What are the Best States for Retirement?

After exploring the Best States to Live in America we unveiled some really interesting stats and information. One of the things we looked briefly at was the Best States for Retirement in each part of the country. What we discovered, thanks to your feedback, is that a lot of our followers are very interested in learning more about good places to live in retirement. So, while over the years we have touched here and there on the best places for retirees, from various sources, we thought it was time to bring it home and have an updated look at spending your golden years right here in in the good old USA!

Retirement is a time to explore hobbies, pursue passions and live life to its fullest. Researching the best places to retire does not have to be complicated. By narrowing down choices based on interests and financial considerations, the dilemma effectively resolves itself. In an attempt to help make the choice even easier, we have broken down the best places to retire in the United States by region.

The Best State to Retire in the Northeast

If rest and relaxation is your ultimate goal, Maine is the state for you. Voted “Most Relaxing Place to Live”, Maine has plenty of opportunities for recreation. The statewide median home price is listed at $200,000, but bargains can be found in rural areas. Maine also offers a retirement tax break, allowing residents to deduct the first $6000 of pension income on their income taxes.

The Best State to Retire in the Northwest

Known for its outdoor recreation, Pacific coast beaches and wild west atmosphere, the northwest offers many retirement opportunities. Oregon is a sure bet for those who love the outdoors. Oregon’s mild climate means it is possible to enjoy nature almost year-round, while the low cost of living allows for more luxuries. Oregon does not have a sales tax and Social Security and VA benefits are not subject to tax liability.

The Best States to Retire in the Central US

Everything is bigger in Texas, including the bank accounts of retirees. Not only one of the best places to retire, Texas is also one of the cheapest. There is plenty of room to roam and the climate is pleasant. The state is represented by nearly every professional sport and is a frequent tour stop for many popular entertainers. Whether lured in by the big lights of San Antonio or the porch lights of tiny Bailey’s Prairie, Texas is great for retirees.

The Best States to Retire in the Southeast

Florida is one of the most popular retirement destinations in the entire country. With plenty of sand and sun, a median home price of $129,000 (nearly $50,000 below the national average) and hundreds of active senior communities, Florida is naturally associated with retirement. Florida does not have an estate or inheritance tax and its local/state tax burden is one of the lowest in the nation.

The Best States to Retire in the Southwest
California takes the top honors here. Although statistically the most expensive state in the region, California is also the most popular, owing largely to its warm climate and entertainment opportunities. From the sunny beaches of San Diego to the foggy San Francisco Bay, thousands of recent retirees flock to California each year in search of their own American dream.

Choosing the best place to retire isn’t as hard as it seems. With a bit of research and personal exploration, everyone can find their own paradise. From the tiny towns of northern Maine to the sunny beaches of southern California, finding the best place to live is as simple as knowing exactly what you want.

The Best Northeast State to Live in

Now that we've explored the country region by region and given you our top picks for the Best US States live in be it for retirement or economic we're now going to dig deeper into each of our 'Best States'. Let's begin by exploring the Northeast as we unveil the best communities to live in.

The northeast is one of the best places to live in the United States. This area, chosen by English settlers as the perfect spot to begin their “new world”, still retains the charm the colonists found so appealing more than 400 years ago. Although there are many great places to live in the northeast, Virginia stands out as the best. With an unemployment rate nearly three percent below the national average, great schools and one of the best state governments in the US, Virginia has the distinguished status of being one of the best states to live in the country today.

Best City to Live in Virginia

For those who love the city lights, big business and plenty of entertainment, Richmond is one of the best cities to live in Virginia. Serving as the state capital, Richmond’s main economy lies in law, finance, advertising and government. Voted the third best city for business in the nation, it is also home to six Fortune 500 companies including Genworth Financial and Altria. Richmond stays true to its historical roots and the city contains many monuments to historic Americans. With 40 parks to choose from, Richmond offers plenty of outdoor activities including hiking, biking and rock climbing. Median income for a family in the city is upwards of $38,000 a year, and jobs in the private sector are plentiful.

Cheapest Place to Live in Virginia

Lexington, Virginia lies about an hour east of the West Virginia border and is a relatively small town with a population of just over 7,000 people in the 2010 census. Home to the Virginia Military Institute as well as Washington and Lee University, this college town is among the least expensive places to live in Virginia. The median family income is $58,529 a year while the cost of living ranges from 1% to 10% lower than the national average. Both Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson were buried here, and the town is also home to the only non-profit drive-in theater in the United States.

