Sunny beaches and warm weather are not the only characteristics retirees are looking for these days. A good quality of life, low crime rate and affordable living also contribute to a nice retirement.
Bankrate, a web-based financial information source, rated the top 10 states in which to retire. Some are in the Midwest and others are surrounded by mountains rather than on the beach, but each of them has a lower-than-average cost of living. Using data from Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and other sources, Bankrate ranked states by cost of living, quality of health care, taxes, crime and overall well-being.
Following are the top 10 in reverse order with the best listed last.
No. 10 Nebraska
Midwestern Nebraska places particularly well on Healthways’ ranking, which includes positive feelings about the community, and social, financial and physical well-being.
No. 9 Arizona
Residents of sunny Arizona report a high level of happiness and the state ranked in the top 10 in the Healthways Index for overall wellness. It also places a relatively low tax burden on residents.
No. 8 Iowa
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Iowa has an exceptional health care system. It also enjoys a low crime rate.
No. 7 Idaho
Idaho's cost of living and crime rate both ranked among the lowest in Bankrate's database.
No. 6 Montana
The state has temperate weather that ranks above the national average, and residents report being happy with their surroundings. Since 2012, Montana has ranked consistently high for well being, according to the Healthways Index, and it received particularly good marks for residents' feelings about their community.
No. 5 Virginia
Virginia is the only coastal state that makes Bankrate’s top 10 lists. It is in the top half of states for affordability has a low crime rate and gets good marks for healthcare and weather.
No. 4 Utah
Utah boasts good weather and a host of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. It also has a low cost of living and residents report being happier than in most states.
No. 3 Colorado
The Centennial State has some of the best weather and best scenery in the country and residents also have a relatively low tax burden.
No. 2 South Dakota
The state has one of the lowest tax burdens in the country and also scored well for overall happiness, particularly when it comes to social well-being.
No. 1 Wyoming
Wyoming has won Bankrate’s top spot for two years in a row. It has one of the lowest tax burdens in the country and also scored well below the national average for its crime rate. Overall, residents are very satisfied with their lives, with Wyoming falling in the top 5 in the Healthways Index.