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.

Best State to Retire in the Central US

When considering a retirement destination in the US, Texas may not be on the top of everyone’s list. Surely, Florida and California get the most press. However, Texas is an incredible place to spend the golden years of retirement. With a huge land area, plenty of big cities, small towns and an honest, “down home” feel, Texas is now considered one of the best places to retire in the United States. From the hustle and bustle of San Antonio and Dallas to the peace and quiet of a Texas cattle ranch, there is truly something for everyone here, making Texas one of the best states to retire in.

The Best City to Retire in Texas

Austin, Texas is one of the best cities to retire in Texas. With a population of nearly three quarters of a million people, one-seventh of which are 55 or older, Austin is located in central Texas. With sunshine 60% of the year, average temperature in the summer is 95 degrees, while winter lows range in the mid-50’s. Austin has a thriving music scene, and is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World”. Median income for those 55 and older exceeds $54,000 a year and the median home price is $222,000, although foreclosures in the city can be bought for much less. Austin is home to a thriving visual and performing arts scene. With three man made lakes inside the city limits and many more in the surrounding areas, fishing and water sports are also extremely popular in the area. The Texas hill country to the west of Austin offers even more outdoor recreation. Great for those who desire an urban environment with a rural feel, Austin is a first-class retirement destination.

Introducing Austin Texas

Cheapest Place to Retire in Texas

Lubbock or leave it, Lubbock is the cheapest place to retire in Texas. This northwestern Texas city of 230,000 people has a semi-arid climate with hot summer days, cool summer night and snow in the winter. Median family income here is approximately $42,000 and a typical three bedroom family home can be had for little more than twice that. The housing market in Lubbock is 20% less than the national average, while the total cost of living here is a full 11% below national expenditures. Everything here is cheaper, even utilities, which are 25% below average. Lubbock is the birthplace of musical legend Buddy Holly, Mac Davis and Natalie Maines, and the home of the National Cowboy Symposium. Old west culture is strong here, and the city pays tribute to it with many festivals and expositions. Financial considerations aside, Lubbock is a great place to call home.

When choosing the best place to retire, Texas may not be on your radar. However, with both rural and urban areas, an extremely low cost of living and tons of culture and entertainment, Texas should be high on your list of possible retirement destination candidates. Texas may well be the best place to live or retire in the central United States.

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.