Retirement is supposed to be a time to relax and enjoy life, but where you live can really impact that. Some states are tougher for retirees due to things like high living costs, bad weather, and poor infrastructure. Here’s a look at the 18 least boomer-friendly states for retirement.
California
According to USA Today, a 2023 poll “found that 4 in 10 Californians were considering moving out of state, with the majority saying it’s too expensive to live there.” The state also has some of the highest healthcare costs in the country, something that may be particularly concerning for older adults.
New York
One of the most expensive places to live in the United States, New York City has extremely high costs for housing, groceries, and entertainment. The state also has high income and property taxes, all of which may make it difficult for retirees to afford to live here.
New Jersey
New Jersey is known to have a lot of aging infrastructure, and this means there are a lot of road closures for repairs in the area, which could have a big impact on older people’s mobility and travel. The state also has high living costs compared to the national average.
Massachusetts
While Massachusetts offers residents world-class healthcare services, it is among the most expensive in the country, something that might worry retirees who are likely to need more care as they get older. Being in New England, it also sees severe weather in the winter, with heavy snow and ice.
Florida
Although popular with retirees for the warm weather, Florida’s location makes it prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes. NCEI reported that between 1980 and 2024, there were “87 confirmed weather/climate disaster events with losses exceeding $1 billion each to affect Florida.”
Connecticut
This state taxes retirement income, including pensions and social security, which reduces the amount of disposable income retirees have. Another concern for retirees is the high cost of assisted living facilities in the state, which they may need as they get older or their health declines.
Illinois
Cities like Chicago have high crime rates, which can be worrying for retirees. On top of this, Illinois Policy says that “Illinois has the sixth-highest average home-property-tax rate in the country.” This has a big impact on those who live on a fixed income throughout their retirement.
Alaska
Residents of Alaska see extremely cold winters and short summers. This can be difficult to deal with, and older adults may prefer a warmer climate. The remote location of Alaska may also be a problem for retirees, as it means that healthcare and living costs are very high.
Hawaii
Another isolated state, Hawaii also has some of the highest living costs in the U.S., especially when it comes to housing and day-to-day goods. The location also makes utilities very expensive and means there is limited availability of healthcare facilities and medical professionals.
Nevada
Nevada’s cities, such as Las Vegas, are known for having high rates of violent and property crimes, something that might worry older people who are looking for security in their retirement. There is also a lack of hospitals and medical facilities in the state, which means wait times for treatment and procedures are long.
Arizona
Although this state is extremely popular with American retirees, the high summer temperatures can be overwhelming and sometimes dangerous for older people, as they regularly exceed 100°F. The state also has very limited public transportation options, so residents are reliant on their cars to get around.
Texas
High property taxes in Texas might be challenging for those who’ve carefully planned their retirement budget. The state might also not be ideal for those who want to reduce their costs, as many areas lack public transportation options, so many people will find a car essential.
Oregon
Housing and living expenses are high in Oregon, and Bankrate reported that “the cost of living is 24 percent more than the national average, which makes Oregon the seventh most expensive state to live in.” The state also taxes retirement income, which reduces the amount of disposable income retirees have each month.
Maryland
The cost of housing and general living expenses in Maryland is higher than the national average, and on top of this, the state has high property taxes. These costs will have a big impact on retirees who are living on a fixed income.
Washington
Some areas of Washington are prone to wildfires, which may be a concern for older people in terms of their safety, but also because of the poor air quality that may have an impact on their health. For those wanting to live in the city, there are high costs for housing and living expenses.
Colorado
The cold temperatures and heavy snow that Colorado experiences in the winter may be challenging for seniors, as they have to deal with dangerous roads and the higher cost of heating. There is also limited public transportation, meaning most residents rely on their cars to get around.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania struggles with a lot of aging infrastructure, and this is leading to a lot of disruption on the roads, which may affect retirees’ ability to travel around. The heavy snow and ice the state gets in the winter may also have an impact on their mobility, as well as increase their heating costs.
Minnesota
Known for the extremely low temperatures in winter, Minnesota’s heavy snow and ice might be off-putting for a lot of retirees who want a warmer climate. The state also has a lack of community resources or activities available for older adults, so it may not be the most enjoyable place to retire.
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