Showing posts with label best places to retire in the US. Show all posts
Showing posts with label best places to retire in the US. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Best States for Retirement per Moneywise


Many Americans prefer to remain in their home state after they retire.  However, do you know how your state ranks compared to other states as a retirement destination?  Is it affordable and safe, with a comfortable climate and good healthcare?  Moneywise did the research for you and put together a list of the best states for retirement.  If your current state is on this list, you may be best off remaining where you are, or at least in a retirement community in your home state.  If your current state is not on this list, you may want to do a little research and decide if there is a nearby state where you may be able to live more affordably, comfortably, and safely.

Below is the list of states which Moneywise believes are the best places to retire, with the best states at the top of the list and the rating dropping from there.  All of these states are in the top twenty of those in the United States, according to the Moneywise research.

If your home state is not listed below, you may want to check the article "Worst States for Retirement" to see if it is listed there.  If it is not on either list, consider it a neutral state for retirement.  

Top Ten States for Retirement

New Hampshire - According to both Moneywise and U.S. News, this is the best state for retirement, although you will still have to deal with cold weather in the winter.  However, it has low taxes, including no sales tax or state income tax, beautiful scenery, and high quality healthcare.  In addition, housing prices are lower than that in other nearby states in the Northeastern U.S.   You should know that there is a 5 percent tax on dividends and interest.

South Dakota - If you are looking forward to spending time in the wild outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping and hiking, this could be the ideal state for you.  There is an abundance of affordable housing in both the small towns as well as the cities of Sioux Falls and Rapid City. The state does not tax Social Security or pensions, there is no inheritance tax, and the state sales tax is only 4 percent.

Colorado - Do you love the mountains?  Enjoy skiing or other winter sports? This state has a high quality of life, good healthcare, and high senior tax deductions.  Many of the small towns are quite affordable, although the major cities can be expensive.

Iowa - You may be starting to see a theme in this list of the best retirement states.  It seems that many of the states with plenty of outdoor activities are also great places to retire.  Housing in Iowa is affordable.  In fact, the cost-of-living in Iowa is approximately 12 percent below the national average.  Healthcare is also less expensive than in many other states.

Florida - Florida has long been considered a mecca for retirement, especially for people who lived along the East Coast during their working years.  On the Moneywise list, it is ranked as the 5th best state for retirement. There are miles of beaches and plenty of delicious seafood.  The photo of the sunset at the top of this article was taken in Florida.  Grandchildren will want to visit on their way to Disney World and the other theme parks in Orlando.  Homes are very affordable, whether you buy or lease.  There is no state income tax, estate tax or inheritance tax.  There is also no tax on Social Security or other retirement income. My parents retired to Florida and lived there for three decades until the last few years of their lives, when they returned to their home state to live with family.  They loved Florida and hated to leave.  Of course, if you retire there, you will need to deal with some of the less pleasant wildlife there, including mosquitoes and alligators!

Utah - This state has one of the fastest growing populations for people of all ages.  There are many reasons why people find this state appealing, including beautiful scenery, national parks, and other amenities.  The state is rated high for its healthcare system, Salt Lake City is affordable, and the city also has excellent public transportation.  Social Security and other types of income are taxable, but seniors get a tax credit of $450 per person and other taxes are low.

Virginia - This state has both mountains and beaches, with numerous small towns, yet parts of it are in close proximity to Washington, DC and other large cities.  Blacksburg, which is home to Virginia Tech University, was ranked by Forbes in 2014 as the best place in the nation to retire. My college roommate, who is now a retired English professor, lives there and loves it. Housing throughout most of the state, except for the area close to Washington DC, is quite affordable.  There are also special tax benefits for retirees.

Idaho - Another great state for those who love the outdoors is Idaho.  It is rated the 4th safest state in the nation and the overall cost-of-living is 5 percent lower than the average in the United States.  Social Security is not taxed and healthcare is also less expensive than in other states.

Arizona - This state has become popular for some people moving out of California but who want to stay close enough to easily visit friends and family in their home state.  There are a wide variety of activities in Arizona, including trips to the Grand Canyon.  Golf courses are plentiful and can be enjoyed the year around (although you will want to play early in the morning during the summer).  The state gets 250 days of sunshine every year.  You can choose from the desert areas around Phoenix or the mountain communities surrounding Flagstaff.  My sister-in-law and her husband moved from California to Flagstaff and love it there.  Housing is generally affordable and Social Security is not taxed.

Minnesota - Minnesota is well-named as the state of 10,000 lakes.  There are actually more lakes than that!  On the other hand, the winters can get extremely cold.  The state has a high quality of life, including its healthcare system.

Other States in the Top Twenty Best States for Retirement

The states listed below are also ranked in the top 20 for retirement.  You may want to explore a few of these, as well, before making your final decision about where to retire.