Best Place to Retire in Virginia

Virginia Beach is a resort town on the shores of the Atlantic ocean. It contains the world’s largest “pleasure beach” and is home to several parks and many protected beach areas. Virginia Beach has long been a popular retirement destination and has a high concentration of senior citizens. Winters are mild and summers are warm. Virginia Beach is among the top 5 median family incomes in the nation, and crime rates are lower than average. There are several top-notch medical facilities in the city. Virginia Beach also has 14 major golf courses and an active senior community.

Virginia is a great state with a long and storied history. The economy and schools here are well above the national average, while the cost of living in the non-metropolitan areas is significantly lower. Housing is both plentiful and affordable and the crime rates outside of major cities are generally low. For these reasons, Virginia is the best place to live in the northeast.

Best Northwest State to Live in

There are many great places to live in the Northwest United States. From the urban life of Washington’s biggest cities to the charm of a tiny Wyoming ranch town, this area is known for its cultural and geographic diversity. The northwest is home to many entries on the "Best Places to Live in the United States" list, and one state in particular appears more often than most. Washington State meets nearly every requirement needed to earn its ranking as one of the best states to live in the US.

The Best City to Live in Washington

Mukilteo is known as one of the best cities to live in Washington. A 2011 9th place winner on Money Magazine’s “100 Best Places to Live” list, this community of approximately 20,000 people in Snohomish County is a suburb of Seattle located on the shores of the picturesque Puget Sound. Median family income for this area is $104,939 and the median home price is nearly $380,000. While Mukilteo is not the most inexpensive place to live in the state, it is among the safest. Personal crime rates here are practically non-existent, while property crimes fall far below the national average. The median age of Mukilteo’s residents is 38 and an astonishing 80% have attended college. Test scores for reading and math are consistently high, at 20% and 32% above the state’s average respectively. Job growth has reached 13.58% over the last ten years. Mukilteo is one of the richer areas of traditionally wealthy Washington and a beautiful and safe haven to call home.

Cheapest Place to Live in Washington

Although Seattle and its surrounding communities may be a bit out of the average earner’s price range, Spokane fits most everyone’s budget. Forbes Magazine has rated Spokane “The Cheapest City on the West Coast.” With a population of 208,916, Spokane is a distant second to Seattle in size, but a world away in cost comparison. Median family income is $41,316, while housing here is a full 15% lower than the national average. 28% of the population works in a healthcare related field, and jobs within this field are plentiful. Spokane has no income or business tax, making it an incredibly inexpensive place to live.

Best Place to Retire

For rest, relaxation and an amazing view of the snowcapped Cascade mountain range, Wenatchee is the perfect place to retire. A resort area with a population of approximately 30,000, Wenatchee is famous for its apples. Median home price here is slightly above $200,000 and the median household income for those 55 or older exceeds $40,000 a year. Senior citizens make up nearly a quarter of Wenatchee’s population, and there are many active senior groups within the city to join. Situated approximately halfway between Seattle to the west and Spokane to the east, Wenatchee is convenient to either of Washington’s biggest cities. The nearby Wenatchee National Forest offers plenty of outdoor recreational activities and some of the most beautiful woodlands in Washington.

With everything from the economy and job market to the natural beauty of the state factored in, it is easy to see why Washington is a forerunner for the title of "Best Place to Live". While Seattle and its surrounding communities offer plenty of excitement and affluence, eastern Washington offers a laid-back, peaceful atmosphere. Washington truly has something for everyone.

The Best States to Live in the Central US

The central United States is a great place to live. The “middle America” feel is prominent, and the inhabitants of these states work incredibly hard. The central US was hit harder than most in the economic crash of 2008, but has rebounded brilliantly, and this region has become one of the best places to live in the United States. From the high plains of Kansas to the cattle and cowboy hats of Texas, this region defines America. It is no accident that this area is known as the “heartland”. Residents of these states have heart in abundance, as well as a dedication to the land unmatched by any other area of this nation. Read on as we discover the best states to live in the central US.

