10. Virginia: The Bankrate study placed Virginia in the top 10 due to its rankings in weather (8), affordability (16), and safety (16).
9: Utah: The snowy states saw high rankings in weather (6), affordability (11), and local taxes (16).
8: Wisconsin: Retirees loved Wisconsin’s affordability (6), safety (9), and healthcare (15).
7: West Virginia: This state ranked the highest score in affordability (1) and saw high marks for having people of similar ages (4) and for its safety (6).
6: Rhode Island: Residents of Rhode Island especially loved the state for its safety (4), healthcare (7), people of similar ages (12), and arts and entertainment (12).
5: Idaho: Idaho, which was also the seventh-fastest-growing state in 2024 according to the U.S. Census Bureau, ranked among the top five states for retirees due to its safety (3), affordability (9), and taxes (11).
4: Vermont: Coming in at fourth place, Vermont hit the top spot for healthcare (1) and for its arts and entertainment. It was also runner-up for having people of similar ages as retirees (2).
3. Wyoming: While the Cowboy state came in at third place, it placed first in local taxes (1), affordability (4), and safety (7). Retirees may save on their taxes in Wyoming, but they may also spend more in healthcare as the state ranked 39th in that category.
2. Maine: The Pine Tree State had the highest mark in people of similar ages (1) but also placed top scores in safety (2), healthcare (3), and in its arts and entertainment (4). It scored mid-marks for local taxes (29).
1. New Hampshire: Coming in at first place, New Hampshire was the safest state for many retirees, and also ranked high in healthcare (5), local taxes (6), and people of similar ages (7). People also enjoyed the state for its arts (15) and affordability (14), however could do without its weather (40).
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