The Top 15 Happiest Places to Retire in The USA
Where should I retire? What criteria make for a picture-perfect retirement? Are you hoping to retire in a cooler climate than you grew up in? Or do you want a warmer, subtropical paradise that emphasizes relaxation? How do taxes play a role in the importance of retirement? How about healthcare? As we grow older, we must face these questions, prioritizing our happiness and health for retirement. We’ve researched several studies comparing findings about retiree’s happiness. Which states harbor the happiest retirees?
1. Florida
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that the Sunshine State homes thousands of retirees, welcoming new families each year. With a warm climate year-round and few natural disturbances, aside from hit-or-miss hurricanes, Florida is a valuable retirement choice. Retirees favor Florida for its excellent healthcare climate, lack of state income tax, and lower cost of living compared to other popular retirement options. As Florida’s retirement sector increases, organizations are assisting that demographic to strengthen incentives for the population.
2. Delaware
Why Delaware? Well, the taxes. Delaware’s economy doesn’t require citizens to pay sales state tax, local state tax, inheritance tax, estate tax, or tax on social security checks. After living an entire life stressing over taxes, retirees enjoy the freedom of fewer mandated payments to the government. Delaware’s healthcare system came in second place for healthcare hospitality, making it a great contender for retirees searching for quality healthcare. Combining fewer taxes with heightened healthcare quality and a low cost of living appeals to potential retirees.
3. Wyoming
Imagine waking up each morning to a spectacular view outside the window. The serenity of the sunrise blankets a sense of calm over you, promising a great start to the day. This happens every day, thanks to Wyoming’s stunning natural beauty. The state leans on the beauty, providing countless outdoor activities for older folks to fill their time with. Hiking, skiing, walking, fishing, and boating all entertain retirees in Wyoming. A low cost of living matched with accepting communities creates a beautiful option for retirees.
4. Minnesota
Fancy favorable healthcare, scenic beauty, and culturally rich neighborhoods? Minnesota may be your ideal retirement state. The Land of 10,000 Lakes invites retirees to live out their post-career days surrounded by nature (the state earned its nickname for a reason) and enriching theater and art displays. Minnesota also delivers impeccable healthcare, an undeniable resource needed in retirement.
5. Idaho
Idaho, another state that refuses to tax social security payments, is popular among the retirement community. The state does tax property and sales taxes, albeit at a lower rate than other retirement contenders. Last year, Idaho came in fourth place as the most affordable state to retire. The study measured income spent on housing, reporting that Idaho residents commit less than 30% of their income toward housing expenses. Idaho’s quaint, small-town feel gives it a community sense certain retirees search for in retirement.
6. Utah
Home to Salt Lake City and Lake George, Utah, allures older individuals seeking out a calm, clean retirement space. The Beehive State owns its low crime rate, which in turn gives seniors a relieved sense of calm when thinking ofrelocating. The healthcare system ranks number five regarding high-quality healthcare access, contributing to Utah’s intrigue for retirees. Retirees also enjoy the diversity in Utah’s landscape. The terrain provides many activities appealing to all ages, such as mountain biking, hiking, snowsports, and fishing.
7. Montana
Montana’s low tax requirements complement the remarkable scenery and quaint, small-town charm evident in the western state. Montana homeowners have a low rate of 0.83% property tax per $100,000 of property. In addition to low property tax rates, Montana residents receive 2% on top of net capital gains, and the state runs on a tax-free system. Other reasons causing retirees to migrate to the Treasure State include the four-season cycle in the environment and the outdoor activity opportunities like skiing, hiking, star-gazing, and boating.
8. New Hampshire
Around 200,000 people have moved to New Hampshire for a restful, relaxing retirement. The state combines mouth-watering food with an enchanting coastline for a cozy way to spend a post-career life. Tax-wise, New Hampshire residents do not worry about paying taxes on their retirement income. Many retirees flock to New Hampshire for that reason alone. The financial burden wears away without needing to pay expenses on top of IRAs, pensions, 401(k)s, and social security checks. However, depending on income, select retirees pay federal taxes.
9. Pennsylvania
Picture a life surrounded by lush vegetation in the summer and serene snow in the winter. Historically relevant locations like Gettysburg and Philadelphia attract history enthusiasts, while areas like Camp Hill house retirees needing a slower-paced suburb. Mountains line the background of Pennsylvania, treating citizens with options for hiking, skiing, and birding. As far as taxes go, Pennsylvania excels with its retirement requirements. The state refuses to tax retirees’ income while maintaining a low flat tax rate.
10. Virginia
Virginia stands out as a leading state in healthcare quality. The state’s landscapes range from mountainous backcountry to calming coastlines and in-between bustling cities full of historical landmarks. Virginia is a great choice for retirees active in arts and festival communities since Virginia hosts a myriad of music, art, and food festivals. Retirees find happiness with zero taxes on social security payments or retirement income and low property taxes.
11. Colorado
Everyone I know from Colorado refuses to stop talking about their passion for their state. Colorado’s beauty overpowers most states’ scenery, with miles and miles of rolling mountains, vibrant trees, old-country buildings, and inspiring rock formations. Colorado asks for taxes on retirement income and social security but not on estate or inheritance tax. Sales and property taxes (0.55) reside on the lower side than the other 50 states. The presence of four seasons in a gorgeous environment explains one of the main reasons retirees choose Colorado for retirement.
12. Missouri
If you’re looking for a midwestern state with bearable summers and winters, Missouri should be at the top of your list. Add the nice weather to a state full of affordable housing and a superb setting, and you have a supreme location for retirement. Tax exemptions in Missouri are determined on a case-by-case basis, meaning if one family makes below a certain income level, they won’t pay state income taxes. Missouri applies the same rule to retired families who live on social security payments.
13. South Carolina
South Carolina wraps the best parts of the southern states and the best parts of the northern states into a pretty little package. The weather sits at an average of 60 year-round, dipping into the 30s during bleak winters. Beaches and mountains coexist, pleasing each and every citizen with diverse topography. Retirees adore the tax rules, as South Carolina asks for zero taxes on social security and throws in a low cost of living to benefit citizens.
14. West Virginia
Take it as a sign if these lyrics play on a constant loop in your mind: “West Virginia, Mountain Mama, Take me home, Country roads.” John Denver’s ode to the mid-Atlantic paradise weaves a melodic callback about his heart home. West Virginia woos retirees with matchless mountain beauty stemming from the Appalachian Mountains and flowing rivers. A low crime rate and tax relief also contribute to the increased interest in West Virginia as a retirement region.
15. Mississippi
We end our list with the one state elementary school kids struggle to spell. Mississippi blends all the favorable things mentioned above into one southern state. A low cost of living without retirement taxes on income or social security, picturesque outdoors from fishing holes to hunting woods and plains, and moderate weather year-round.
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