Washington State
North Carolina
Montana
North Dakota
Pennsylvania
Missouri
Massachusetts
Nebraska
Wisconsin
Nevada

If the state where you are currently living is one of those mentioned in this article, you may be best off staying right where you are.  If not, you may want to consider moving to one of the states on this list, especially if you are struggling financially or you do not feel safe or happy with the healthcare in your current location.  Do your research before making a major move, so you feel confident you will be happy with the change.

If your state is not on the list above, check out this article to see where it ranks on "The Worst Places for Retirement."

For more information on where to retire in the U.S. or overseas, financial planning, Social Security, Medicare, or common medical issues, use the tabs or pull-down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:  morguefile.com

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Great Places to Retire in the United States

A significant percentage of Baby Boomers will retire in the United States, either in their current area or somewhere new.  Before making a final decision, they want to know more about the available choices ... and there are thousands!  Below you will find links to dozens of articles that have been written on this blog about a wide selection of retirement options in the United States.

These articles include information about the best cities to retire, cheap places to retire, sunny places to retire, wonderful age-restricted retirement communities, top builders of retirement communities, niche retirement communities, and more.  The articles have featured neighborhoods in virtually every region of the United States and more articles in this category are added frequently.

Index of Articles about Great Places to Retire in the United States

Advantages and Disadvantages of Over 55 Retirement Communities

Affordable California Coastal Retirement Communities

Affordable Retirement Cities with Pleasant Climates  

Age in Place - Retire Where You Live Now

Age in Place Villages Provide Resources in Your Neighborhood

Are You a Retirement Planner, Procrastinator or Crasher?

Baby Boomers Moving Downtown and Uptown

Benefits of Senior Roommates

Best Cold Climate Areas for Retirement 

Best Places to Retire in Pennsylvania

Best Places to Retire in the United States on $100 a Day

Best Places to Retire on $40,000 a Year

Best Retirement Communities in the U.S. per MSN Money

Best Senior Housing Choices for Aging Boomers 

Best States for Retirement, per Moneywise

California Active Adult Retirement Communities 

Camper and RV Travel Job - How to Survive Financially on the Road 

Cheap But Risky Timber Pines Florida Retirement Homes

Cheap Places to Retire

Choosing a Continuing Care Retirement Community

Colonial Heritage near Historic Williamsburg, Virginia

Cresswind at Lake Lanier Active Adult Community 

Delaware Retirement Ideas 

Downsizing Tips for Seniors - How to Handle the Change 

Finding Niche Retirement Communities

Garden Park at Daybreak - Fabulous Senior Living in Utah

Garden Spot Village Community for Seniors in PA

Gavilan for Retirees in Rancho Mission Viejo, California

Get Paid to Retire in These Locations 

Golf Cart Friendly Retirement Communities  

Golf Carts vs Golf Cars for Retirees 

Granny Flats vs. Nursing Homes: Could Seniors be Safer Near Their Families?

Great Places to Retire in the Northern US

Green Valley Arizona Retirement Communities

Heritage Todd Creek in Thornton, Colorado

Holiday Touch Retirement Living Communities

Home Sharing Arrangements with Senior Roommates 

Housing Options When Your Spouse is Ill

How Seniors Can Downsize Successfully 

How to Overcome Resistance to Assisted Living 

How to Qualify to Move into a Retirement Community

Kolter Planned Communities for Retirees

Laguna Woods Village Active Adult Community 

Laguna Woods Village Statistics and Amenities

Leesburg, Florida Affordable Retirement Communities

Lennar, Pulte and Centerline Multigenerational Homes

Lake Ashton Florida Active Adult Community 

Life Plan or Continuing Care Communities - What Levels of Care do They Offer?

Livable Communities for Retirement 

Living in an RV after Retirement 

Margaritaville Retirement Communities

Meritage Homes Adult Communities in Arizona

Minto Homes - Florida Retirement Communities

Money Magazine Best Places to Retire

Multigenerational Families Living Together Again

Niche Retirement Community for Rock and Roll Musicians 

Over 55 Retirement Communities by Del Webb

Over 55 Retirement Communities by Four Seasons 

Popular Retirement Communities in the United States 

Popular Places to Retire 

Recreation in Retirement Communities

Retire in a University or College Town - Affordable and Fun! 

Retirement Communities in Maine

Retirement Housing for Aging Alone - Are You Prepared for the Future? 

Retirement Living in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley 

Retire to Friendly Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Retire to Robson Ranch near Dallas, TX 

Senior Living Communities for Baby Boomers 

Senior Living in a Med Cottage or Granny Pod

Should You Move or Age in Place When You Retire?

Soleil Laurel Canyon Active Adult Community in Georgia

Sonata Senior Living in Florida 

Starting Over in New Retirement Destinations

Sun City Texas is a Premier Retirement Destination

Sun City Shadow Hills in Indio, California

Tellico Village Retirement Community