best State to Retire

There are a few factors to consider when looking for the best places to retire in the US. Here are just a few that you should consider: 

  • Taxes: Whether you’re thinking about taxes on your income or social security, each state has different rules that you should consider. 
  • Weather: If you love warm weather, you should consider moving somewhere south like Florida, but if you like a colder climate, you should consider Idaho. 
  • Healthcare: No matter what, when you get older, you’ll need to go to the doctor more regularly. Living in a place with easy access to healthcare should be an important factor to consider. 
  • Cost of Living: Living in a state with a high cost of living means your savings must be higher before retirement. 
  • Natural Disasters: Much like weather, the rate at which you experience national disasters is an important factor to consider. 
  • Recreation & Community: Living in a location with recreational activities (like national parks) or an active elderly community will keep you engaged. 
  • Crime Rate: When you live in a city or a highly populated area, you will experience crime at a higher rate.

We’ve evaluated all the states based on these factors. However, you should prioritize the elements of a location based on your preferences. 

Where Are the Best States to Retire In the US

Delaware

Florida

Colorado

South Carolina

Idaho

Where Are the Worst States to Retire In the US

A traffic jam with the New York skyline in the background.

Alaska

New York

New Jersey

Kentucky

Mississippi

Conclusion

Where you choose to retire is a difficult choice to make. Overall, there is no real best place to retire in the us. It’ll heavily depend on what you prioritize within your retirement, but we hope that by reading through this article, you have a better idea of what you are looking for in your final days. 

At Final Expense Benefits, we strive to help you get ready for retirement and end-of-life finances such as funeral costs and debt. Call us at (866) 786-0725 for information on how to ease the financial burden for your family after you pass. You can also use our free quoting tool to get an accurate estimate of your burial insurance costs. 

Frequently Asked Questions
Is Florida the Best State to Retire In?

That’ll depend on your priorities when it comes to retirement. Florida has great weather and tax benefits for seniors, and it is overall one of the most senior-friendly states in America. It is one of the best states to retire in, but you might be experiencing a higher risk of natural disasters and overcrowding. 

Best Place to Retire for Taxes?
According to SmartAsset, the most tax-friendly states for seniors are Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Nevada, South Dakota, and Wyoming. If taxes are your most important concern when making your retirement decisions, you might want to take a look into those states. 
Best Place to Retire for Military?
According to WalletHub, the best state for military retirees is South Carolina. That’s mostly due to the many benefits that veterans and military service members receive. Veterans can enjoy academic credits and no tax military pensions. 
Best Place to Retire for Outdoor Activities?
According to the AARP, the most outdoor activity-friendly location is in Colorado. It’s close to the Rocky Mountains and offers plenty of hiking, fishing, and biking. It’s also consistently warm and averages a summer temperature in the 80s.