Here's the ranking of the best states for retirees based on our study and data analysis:
- Florida
- Nebraska
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- New Hampshire
- Utah
- Iowa
- New Jersey
- South Dakota
The best state to retire to: Florida
Florida is the best state to retire in, according to The Motley Fool’s methodology. It has warm weather with an average temperature of 72.8ºF, an above-average crime score, a relatively low tax burden, and a strong quality-of-life ranking. That, paired with roughly average scores for housing costs, healthcare, and cost of living, makes it a state with few faults for retirees.
- Overall score out of 100: 100
- Quality-of-life score: 52 (ranked 21st)
- Housing score: 67 (ranked 31st, October 2024 ZHVI*: $392,176 )
- Healthcare score: 61 (ranked 28th)
- Crime score: 83 (ranked 13th)
- Tax score: 60 (ranked 11th)
- Weather score: 89 (ranked 2nd, 5-year average 72.8ºF)
- Cost-of-living score: 83 (ranked 30th)
* ZHVI = Zillow Home Value Index
The view from the state: “Florida’s ranking as the best state to retire in is reflected in an exceptional blend of factors. With its favorable low-tax environment, world-class healthcare institutions, robust transportation infrastructure, America’s number one rated higher education system, convenient airports and cruise ports, and access to stunning beaches, Florida offers retirees the perfect setting to enjoy their golden years,” said Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “Additionally, Florida is home to top-rated cities for retirement, such as Naples and Sarasota. Paired with a thriving economy and top-rated retirement communities, Florida consistently sets the standard for retirees seeking both comfort and opportunity.”
2. Nebraska
Nebraska comes in as the second-best state to retire in overall, driven by relatively affordable housing and a low cost of living, alongside a strong crime score. Its quality-of-life and public health rankings are also above average. But low scores in weather and taxes can be dampeners, particularly for retirees looking for warm temperatures year-round.
- Overall score out of 100: 92
- Quality-of-life score: 56 (ranked 18th)
- Housing score: 87 (ranked 14th, October 2024 ZHVI: $259,443)
- Healthcare score: 79 (ranked 14th)
- Crime score: 82 (ranked 14th)
- Tax score: 39 (ranked 37th)
- Weather score: 45 (ranked 32nd, 5-year average 50.6ºF)
- Cost-of-living score: 89 (ranked 22nd)
The view from the state: “Nebraskans are known for taking care of their neighbors, and we’re an exceptionally safe and affordable state,” said K.C. Belitz, director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. “This mix of qualities makes us a highly desirable destination for retirees.”
3. Maryland
Maryland has the third-best quality-of-life score, along with the tenth-best public health score, making it one of the top states to retire in. However, it is among the most expensive states in terms of housing costs, cost of living, and taxes.
- Overall score out of 100: 89
- Quality-of-life score: 96 (ranked 3rd)
- Housing score: 63 (ranked 35th, October 2024 ZHVI: $418,438)
- Healthcare score: 81 (ranked 10th)
- Crime score: 60 (ranked 29th)
- Tax score: 41 (ranked 35th)
- Weather score: 57 (ranked 18th, 5-year average 56.8ºF)
- Cost-of-living score: 72 (ranked 40th)
The view from the state: “Maryland is proud to be among the best states to retire in the nation,” said Governor Wes Moore. “From our beautiful natural sceneries, to bustling metropolitan areas and historic small towns, world-class healthcare, arts and entertainment, and affordability, our state boasts tremendous assets and amenities that make our state an attractive place to retire."
4. Minnesota
Exceptional scores for public health, crime, and the cost of living make up for Minnesota’s lackluster tax and weather scores. The state might be a top choice for retirees who don’t mind longer, colder winters.
- Overall score out of 100: 87
- Quality-of-life score: 64 (ranked 15th)
- Housing score: 76 (ranked 26th, October 2024 ZHVI: $334,119)
- Healthcare score: 94 (ranked 5th)
- Crime score: 87 (ranked 12th)
- Tax score: 34 (ranked 39th)
- Weather score: 30 (ranked 47th, 5-year average 43ºF)
- Cost-of-living score: 82 (ranked 32nd)
The view from the state: “Minnesotans deserve to retire with support and security,” said Governor Tim Walz. “By eliminating social security taxes for nearly all seniors, funding services that keep Minnesotans in their homes as they age, and investing in safe communities across the state, we’ve made Minnesota one of the best places to retire. I’m proud to see this accomplishment reflected in data.”
5. Wisconsin
Wisconsin makes the top five best states to retire in, thanks in large part to relatively affordable housing, the low cost of living, one of the lowest crime rates in the country, and a strong public health score. Like other Midwestern states, Wisconsin’s weather score is weak. Its quality-of-life and tax scores are also middling.