The Best States to Live in the Central US

Colorado and Iowa share the honor of best states to live in, although for decidedly different reasons. Colorado is frequently thought of as one of the best places to raise a family in the entire nation. It is the fifth richest US state per capita, with an annual income exceeding $34,000 per person. Pitkin County, Colorado’s richest, sees a personal median income of nearly $41,000 per person. Colorado, while within the central US boundaries, is shielded from much of the severe weather so common in this region. With a September 2011 unemployment rate of 8.3%, Colorado falls nearly a point below the national average, and the job market has seen significant improvement. Colorado is 8th in the nation in healthcare ranking, and graduation rates are steadily increasing.




Iowa - Best State to live in the Central US.

Iowa’s median income for a family of two exceeds $50,000 per year and the graduation rate is close to 90%, one of the highest in the nation. Iowa’s hills and lakes only increase its aesthetic appeal, while the mild climate makes for great crops and happy residents. Iowa and Colorado share the title of the best state to live in the central US.

Cheapest State to Live in the Central US

Indiana holds the honor of being the cheapest place to live in the central United States. With a cost of living index rating 23 points below the national average, Indiana is a place where your dollar really does stretch. It boasts a flat state income tax rate of only 3.4%, making their effective tax rate, including federal obligations, just over 11%, one of the lowest nationally. Nebraska was not hit nearly as hard as other central regions in the economic collapse as their main steel industry was nearly unaffected. Indiana is one of the few states who reported a budget surplus in 2011, to the tune of $1.2 billion.

Best Central States to Retire to

Texas is a wonderful place to retire. With the wide expanses of farmland and “everything is bigger” mentality, Texas is a popular destination for those who are too old to work but too young to slow down. The low property tax rates and cheap housing make this a financially smart move for those on a fixed income, and the senior services here are top-notch. Nebraska is also a popular retirement area. Lincoln, the most popular Nebraska city for retirees, boasts a full 27% of its residents are over the age of 55, and the median home price is just over $130,000.




The central US offers a different demographic than much of the rest of the country. The people here are of the “salt of the earth” variety, and everywhere feels like home. This region has long been one of the best places to live, and it only gets better as time goes by.

The Best States to Live in the Southeast

The southeastern United States is an ever-changing place. Once considered less educated, less wealthy and less desirable than its geographical counterparts, it is now a widely populated place filled with sprawling metropolises, tiny southern towns and everything in between. Home to many colleges and universities, plenty of professional sports teams and some of the biggest military bases and aerospace engineering plants, the southeast is now considered one of the best places to live in the United States. Journey with us from North Carolina to Florida as we discover some of the best states to live in this region.

The Best State to Live in the Southeast

The choices for the award in this category are many and diverse. Nearly every southeastern state deserves to be here for one reason or another. However, there is one that stands head and shoulders above the rest. North Carolina deserves the spot for several reasons. Its quasi-southern charm, drenched in old money and steeped in history, provides plenty to see and do. From the tobacco fields of yesteryear to the majestic plantation houses available for tours, North Carolina offered many contributions to the foundation of a great nation. In 2010, Forbes Magazine voted North Carolina the third best state for business in the nation. Culture, arts and entertainment are also strong here, and North Carolina may well be one of the best states to live in the southeast based on beauty alone. People have long flocked to this area during the fall, when the leaves turn brilliant colors not seen outside of watercolor sets. With 14 national parks , plenty of opportunities for fishing and hunting and some of the most beautiful lighthouses on the east coast, North Carolina has plenty to offer the nature lover. Cary, North Carolina has been voted the safest place to live in the southeast, as well as earned a Top 5 spot on Money Magazine’s “Best Places to Live in the Nation.”

Cheapest State to Live in the Southeast

Mississippi is quite possibly the cheapest state to live within the southeast. With a cost of living index 23 points below the national average and a median home price of just over $170,000, it is easier to afford more here. Although the median income falls short of the national average, families do not need to earn as much here as they would in some of the more expensive states.

Best Southeast States to Retire to

Florida is the best southeastern state to retire to, and possibly the best state for retirees in the entire nation. The climate is always warm, albeit rainy at times, and the 55+ community accounts for a significant percentage of Florida’s population. There is plenty to see and do for retirees including shopping, fine dining and outdoor activities. The median home value was $129,000 in 2010, much lower than the national average of nearly $180,000. Florida has no income tax and caps its property tax at a flat 3% per year for year round residents. The annual Florida tax burden is ranked 47th in the nation, making it lower than almost anywhere else in the country. Florida is truly a retiree’s paradise.









