The 10 Best States To Retire in 2024

Retirement is everyone’s next big step. For some people letting go of their job and moving on with something in their life can be harder.

Others can’t wait for the moment to retire, shifting from work to enjoying more free time and personal hobbies.

What both parties have in common is a new place to retire.

It is very common for seniors to move to a new state with lower taxes, more sunshine, better food and generally more nature and less metro.

With retirement also comes your senior relocation which needs careful planning.

One of the most important aspects of the whole planning is where to move and enjoy your senior years.

From our experience as senior movers, we know it very well that seniors like to make small and safe steps towards everything.

This is why we decided to bring up the ultimate list of the best states for you to retire in 2024!

A Few Things Before You Dive Into Sunshine States Hunt

Retirement planning isn’t just about saving money; it’s about imagining the life you want and taking steps to achieve it.

This includes managing your finances, such as pensions, 401(k)s, and Social Security, as well as planning for healthcare, estate management, and deciding where to live.

Where you choose to retire can greatly affect your quality of life and finances.

The right location might offer a lower cost of living, helping your savings last longer, and good healthcare, which is important as you age.

This is not all. We brought up a list of the most important factors for you to cross out when you decide to move:

• Cost of living: The cost of housing, food, utilities, and other daily expenses.
• Tax-friendliness: How state and local taxes impact retirees’ income.
• Healthcare quality and accessibility: The availability and quality of medical care.
• Climate and natural amenities: The weather and access to outdoor activities.
• Crime rates and safety: The overall safety and security of the area.
• Cultural and recreational opportunities: Access to entertainment, education, and leisure activities.
• Community and social factors: The presence of other retirees and opportunities for social engagement.

10. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers a good combo of urban amenities and rural charm, making it an attractive option for seniors. The state is well known for being the most American state in the US, offers diverse landscapes, and four distinct seasons.

Here Is Why Pennsylvania  Is Good For Seniors

• Tax-friendliness: Pennsylvania is generally considered tax-friendly for retirees. It does not tax Social Security benefits or withdrawals from 401(k)s, IRAs, and other retirement accounts.
• Healthcare quality: The state is home to several world-renowned medical facilities, including the University of Pennsylvania Health System and UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center).
• Cultural opportunities: Pennsylvania offers numerous museums, theaters, and historical sites, particularly in cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
• Natural beauty: From the Pocono Mountains to the shores of Lake Erie, Pennsylvania provides diverse outdoor recreational opportunities.

Where To Live In PA for Seniors?

• Philadelphia: Offers urban amenities, rich history, and excellent healthcare
• Pittsburgh: Known for its revitalized downtown, cultural scene, and relatively low cost of living
• Lancaster: Popular among retirees for its mix of rural charm and modern conveniences
• State College: A college town with a vibrant atmosphere and lifelong learning opportunities.

9. Montana

Montana, known as “Big Sky Country,” offers retirees breathtaking natural beauty, wide-open spaces, and a relaxed lifestyle.

The state is characterized by diverse landscapes, including mountains, prairies, and numerous lakes and rivers.

Wait till you find out about the home prices and cost of living!

Here Is Why Montana is Good For Seniors

• Natural beauty and outdoor recreation: If outdoors is your main theme, Montana provides unparalleled access to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, skiing, and wildlife viewing, with attractions such as Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park nearby.
• Low population density: For those seeking a quieter retirement, Montana’s vast spaces and smaller communities offer a reprieve from crowded urban environments.
• No sales tax: Montana is one of the few states with no general sales tax, which can help stretch retirement dollars.
• Lower cost of living: Compared to many coastal states, Montana generally offers a more affordable lifestyle, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas.

Where To Live in MT for Seniors?

• Bozeman: A vibrant college town with a mix of cultural amenities and outdoor recreation
• Missoula: Known for its arts scene, university influence, and surrounding natural beauty
• Helena: The state capital, offering a blend of history and modern amenities
• Billings: The largest city in Montana, providing more urban conveniences while maintaining access to nature

8. Minnesota

Minnesota, known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” offers seniors a blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and a high quality of life.

The state is characterized by its numerous lakes, forests, and a mix of urban and rural environments.