- Overall score out of 100: 87
- Quality-of-life score: 48 (ranked 25th)
- Housing score: 80 (ranked 21st, October 2024 ZHVI: $306,566)
- Healthcare score: 80 (ranked 11th)
- Crime score: 95 (ranked 5th)
- Tax score: 44 (ranked 32nd)
- Weather score: 34 (ranked 42nd, 5-year average 45.3ºF)
- Cost-of-living score: 85 (ranked 28th)
The view from the state: “Wisconsin offers an exceptional quality of life, blending diverse urban and rural housing options with a strong sense of safety and community,” said Melissa Hunt, Wisconsin Economic Development Association Board Chair. “At the Wisconsin Economic Development Association, we understand the evolving trends of aging populations and take pride in how our state’s vibrant communities and commitment to fostering healthy economic ecosystems make Wisconsin an ideal place to enjoy retirement.”
6. New Hampshire
The only state from New England to make the top 10 states to retire in, New Hampshire has top-tier public health and the seventh-best crime score, along with a top-20 quality-of-life score. But it's an expensive state to live in, and among the coldest on our list.
- Overall score out of 100: 82
- Quality-of-life score: 60 (ranked 16th)
- Housing score: 54 (ranked 41st, October 2024 ZHVI: $478,955)
- Healthcare score: 96 (ranked 4th)
- Crime score: 93 (ranked 7th)
- Tax score: 56 (ranked 16th)
- Weather score: 36 (ranked 41st, 5-year average 46.1ºF)
- Cost-of-living score: 63 (ranked 45th)
7. Utah
Utah, the lone state in the West in the top 10 places to retire, has the best public health score in the country. Also above average are its scores for quality of life, cost of living, and crime. However, the cost of housing there is among the most expensive in the country, and its tax burden is high as well. Its weather score is below average, although it has something to offer every season for retirees who enjoy outdoor recreation year-round.
- Overall score out of 100: 79
- Quality-of-life score: 76 (ranked 8th)
- Housing score: 49 (ranked 44th, October 2024 ZHVI: $517,020)
- Healthcare score: 100 (ranked 1st)
- Crime score: 72 (ranked 18th)
- Tax score: 34 (ranked 39th)
- Weather score: 44 (ranked 33rd, 5-year average 50ºF)
- Cost-of-living score: 81 (ranked 35th)\
The view from the state: “Utah is truly the best place to call home, offering unmatched quality of life, a thriving economy, and vibrant communities,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. “With a strong sense of community, world-class outdoor recreation, five iconic national parks, and endless opportunities to start and grow a business, Utah delivers an unparalleled living experience that continues to inspire and attract people from all over."
8. Iowa
Iowa’s combination of affordable real estate and relatively cheap cost of living, along with a strong crime score, pushes it to eighth on the list of best states to retire in. The state does come with below-average scores for quality of life, taxes, and weather. But for retirees looking for less financial worry, Iowa could be a top prospect.
- Overall score out of 100: 78
- Quality-of-life score: 40 (ranked 31st)
- Housing score: 92 (ranked 7th, October 2024 ZHVI: $220,277)
- Healthcare score: 66 (ranked 23rd)
- Crime score: 80 (ranked 17th)
- Tax score: 42 (ranked 33rd)
- Weather score: 43 (ranked 34th, 5-year average 49.6ºF)
- Cost-of-living score: 92 (ranked 11th)
The view from the state: “Iowa has the key ingredients that give people the freedom to build the lives they want, whether they’re retiring or just starting out,” said Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority. “We offer beautiful landscapes, vibrant and friendly communities, and a low cost of living that empowers people to live bigger here. And thanks to our leadership and responsible budgeting practices, Iowans pay no taxes on retirement income and will enjoy a 3.8% flat income tax rate starting next year.”
9. New Jersey
New Jersey has among the best quality-of-life and crime scores and a solid public health rating, but struggles in other areas. The cost of housing is the sixth most expensive in the nation, and its tax burden is the sixth highest. That could put the state out of reach for many retirees.
- Overall score out of 100: 77
- Quality-of-life score: 96 (ranked 3rd)
- Housing score: 46 (ranked 45th, October 2024 ZHVI: $534,773)
- Healthcare score: 67 (ranked 22nd)
- Crime score: 91(ranked 8th)
- Tax score: 24 (ranked 45th)
- Weather score: 54 (ranked 22nd, 5-year average 55.1ºF)
- Cost-of-living score: 72 (ranked 41st)
10. South Dakota
South Dakota is one of the least expensive states to retire in. Decent public health, crime, and tax scores place it 10th among the best states to retire in. South Dakota does struggle with quality of life and has a low weather score but could hold big appeal for budget-conscious retirees.
- Overall score out of 100: 77
- Quality-of-life score: 44 (ranked 28th)
- Housing score: 80 (ranked 22nd, October 2024 ZHVI: $306,944)
- Healthcare score: 72 (ranked 19th)
- Crime score: 56 (ranked 32nd)
- Tax score: 66 (ranked 4th)
- Weather score: 37 (ranked 38th, 5-year average 46.9ºF)
- Cost-of-living score: 99 (ranked 5th)
The best states to retire in for a high quality of life