The southeastern United States offers some of the best places to live. Here, the charm of the south meets the romance of the Atlantic coastline. The southeast has made great strides in the past twenty years, and is now a great place to live, work and play.

The Best States to Live in the Southwest

The southwest is known as an upper-class paradise. From the big cities of southern California to the high deserts of Arizona and New Mexico, the southwest is filled with culture, arts and high profile entertainment. The warm, arid climate makes this region extremely popular with retirees and those with health problems, while the eclectic culture and artsy inhabitants make this an amazing place for creative-minded people and families alike. Spanish and native American influences are strong here, and the vibrant colors of a desert sunset create a palette unique to this region. While each state here has similar features, it is truly amazing just how different they can be. The southwest is one of the best places to live in the United States. Come with me as we explore the region on a quest to discover the best states to live in and the reasons they are paramount.

The Best State to Live in the Southwest

New Mexico takes the top honor when considering the best states to live in the southwest. With its inherent art culture, beautiful flora and fauna and storied history, New Mexico exists in a world of its own. From Albuquerque, its biggest city, to Carlsbad, small and romantic, the state itself is a contradiction. Although the median income of $31,474 is lower than the national average, the job market is strong and boasts an unemployment rate of only 6.6%. New Mexico is ranked number three in crude oil and natural gas production, and personal income tax rates do not exceed 4.9%. New Mexico is a pioneer in research and development and boasts the highest amount of PhD recipients per capita of any other state in the nation. Santa Fe is the cultural hub, offering many art galleries as well as the Santa Fe Opera. New Mexico has a wealth of old west architecture and style, making it a visual paradise as well as an amazing place to live.

Cheapest State to Live in the Southwest

Utah is among the cheapest places to live in the southwest with a cost of living index 14 points below the national average. Utah holds the number one spot on Forbes Magazine’s “Best States for Business” list, and Newsweek has called Utah in general and Salt Lake City in particular “the new economic Zion.” Unemployment is holding steady at 6.8%, much lower than the national average, and high-tech companies are being lured to the region daily. State sales tax is below 6.5% and Utah charges a flat 5% personal income tax. The low cost of living coupled with the high likelihood of additional business coming to Utah makes this the cheapest southwestern state in which to live.

Best Southwest States to Retire to

Our “best of” article would be remiss if we failed to mention California. Although the most expensive state in the region in which to live, California is nonetheless the most popular southwestern state for retirees. Southern California’s climate, entertainment and high senior citizen density attracts many retirees to its Pacific shores. Arizona is also an incredibly popular retirement destination. The cities of Flagstaff, Tucson and Scottsdale are especially popular with the 55+ set due to their climate, natural beauty and senior benefits.





The southwestern United States encompass many of the best places to live in the country. Singles, families and retirees alike will appreciate the climate, beauty, entertainment and attractions offered by this region. There truly is “something for everyone” here, from outdoor activities to high-tech jobs. The southwest is a region of progress and creative thinking, and anyone can feel right at home within its boundaries.

Best State to Live in 2010

OK this is going to be one of my quickest - possibly my shortest post ever! I've had a few people ask me What was the Best State to Live in 2010? Now how can I just ignore a question like that?

I did write a an article just a short time ago about The Best States to Live in where according to StateMaster 'Livability Index'the Top State to Live in was New Hampshire. But of course that isn't the only organization ranking the Best Places to Live.

Yahoo Real Estate says Eden Prairie, Minnesota is the Best Place to Live in America 2010 according to MONEY Magazine. Does that make Minnesota the best state to live in? I don't know. It's a bit chilly up there for my liking!

And the Cheapest State to Live in 2010 according to AnswerBag is Arkansas.

2010 Best Places to Live - Forbes chimed in with their report on America's Best States To Live and says Utah earned top marks as the best state. Utah residents are very satisfied with their work, their emotional health and their local communities. Another big factor for Utah's number one spot may be related to the low unemployment rate.

Well there you have it - a clear answer or winner? Not so much! Looks like there are probably as many differing opinions as to which is the Best State to Live in as there are states. And I'm sure there is data that can be presented to justify everyone of those positions! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know which State you think is best and why.

Editors Note: Here's an update you may want to know about. Check out our November 2011 series on the Best States to Live in for a more thorough look at the nations greatest be it the cheapest or the best place to retire we've gone coast to coast to find the best. Check it out and let us know if you agree or disagree with our findings. Also, you can see our picks for the Best Places to Live in the World for 2012.