Here Is Why Minnesota is Good For Seniors

• High quality of life: Minnesota consistently ranks high in quality of life metrics, including healthcare, education, and community engagement. It’s one of the best states to move in the US for seniors and young professionals alike
• Outdoors: The state’s abundant lakes, parks, and forests provide year-round opportunities for activities like fishing, boating, hiking, and winter sports.
• Cultural amenities: The Twin Cities area (Minneapolis-St. Paul) offers world-class museums, theaters, and a vibrant arts scene.
• Healthcare: Minnesota is home to the Mayo Clinic, one of the world’s leading medical facilities, and generally has a strong healthcare system.

Where To Live in MN for Seniors?

• Minneapolis-St. Paul: The Twin Cities offer urban amenities, cultural attractions, and extensive parks
• Rochester: Home to the Mayo Clinic and a growing retirement community
• Duluth: A picturesque city on Lake Superior with a mix of outdoor activities and cultural offerings
• Brainerd Lakes Area: Popular for its numerous lakes and resort communities.

7. New Hampshire

New Hampshire, known for its motto “Live Free or Die,” offers seniors a unique blend of New England charm, natural beauty, and tax advantages.

The state is characterized by its picturesque landscapes, from the White Mountains to the seacoast, and its strong sense of independence.

Here Is Why New Hampshire is Good For Seniors:

• Tax benefits: New Hampshire has no state income tax on wages and no general sales tax, which can be significant for seniors on fixed incomes.
• Natural beauty: The state offers diverse landscapes including mountains, lakes, and a small but beautiful seacoast, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
• Proximity to urban centers: While offering a more relaxed lifestyle, New Hampshire is within easy reach of Boston and other New England cities for urban amenities and healthcare.
• Low crime rates: New Hampshire generally has lower crime rates compared to national averages, contributing to a sense of safety for retirees.

Where To Live in NH for Seniors?

• Portsmouth: A historic seaport with a vibrant cultural scene and charming downtown
• Concord: The state capital, offering a mix of history and modern amenities
• Manchester: The largest city in the state, providing more urban conveniences
• Lakes Region: Centered around Lake Winnipesaukee, popular for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities

6. Idaho

Idaho, known as the “Gem State,” offers seniors a combination of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and a relatively low cost of living.

The state is characterized by its diverse landscape, including mountains, lakes, rivers, and vast wilderness areas.

It is one of the most booming states in the west coast for seniors and young professionals alike.

Here Is Why Idaho is Good For Seniors

• Natural beauty and outdoor activities: Idaho boasts numerous national forests, scenic rivers, and mountains, providing year-round opportunities for hiking, fishing, skiing, and other outdoor pursuits.
• Lower cost of living: Compared to many Western states, Idaho generally offers a more affordable lifestyle, particularly in housing costs.
• Tax-friendly environment: Idaho has relatively low property taxes, and Social Security benefits are not taxed by the state.
• Lower population density: For those seeking a quieter retirement, Idaho’s smaller cities and towns offer a more relaxed pace of life.

Where To Live in ID for Seniors?

• Boise: The capital city, offering a blend of urban amenities and easy access to outdoor recreation
• Coeur d’Alene: A picturesque lake town known for its beauty and resort atmosphere
• Sun Valley: A world-renowned ski resort area with a vibrant cultural scene
• Idaho Falls: A growing city with a strong sense of community and proximity to Yellowstone National Park

5. Wyoming

Wyoming, known as the “Equality State,” offers seniors wide-open spaces, stunning natural beauty, and a tax-friendly environment. The state is characterized by its rugged landscapes, including the Rocky Mountains, vast prairies, and iconic national parks.

Here Is Why WY is Good For Seniors

• Tax benefits: Wyoming has no state income tax, no estate tax, and low property taxes, making it one of the most tax-friendly states for retirees.
• Natural beauty and outdoor recreation: Home to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, as well as numerous state parks and national forests, Wyoming provides unparalleled opportunities for outdoor activities.
• Low population density: With the lowest population of any U.S. state, Wyoming offers plenty of space and a slower pace of life for those seeking tranquility in retirement.
• Low cost of living: Generally, Wyoming offers a more affordable lifestyle compared to many other Western states, particularly in housing costs.

Where To Live in WY for Seniors?

• Cheyenne: The state capital, offering a mix of Old West charm and modern amenities
• Jackson: A picturesque mountain town near Grand Teton National Park, known for its outdoor recreation and upscale amenities
• Cody: A historic town near Yellowstone, offering Western culture and beautiful scenery
• Sheridan: A charming small city at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains, popular with seniors

4. Delaware

Delaware, known as the “First State,” offers seniors a blend of coastal living, tax advantages, and a strategic location on the East Coast. The state is characterized by its beaches, historic towns, and proximity to major metropolitan areas.

