Retirement means you stop working, but not stop living. In fact, for many, this is when ‘true living’ really starts.
Knowing the best places to retire for the best quality of life, the lowest cost, and access to what you need is crucial to enjoying the best years of your life.
Every state has reasons to live or not live there during retirement. We’ve compiled a list of the best states to retire based on a variety of factors, check it out below.
Florida
Who doesn’t dream of living in Florida someday, right? There’s something to be said about the sunshine, beaches, and a relaxed way of living. It seems like a natural transition to retire here. Florida offers:
- Gorgeous and stable weather
- Low property taxes and no state income tax
- Plenty of outdoor opportunities for those with an active lifestyle
- Availability of 55 and older communities for friendship and activity
- Numerous affordable healthcare options including new Medicare policies
South Dakota
If you dream of small-town life with plenty of access to outdoor activities, you’ll find in South Dakota. While you may not have the Florida sunshine, you’ll have access to so many adventures that you’ll wonder where it’s been all of your life, making it one of the best places to retire. South Dakota offers:
- Plenty of opportunities for camping, hiking, and fishing
- A low cost of living
- Low sales tax, no state income tax, and tax breaks on social security income
- High level of healthcare quality
- Retirees have a high feeling of overall well-being
Utah
Yet another state that probably doesn’t pop up on your radar as retirement worthy is Utah. There’s something to be said about gorgeous mountain ranges and plentiful outdoor activities, not to mention local foods and incredible culture. Utah offers:
- Numerous national parks and forests for outdoor activities
- Impeccable healthcare
- Low cost of living
- Low population
- Low crime rate
Colorado
If you love big towns with small-town charm, Colorado should rank high on your list of best states to retire. While an obvious choice for snow and ski-lovers, Colorado has many opportunities even for those that don’t hit the slopes. Colorado offers:
- Low retirement income taxes
- Plenty of area for outdoor activity, adventure, and exercise
- Top-rated healthcare system and affordable insurance
- Plenty of retirement communities
- Rural living opportunities that are just outside of urban life
Missouri
Missouri tops the list of the best places to retire for its affordability. If a low cost of living is your top priority, you won’t be disappointed in Missouri. As an added bonus, you can enjoy the luxurious environment of gorgeous lakes and plenty of country living. Missouri offers:
- Highly ranked hospitals and healthcare system
- Low healthcare costs
- Great tax benefits on retirement income
- A larger coastline than California
- Plenty of sports and recreational opportunities
Nebraska
Retiring amongst the cornfields probably didn’t cross your mind during your younger years, but millions of retirees head there. The friendly people, variable temperatures, and plentiful outdoor recreational areas make Nebraska a top-notch choice. Nebraska offers:
- A lower than average cost of living
- Below average healthcare costs
- Low home prices
- Low crime rate
- Top-notch healthcare system
Iowa
Keeping with the cornfield theme, many retirees find themselves in Iowa. Besides cornfields, you’ll enjoy beautiful hills and rivers, farmers' markets, and incredible culture. People retire in Iowa for:
- Low cost of living
- An incredible culture that offers art, outdoor, and recreational activities
- Affordable healthcare
- No social security tax
- High levels of overall well-being and good health
Virginia
Virginia offers four seasons for those that are used to spring, summer, winter, and fall. The temperatures aren’t so drastic that you’ll be miserable during any part of the year, though. Virginians are very welcoming and have areas for people from all walks of life, making it easy to get comfortable. Virginia offers:
- Low tax rates
- Low crime rates
- The ability to live ‘rural’ but close enough to the city to have the best of both worlds
- Easily accessible healthcare
- Plenty of history, recreation, and cultural opportunities at festivals and celebrations
Wyoming
The low population in Wyoming is what draws many retirees to this beautiful state. With plenty to do and without the worry of overcrowding, it’s certainly a peaceful way to enjoy your golden years. You’ll enjoy beautiful landscapes, including snow-capped mountains as well as plenty of outdoor recreation if you choose this state. Wyoming offers:
- No state income tax
- Low cost of living
- Yellowstone National Park, an endless source of beauty and activities
- Low sales tax
- High rates of overall well-being with easy access to the top healthcare
Idaho
While it doesn’t have white sandy beaches or year-round sunshine, Idaho does have its perks for retirees. Its incredible landscape of National Parks makes it a place of beauty and relaxation to enjoy your golden years. It’s also a very walkable city, helping you to stay heart-healthy and young during your retirement. Idaho offers:
- Lower than the average cost of living
- Low cost but high-quality healthcare systems
- Tax benefits for retirees
- Four seasons but mild climates
- Incredible natural landscapes with numerous outdoor activities
Choosing where you will retire involves considering many questions. Ask yourself about your top priorities. Is it affordable living, weather, access to activities or something else? The answers will help you decide where the best place to retire is, whether it’s the traditional ‘Florida retirement’ or you find yourself in a small, quaint town in Nebraska or Iowa, it’s the place that will make you the happiest as you enjoy the most enjoyable years of your lifetime.