If you knew which were the best states for retirees, would that information sway you to live in one of those states? Recently such a list was released by CNN Money with some analytical help from the BankRate guys, they ran an article based on the 10 best states to retire. This list of states will give all the readers who wish to retire the best bang for their dollars. The criteria in the research was based on cost of living, (obviously) climate, crime rate, access to healthcare, and Taxes.
Now mind you some of these states are land locked and in extremely cold areas of the United States, but then have low crime rates. In contrast the states in warmer locals and near the beaches have high crime rates coupled with low taxes. The first poison you have to decide above all else is how the heck can you save enough to retire, then you can pick and choose all the dirty little things that you can live with and or without in these great states. Like being far away from the ocean, high crime, low freezing temperatures, and low taxes.
Personally I would prefer living in a warmer climate state, with lower taxes, near the ocean, and moderate crime rate. I would do state specific research and pick a town that is on the lower end of the crime rate spectrum. I then would choose one of the many qualified towns within 30 minutes commute time to the ocean. This would be my ideal living situation for me and my family. Another important factor to consider is how the downtown area in the state or town is currently functioning. If the downtown area where many stores and shops are abandoned, then that town will immediately be removed from my list. I will continue the adventurous search for a lively and poppin town with hoards of mom and pop stores, and a drizzle of a target here and there. What is a must have that you look for in a town or city before moving?
The Best States for Retirees:
Tennessee
Louisiana
South Dakota
Kentucky
Nebraska
Virginia
Alabama
West Virginia
North Dakota
Mississippi
These are the top 10 states to retire in as per CNN Money. I think I would be ok with Virginia, Tennessee, and Louisiana because they are in warmer areas of the US. I selected Virginia and Louisiana primarily because they are coastal states and Tennessee because it is a thriving state with a great downtown area. One aspect of the article that completely shocked me was that Florida was not on the list. I first questioned why this beloved old folk retirement destination didn’t make the cut, but then the author provided detailed information stating that because Florida has extremely high crime and low access to medical care, it was not in the top 10. If you are a fan of the gator’s maybe it is effectively positioned in the top 20 list. Which state would you pick out of this list to live in?
See Article: Here
Cheapest City List: Here
Comment below and tells us which state would you choose and why?
Rich Uncle EL
I can't believe that Texas wasn't included on the list. Sure we have some scorching summers but they are offset by no state income tax and limits on what counties can charge you for property tax.
That is an awesome selling point, low taxes would make it ideal for me. Yeah I think the climate, crime, and low access to medical beds pushed it over the retirement edge for baby boomers.