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Top 10 Best states to retire in the US with the Best quality of life – 2023

Last updated on: August 2, 2023

Moving to a new location plays a significant role in a happy and fulfilling life because it affects your finances, social life, health, and overall quality of life. Choosing a perfect location to spend your golden years is daunting: it’s not easy deciding where best caters your needs. There are various factors to be considered when choosing a place to retire in the US. However, healthcare, affordability, and healthcare are the determining factors for many retirees. MovingWaldo knows that moving is already a complex process with multiple steps. Therefore, here are the top 10 best states to retire in the US to help you decide where is best for you.

Methodology

There are several factors to consider when choosing a place to retire. We’ve consequently built our ranking of the best states to retire in America on government sources -providing tax statistics-, real estate websites, as well as a study from Niche.com, who considered the following criteria: health care, housing affordability and safety.

Additionally, we used the following data to rank the 10 best states to retire in the US while also taking into account their quality of life. Pollution, green spaces and recreation, as well as climate are the criteria involved to determine the quality of life.

1. New Hampshire

Best for a peaceful lifestyle

Population: 1.389 million
Average monthly cost of living: $4,313

New Hampshire is perfect for any lifestyle, from vibrant cities to coastal views; it offers the perfect experience for everyone. New Hampshire is one of the three states with the lowest crime rate. Therefore, retirees are safe from both property crime and violent crime. One of the striking facts about retiring in New Hampshire is that it’s also much more affordable than some states like Massachusetts or New York, with a median home price of $381,000, making it one of the best states to retire in. There is also no income tax in this state. Retirees enjoy various activities like skiing, rock climbing, camping, snowboarding, and other winter-related sports. This place is the safest and is ranked as the best state to retire in the United States because it only has a crime rate of 12.35 crimes per 1,000 people, which is 74.10% lower than the average crime rate in the US.

(*24/7 WallSt, Sofi and Census.gov)

New Hampshire

2. Virginia

Best for an excellent quality of life

Population: 8.642 million
Average monthly cost of living: $2,030

Virginia is the best state to retire in the US, given the advantageous tax benefits Virginia offers to retirees: deductions of 12,000 per year are provided to them and retirees with Social Security income have no income tax. Additionally, many retirees flock to Virginia because of its affordability, low crime rate, and suitable housing which translates to a high quality of life. Virginia retirees also have access to quality health care systems across the state. Retiring in Virginia gives you access to the most amazing beaches anywhere, and they’re all within a short drive, no matter where you live in the state. Hence, it gives you the perfect environment to bond with your family. This place is one of the best state to retire in the United States because it only has a crime rate of 16.57 crimes per 1,000 people, which is 65.26% lower than the average crime rate in the US.

(*Virginia Tax.gov, Neighborhoodscout, Census.gov and Living Cost Org)

Virginia

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3. Wyoming

Best for tranquility

Population: 578,803
Average monthly cost of living: $1,601

Wyoming is a great place to live and a great state to retire in the US. Many of its residents are retirees, so there are plenty of people with similar interests to meet. Here, retirees enjoy easy transportation because tons of trains run through the state, making transportation easy and effective. There is also no income tax including Social Security, making it more affordable for its citizens. The outdoor scene is incredible here, and there are countless hiking trails, scenic roadways, challenging mountain trails, river rafting, and zip-lining. On the other hand, if you wish to retire to enjoy a more private life, this may be the best state for you as this state is a very isolated place for you to retire in peace with a few close. This place is one of the safest because it only has a crime rate of 18.62 crimes per 1,000 people, which is 60.96 % lower than the average crime rate in the US.

(*Neighborhoodscout, Census.gov and Living Cost Org)

Wyoming

4. Florida

Best for a strong community feel

Population: 21.78 million
Average monthly cost of living: $2,066

Florida has been a top retirement destination for decades now compared to many other states. In Florida, the weather is sunny and there are vast recreational activities to keep you busy, from golfing and fishing, swimming, and just relaxing on one of its many beaches. Florida is a perfect state for many retirees across the country: a sizable number of its residents are retirees and as such, there are great retirement communities all over the state where you can bond over shared experiences. Florida is tax-friendly for retirees and retiring in Florida means that you will get to keep more of your income in retirement. This place is safe as well because it only has a crime rate of 21.73 crimes per 1,000 people, which is 54.44% lower than the average crime rate in the US.

(*Neighborhoodscout, Census.gov and Living Cost Org)

Florida

5. Delaware

Best for therapeutic scenery

Population: 1.003 million
Average monthly cost of living: $1,876

Delaware is considered as one of the best states to retire in America because of the low cost of living and all the tax benefits that Delaware offers: there is no Social Security tax, no sales tax at local or state level and also has one of the lowest property taxes in the country. Additionally, there are plenty of activities for retirees in Delaware, including dining out, visiting historic sites, and watching sporting events. Retirees enjoy access to various amenities, including an expansive clubhouse, fitness, and aquatic center, and walking and biking trails. They also enjoy spending time on any of the 28 miles of beaches because of the therapeutic scenery they bring. Retiring in Delaware grants you proximity to major cities like Philadelphia, New York, or Washington, D.C. This place is safe for you and your family because it only has a crime rate of 23.86 crimes per 1,000 people, which is 49.97% lower than the average crime rate in the US.

