Deciding whether to move or stay put when you retire is a big decision. For some folks, it’s a chance to live where they’ve always wanted to, like in the mountains or at the beach, but for others, it all comes down to what they can afford. A new report from Bankrate rates the states to come up with the best ones to retire in.
- They compared the states on cost of living, quality of healthcare, safety, well-being and weather.
- Iowa comes in first, thanks to its affordability and lower housing costs.
- It’s also home to a lot of retirees, as 20% of the state’s residents are at least 65 years old.
- Number two is Delaware, which offers low taxes and high-quality health care, and third is West Virginia, which rates high for affordability and low taxes.
- At the bottom of the list is Alaska, which makes it the worst state to retire in. It’s 50th overall, 50th for weather, 49th for crime and 43rd for affordability.
Bankrate’s Top 10 States to Retire In
- Iowa
- Delaware
- West Virginia
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- Wyoming
- Pennsylvania
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Nebraska
Bankrate’s 5 Worst States to Retire In
- Alaska
- New York
- California
- Washington
- Massachusetts
Source: Travel and Leisure