Despite popular belief, Florida isn’t the best state to retire in. In fact, according to a survey by Bankrate, the sunny land isn’t even in the top 10. Florida comes in at number 28, while more northern and cooler states fill the more favorable spots. If your, or your parents, are nearing retirement and looking to move, consider these areas of the country. The following states seem to have a good balance of “low costs of living, strong health care systems, low crime and tax rates, comfortable temperatures, low humidity and lots of sun.”
[Related: ‘Phased Retirement’ Growing Popular Among Baby Boomers]
10. Nebraska
Nebraska ranks above the national average for well-being based on scores from the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being index. The
state also offers quality health care and a low cost of living. Although Nebraska is known for its snow, Bankrate reports that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration found some parts, like Valentine, to get almost as much sunshine as Tampa, Florida.9. Arizona
Arizona’s desert climate makes the state a popular pick among retirees. “Yuma gets more sunshine than any other location tracked by the government, while Phoenix and Tucson are nearly as bright,” according to Bankrate. Arizona also earned the second highest wellness score in the country.
Potential retirees should note, however, that the crime rates are just as high as the state’s temperatures. FBI crime reports indicate that Arizona had 416.5 violent crimes and 3,399 property crimes per 100,000 residents, making its violent crime rate the 10th highest in the country and its property crime rate the sixth highest in the country.
8. South Dakota
South Dakota’s low temperatures are undeniable, but older adults may find the state’s third lowest tax burden in the country to be a fair trade off. S.D. also has a quality health care system and low crime rate. The property and violent crime rates fell almost eight percent from 2012 to 2013.
South Dakota also offers its residents plenty of recreational activities. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, the Black Hills and Badlands National Park are all popular sites for retirees to enjoy.
7. Montana
Montana offers a beautiful landscape, perfect for older adults who enjoy nature. Yellowstone and Glacier national parks, waterfalls and wildlife are a few of the reasons this state’s outdoors is a cut above the rest. The cost of living is also low, and residents pay reasonable taxes. “According to the Tax Foundation, the state has an estimated combined state/local tax burden of 8.6 percent, well below the national average,” as reported by Bankrate. Crime is considerably low, too, with only 2,444 incidences of violent crime in the state in 2013.
6. Iowa
Harsh winters and humid summers may deter some retirees, but Iowa has a low cost of living, low crime rate and quality health care. Their healthcare system is the fifth best in the U.S, and their well-being scores are the fourth highest in the country.
5. Virginia
Virginia’s low cost of living and low crime rate make it a good choice for retirees. It has the third lowest violent crime and eighth lowest property crime rates. The healthcare system also ranks above the country’s national average. The weather offers a nice mix, “not too hot and not too cold,” and there are plenty of outdoor activities, from beaches to mountain visits.
4. Idaho
Idaho has one of the lowest crime rates in the country, so older adults can feel more safe in this state. There is also a low cost of living. (In Boise, Idaho, a dozen eggs is $1.35, compared with the national average of $1.99.) Admirers of nature will find that nearly 70% of the state is public land, filled with parks and monuments.
3. Utah
Utah scored above the national average all around for its low cost of living, comfortable weather and good health care. ry climate and clear, sunny skies make it the sixth best weather state in the country, and the health care system is the country’s seventh best. Few older residents are admitted to the hospital for flu, “suggesting immunizations are widely distributed to the 65-and-older crowd.”
2. Colorado
The Centennial State ranks among the top three for best weather in the U.S. The “30-year average for summer temperatures was a moderate 68.8 degrees, and the winter temperatures were not as frigid as one might expect in a state known for snowfall — 30.8 degrees.” Also, Colorado ranks number six for highest satisfaction levels among residents who are in their retirement age.
1. Wyoming
Wyoming is home to famous national parks like Yellowstone and Grand Teton, as well as a lot of hot springs and wildlife. The cost of living is very low and the crime is minimal. Apartments run for close to the national average, but residents can find savings on entertainment and car maintenance. “According to the latest tax burden ranking, residents of Wyoming paid the lowest percentage of income tax at just 6.9 percent, edging out Alaska at 7 percent.”