(*Neighborhoodscout, Census.gov and Living Cost Org)

Delaware

6. North Dakota

Best for affordable housing

Population: 774,948
Average monthly cost of living: $1,608

North Dakota is one of the best states to retire in the US as a result of affordable housing and quality services accessible to retirees. First, a typical house will cost you on average $285,107, which is an average that is much lower than many states. Secondly, retirees enjoy access to public spaces that are less crowded, and there is more privacy in general as North Dakota has one of the lowest population densities. North Dakota is ideal for retirees with families because the residents here are welcoming and friendly. The state has stunning national parks, a healthy environment, and a strong sense of community. This place is one of the best states to retire in the United States because it only has a crime rate of 24.10 crimes per 1,000 people, which is 49.47% lower than the average crime rate in the US.

(*Smartasset, Zillow, Census.gov and Living Cost Org)

North Dakota

7. Alabama

Best for low cost of living

Population: 5.04 million
Average monthly cost of living: $1,758

Alabama’s warm weather and rich culture have made it the best state to retire in the US. Retirees enjoy delicious food, various exciting attractions, and a rich, city-infused culture here. Housing is affordable, as the average price of a house is $216,108. Retirees also enjoy warm weather, lovely beaches, and plenty of golf courses. There are many recreational activities ranging from hiking to lake-side activities and fishing. One of the most striking facts about retiring in Alabama is the low cost of living; according to a Wallethub study, Alabama ranks first in lowest adjusted cost of living.Hence, retirees get to enjoy their life savings well.This place is safe for you and your family because it only has a crime rate of 25.37 crimes per 1,000 people, which is 46.81% lower than the average crime rate in the US.

(*Zillow, Neighborhoodscout, Census.gov and Living Cost Org)

Alabama

8. Utah

Best for excellent healthcare

Population: 3.338 million
Average monthly cost of living: $3,114

Retirees in Utah benefit from a high quality of life; this state has something for all types of retirees, alongside striking natural scenery for active retirees who want to reconnect with nature during retirement. Furthermore, healthcare is important to Utahns, particularly those approaching retirement age, and the state shows great concern for its citizens, as the Utah Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set has consistently recorded a much higher percentage of effectiveness than the national average for many years. Hence, they have good access to affordable healthcare. One enticing fact about retiring in this state is that the state has no personal income tax, so your retirement savings will go further. On the other hand, retirees enjoy many activities and amenities, from golfing and gambling to shopping and dining. This place is safe as well because it only has a crime rate of 27.07 crimes per 1,000 people, which is 43.24% lower than the average crime rate in the US.

(*Utah.gov – OpenData Catalog, Neighborhoodscout,Census.gov & Sofi)

Utah

9. Alaska

Best for winter lovers

Population: 732,673
Average monthly cost of living: $2,046

Alaska is a great state to live your retirement: first, this state is a tax haven for retirees because there is no income or sales tax, and the state doesn’t tax pension or Social Security income. The state of Alaska also pays its residents to live there between $800 to $2,000 per year, making it even more appealing to anyone on a fixed income. Secondly, if you love winter, retirees can regularly see and experience the world’s most beautiful wildlife, natural phenomena, and landscapes. Alaska offers some of the most unique hunting, and fishing opportunities in the world and is also very dog-friendly.This place is safe for you and your family because it only has a crime rate of 30.89 crimes per 1,000 people, which is 35.24% lower than the average crime rate in the US.

(*Smartasset, Neighborhoodscout, Census.gov and Living Cost Org)

Alaska

10. Colorado

Best for access to quality healthcare

Population: 5.812 million
Average monthly cost of living: $2,095

Colorado has a mild climate and is home to many beautiful parks and forests, and thus is one of the best states to retire in the US. There are also plenty of activities for retirees, from golfing to hiking, skiing, fishing and camping alongside some of the best state parks in the country. Retiring in Colorado means choosing health and wellness as retirees have access to efficient and expert healthcare facilities. Additionally, there are opportunities for fitness, being active outside, and engaging with others who have chosen the same healthy lifestyle. This place is one of the safest because it only has a crime rate of 32.50 crimes per 1,000 people, which is 31.86% lower than the average crime rate in the US.

(*Safe Wise, Census.gov and Living Cost Org)

Colorado

Conclusion

Finding the best state to retire depends entirely on your financial situation, personal needs, and lifestyle. How appealing a state is to retire often reflects its quality of life, housing costs, health care, and cultural accessibility. However, this list of the 10 best states to retire in the US gives you a good idea of some of the best state options for retirees in the US, and all you have to do is select the state that suits your personal needs and lifestyle. As a retiree or close one to a retiree, you may be looking for some of the safest states to live in the US.

Last year's ranking (2022)

1. Utah
2. Florida
3. New Hampshire
4. Virginia
5. North Dakota
6. Delaware
7. Alabama
8. Alaska
9. Colorado
10. Wyoming

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The expert

Mathieu Paquette

The author of this article also acts as MovingWaldo’s booking agent. Matt, is an accomplished relocation specialist with over 6 years of experience in the industry. Matt has earned a CAM certification (Canadian Association Of Movers), Tariff Certification (Atlas Van Lines), and has an extensive business background. Before handing off everything you own, do your due diligence… or let Matt do it for you.

Provide Matt with your move criteria. He will calculate quotes from verified movers, using the same metrics. This will make it simple to compare and book your move.