If your retirement plans include sipping a Mai Tai on a warm sandy beach, consider a ranking of best states to retire before you make those plans.
The 50 U.S. states vary in their ability to support residents in retirement, and Americans seem to be aware of this: 47 percent say they are considering moving to a different state after they retire, according to a 2017 Bankrate survey.
To help people shop for a retirement domicile, Bankrate analyzed all state and ranked their ability to provide the services, economy and tax policies most beneficial to people in retirement.
Bankrate used government and expert sources to compare states, and considered the needs for a life of retirement. The survey analyzed and ranked the cost of living, taxes, health care quality, weather, crime, cultural vitality and well-being.
These, according to Bankrate, are the best states, in ascending order, to retire in:
10. Mississippi
The cost of living score ranked highest among all the states. Also, the weather and proximity to beaches makes Mississippi a viable option for retirees.
9. Nebraska
For retirees, Nebraska was rated 12th highest for health-care quality. Weather, culture and taxes were rated in the middle of the pack.
8. Wyoming
Wyoming ranked favorably in taxes and crime. Weather ranked 46th, while it ranked 28th for cost of living.
6. (Tie) North Carolina
The state has a coastline with plenty of beaches, but the state ranked just below the top 10 for cost of living, taxes, weather and well-being.
6. (Tie) Montana
Retirees will enjoy that there is no sales tax in the state. Montana ranked in the top 10 in culture and well-being.
5. Florida
Low taxes and great weather are ideal for retirees, but the health-care costs can be high.
4. New Hampshire
The Granite State is the safest place to live on the list, plus it offers excellent health care and low taxes to its residents.
3. Idaho
The Gem State is affordable and safe, but carries a heavy tax burden. Idaho has a good health score and a top 10 well-being ranking, but the weather ranked in the bottom 10.
2. Utah
The Beehive State finished six spots behind the top-ranked state for cost of living, according to Bankrate. It was also only one spot behind for overall crime rate, eight for well-being, six for taxes and five for cultural vitality. It won out for health value by two and weather by six, Bankrate said..
1. South Dakota
South Dakota ranked highest for its well-being score, which has been in the top six since 2013. The state has no income tax and it scored favorably for its health-care value. For outdoor enthusiasts, South Dakota has Badlands National Park, Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore.
The full report can be viewed here.
