Are you thinking about retiring? There are plenty of perfect places to do so in the U.S. However, there are a few states that aren’t so friendly to retirees. Here’s a look at 19 of those states that we recommend boomers avoid.
Alabama
According to Alabama Appleseed, the state of Alabama is one of the poorest states in the nation. This has led to a number of negative downsides, including high crime rates and poor access to healthcare. That’s not even mentioning the severe weather that residents have to frequently put up with, including tornadoes and hurricanes.
Oregon
As much as Oregon is a beautiful and progressive state that may appeal to many older people, the high cost of living will restrict those with a little less cash in the bank from moving here. The winters can also be gloomy and rainy, which might not be much fun.
New York
New York is one of the most expensive states to live in right now, and New York City is the most expensive city in the country. It goes without saying that this is only going to be on the cards as a retirement destination for the more affluent.
Georgia
Some parts of Georgia, particularly the urban areas, experience high levels of crime. The state also has a problem with healthcare, as it ranks low in terms of quality and accessibility. Moreover, the high temperatures could prove uncomfortable for older people.
Texas
The Austin-American Statesman tells us that the violent crime rate in Texas is much higher than the U.S. average. There’s also the intense heat, which might prove to be a problem for older adults, and the super high property taxes.
Michigan
On the flip side of the temperature scale, Michigan’s harsh winters can be difficult for seniors to deal with. That’s not the only thing off-putting about the state, as the taxes are high while the economy is declining.
Arizona
Perhaps the key factor that makes Arizona a pretty bad place for retirement is the extreme weather. It will prove challenging for most older adults, especially those with health conditions. On top of that, the limited public transportation can make it hard for people to get around.
New Mexico
Cities like Albuquerque are known for their high levels of crime, which could be a problem for older people for obvious reasons. In addition, it can be hard to find good-quality healthcare in some parts of this state.
California
Numbers by Rentcafe show that the cost of living in California is 38% higher than the U.S. average, the house pricing is 97% higher than average, and transportation is 28% higher. On the subject of transport, it’s also pretty hard to get around because the state is so busy.
Tennessee
Tennessee ranks low in terms of healthcare quality and access. While the state may seem appealing because of its musical and food heritage, it’s worth considering that crime rates can be high, particularly in urban areas. Plus, the weather can be extreme.
Connecticut
Connecticut’s tax rate is among the highest in the country, making affordability more difficult for those in their later years. The quality of healthcare is good, but it is very expensive, so this is only a good state for wealthier elderly people to retire.
North Dakota
Cold weather and limited access to healthcare will pose a problem for older people attempting to retire to North Dakota. But there’s also the fact that this is a very isolated state, so it’s going to be a long journey to visit any friends and family.
Florida
The high humidity combined with Florida’s hurricanes and storms might prove challenging for the elderly. These factors also contribute to high health and home insurance costs, which can affect the budgets of the retired.
Arkansas
Arkansas is a poor retirement destination because of the low quality of healthcare and the high rates of poverty. Not having access to high-quality healthcare later in life is bad news, and poverty leads to a lower quality of life.
Rhode Island
Here’s another state with a high cost of living and high taxes that only the more wealthy among retired people can afford. Finances aside, Rhode Island has cold winters, which might be a challenge for older people.
Louisiana
The National Centers for Environmental Information have detailed that there have been 99 confirmed climate disasters in Louisiana between 1980 and 2024. These have led to financial losses exceeding $1 billion, so perhaps it’s best for retirees to stay away from there.
South Carolina
A few parts of South Carolina are prone to high rates of crime, which won’t be the best news for older people. There’s also the fact that the healthcare quality isn’t very good on average and the extreme weather might be dangerous for the elderly.
Alaska
The high cost of living in Alaska will make retirement a challenge for anyone but the most affluent in society. The remote location will also make it difficult for friends and relatives to visit, which can lead to a sense of alienation.
West Virginia
High levels of poverty and low access to healthcare can make West Virginia a bad place for elderly people unless their budget is low. The remote location could also lead to older people feeling isolated from the rest of the country.
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