1. Maine: The Pine Tree State Beckons Retirees
With a substantial 21.8% of its population aged 65 and older, Maine stands out as a haven for retirees.
The state’s allure lies in its picturesque coastal towns, opportunities for whale watching, and unique attractions like the Stephen King House in Bangor.
Despite a relatively high cost of living, Maine offers seniors excellent healthcare accessibility and low crime rates, enhancing its appeal as a retirement destination.
2. Florida: The Sunshine State’s Enduring Appeal
Florida closely follows Maine, with 21.3% of its residents being of retirement age. Known as a magnet for older adults, the state attracts “snowbirds” seeking refuge from the harsh northern winters.
Florida’s warm climate, numerous retirement communities, and diverse recreational activities contribute to its enduring popularity among seniors.
3. West Virginia: Affordable Senior Living in the Mountain State
Over one-fifth (20.9%) of West Virginia’s population is 65 and older. Ranked as the third-best place to retire in a 2021 survey, West Virginia boasts affordable senior care facilities, quality healthcare, and a large existing senior population, making it easy to form new friendships.
The state’s scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities add to its charm.
4. Vermont: The Green Mountain State’s Active Senior Lifestyle
Vermont mirrors Maine with 21.8% of its population aged 65 years and older.
The state provides an active lifestyle for seniors, featuring over 400 miles of hiking trails, more than 50 state parks, and opportunities for snow sports.
Vermont’s natural beauty and outdoor recreation make it an ideal location for active retirees.
5. Delaware: Tax-Friendly Policies Attract Retirees
With 20% of its population aged 65 years and older, Delaware attracts retirees with its tax-friendly laws.
The state waives state taxes on social security income and imposes no state or local sales tax, making it a financially attractive option for seniors. Delaware’s convenient location and access to major cities further enhance its appeal.
6. Montana: Exploring Big Sky Country in Retirement
Montana’s senior population stands at 19.7%. The Treasure State offers retirees the chance to explore vast countryside.
Montana also partially taxes social security income, which may be an important consideration for those on a fixed income.
7. Hawaii: Excellent Public Health in the Aloha State
Hawaii has 19.6% of residents 65 years and older. Despite being the most expensive state in the U.S., it was ranked number one for public health by the U.S. News & World Report.
8. New Hampshire: Retirement-Friendly Tax Laws in the Granite State
New Hampshire has 19.3% of its population aged 65 years and older. The state has retirement-friendly tax laws, including no personal income, estate, and inheritance tax.
9. Pennsylvania: Keystone State’s Benefits for Retirees
Pennsylvania has just over 19% of its population aged 65 years and older. The state has a no-income-tax policy on social security benefits and pensions starting at 60 years old, attracting Americans even before they turn 65.
10. South Carolina: Low Property Taxes in the Palmetto State
South Carolina has 18.7% of its population aged 65 years and older. Retirees enjoy some of the lowest property taxes in the U.S. and the state also allows tax deductions for seniors.
11. Oregon: Outdoor Attractions for Golden Years
Oregon comes in with 18.6% of residents aged 65 years and older. Seniors may find the state an attractive place to spend their golden years because of its outdoor attractions like hiking at Crater Lake National Park and world-class golfing.
12. Arizona: Sunshine and 55+ Communities
Arizona has 18.5% of its population aged 65 years and older. The state is more affordable than many others on this list and it has lots of 55+ communities that may have sparked because of the 300+ days of annual sunshine.
13. New Mexico: Land of Enchantment for History Buffs
New Mexico ties with Arizona, with 18.5% of its population being aged 65 years and older. The state is ideal for history-loving seniors, and social security is exempt from state income taxes.
14. Rhode Island: Ocean State Living
Rhode Island is one of three states that tie for having 18.2% of its population 65 years and older. The Ocean State has the fewest senior-aged residents per 1,000 people, given its small population.
15. Michigan: Making Friends in the Great Lake State
Michigan also has 18.2% of its population aged 65 years and older. The state has over nine times the number of retirement-aged residents per 1,000 people than Rhode Island.
16. Connecticut: Social Support in the Nutmeg State
Connecticut rounds out the three states with an 18.2% population aged 65 years and older. In 2023, the state made it to the top ten list of states in the US for life expectancy and social support.
17. Wisconsin: Coastlines and Craft Breweries
Eighteen percent of Wisconsin’s population is aged 65 years and older. The state offers beautiful coastlines on two Great Lakes, a range of museums, and craft breweries that retirees can choose to visit.
18. Iowa: Moderate Tax Policies in the Hawkeye State
Iowa has a population rate of 17.9% residents aged 65 years and older. The state has moderate tax policies for retirees, the most helpful of which is no tax on social security income.
19. Ohio: Low Cost of Living in the Buckeye State
Ohio ties with Iowa in having 17.9% of a senior-aged population. A relatively low cost of living makes it a wise choice for some.
20. Alabama: Affordable Real Estate in the Cotton State
Alabama has 17.8% of its population aged 65 years and older. Retirees moving to Alabama will likely find that real estate and property taxes are lower than in their home state.
21. Wyoming: Equality State’s Tax Benefits
Wyoming ties with Alabama for having 17.8% of its population aged 65 years and older. The state doesn’t impose income taxes and lets senior-aged residents off the hook for paying state taxes on pensions, social security, and distributions from IRAs and other retirement accounts.
Alicia Richards