Retirement In Each Of The Fifty States, Ranked

Arguably, the best thing about the U.S. is that every state offers people something a little different. You can find slow seaside towns next to crystal clear beaches in one and then drive the next state over to enjoy some time in a cabin hideaway in the mountains. That's why you can find retirees in nearly every state in the U.S. However, some spots are undoubtedly more popular than others. So, we decided to rank them, taking into account things like population, each state's taxes and economy, and what it offers senior residents.

50. Hawaii

When many think of paradise in the U.S., Hawaii is the first state that comes to mind. It has nearly everything one might want if they were looking to retire next to the ocean. So, it's perfect, right? Well, not so fast. Hawaii actually ranks last on our list. Firstly, the state is incredibly expensive, and the cost of living is around 87% more than the national average back on the mainland. It's so bad that many Hawaiians have been priced out of living on the island. The state's population also tips the scales at around 1.4 million, with some 282,451 over the age of 65. The state also has a sales tax of around 4%.

49. California

California used to be the dream when it came to living and retiring. The state is still attractive and offers a little something for everybody, whether you're looking for scenic beaches, chic cities, or off-the-grid living. However, it's also the second most expensive state in the U.S. to live in. It can also be pretty crowded in some areas, with a total population of around 39 million people. Of those, 4.29 million residents are over the age of 65. California's sales tax is around 7.25% but that's chump change compared to housing and living costs in some areas. Still, it's unlikely the California dream is going to go away anytime soon.

48. Massachusetts

If you're looking into retiring on the East Coast, then Massachusetts may have crossed your mind. The state has some pretty incredible history and iconic cities, such as Boston. It's also been able to continually reinvent itself. However, it does have some drawbacks, like healthcare costs, which are some of the most expensive in the U.S., which is saying a lot. The state's population is around 6.9 million, with almost 1 million being 65 or older. The state's sales tax is around 6.25%. If you're thinking about Massachusetts, you might also want to consider the weather, as it can get pretty chilly in the state.