Here Is Why WY is Good For Seniors

• Tax benefits: Delaware has no state sales tax, no tax on Social Security benefits, and low property taxes. It also offers some of the lowest real estate taxes in the nation.
• Cost of living: While not the cheapest state, Delaware generally offers a more affordable lifestyle compared to neighboring states like New Jersey and Maryland.
• Location: Delaware’s position provides easy access to major cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C., while maintaining a more relaxed pace of life.
• Healthcare: The state has a robust healthcare system, with several high-quality hospitals and medical centers.

Where To Live in DE for Seniors?

• Rehoboth Beach: A popular coastal town known for its beaches, boardwalk, and vibrant community
• Wilmington: The largest city, offering urban amenities and cultural attractions
• Dover: The state capital, providing a mix of history and modern conveniences
• Lewes: A charming historic town near the coast, popular with retirees

3. Virginia

Virginia, known as the “Old Dominion,” offers seniors a rich blend of history, diverse landscapes, and a favorable climate.

The state is characterized by its coastal areas, rolling hills, mountains, and proximity to the nation’s capital.

Here Is Why VA is Good For Seniors

• Diverse geography: Virginia offers a variety of living environments, from coastal areas to the Blue Ridge Mountains, allowing retirees to choose their preferred setting.
• Moderate climate: The state experiences all four seasons, but with milder winters than many northern states and less intense heat than the Deep South.
• Cultural and historical attractions: As one of the original 13 colonies, Virginia is rich in history and offers numerous cultural sites and museums.
• Healthcare: Virginia boasts several top-rated healthcare systems and hospitals, particularly in the northern part of the state and around Richmond.

Where To Live in VA for Seniors?

• Northern Virginia: Close to Washington D.C., offering urban amenities and job opportunities
• Richmond: The state capital, known for its history, arts scene, and riverfront activities
• Virginia Beach: A popular coastal city with miles of beaches and a vibrant community
• Charlottesville: A charming college town near the Blue Ridge Mountains, rich in history and culture

2. Colorado

Colorado, known as the “Centennial State,” offers seniors a mix of stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and vibrant urban areas. The state is characterized by its diverse landscape, including the Rocky Mountains, high plains, and numerous national parks and forests.

Here Is Why CO is Good For Seniors

• Natural beauty and outdoor activities: Colorado provides year-round opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, from skiing and snowboarding in winter to hiking, fishing, and golfing in warmer months.
• Climate: The state boasts over 300 days of sunshine per year, with generally mild temperatures and low humidity.
• Health-conscious culture: Colorado consistently ranks as one of the healthiest states, with numerous opportunities for active lifestyles.
• Cultural amenities: Cities like Denver offer world-class museums, theaters, and a vibrant food scene.

Where To Live in CO for Seniors?

• Denver: The capital city, offering urban amenities, cultural attractions, and proximity to the mountains
• Colorado Springs: Known for its natural beauty, including Garden of the Gods, and a more relaxed pace than Denver
• Boulder: A vibrant college town with a strong focus on outdoor recreation and healthy living
• Grand Junction: Located in the western part of the state, offering a milder climate and access to numerous outdoor activities

1. Florida

Florida, known as the “Sunshine State,” has long been a popular retirement destination. The state is characterized by its warm climate, extensive coastline, and diverse mix of urban areas and natural attractions.

Here Is Why FL is Good For Seniors

• Tax benefits: Florida has no state income tax, which includes no tax on retirement income or Social Security benefits.
• Climate: The state offers warm temperatures year-round, with mild winters that appeal to many retirees looking to escape cold weather.
• Recreational opportunities: From beaches and golf courses to theme parks and water sports, Florida provides numerous leisure activities.
• Healthcare: Many areas in Florida have excellent healthcare facilities, including specialized care for seniors.

Where To Live in FL for Seniors?

• The Villages: A massive planned retirement community in Central Florida known for its amenities and active lifestyle
• Naples: An upscale city on the Gulf Coast known for its high quality of life and beautiful beaches
• St. Petersburg: Offering a blend of beaches, culture, and a revitalized downtown area
• Orlando: Known for its theme parks, but also offering a growing culinary scene and cultural attractions