41. Florida: Usually a top destination for retirees, Florida’s shocking low score was a result of its affordability (48), weather (45), and healthcare (43). However, the sunshine state flourished in having people of similar ages as retirees (3).
42. New Mexico: New Mexico scored the lowest ranking in safety (50) and had generally low scores in healthcare (34) and local taxes (31).
43. California: While generally a popular destination, retirees say they avoid California for its high local taxes (48), lack of affordability (46), safety (43), and for an absence of people of similar ages (45). The state did score the top mark for its memorable weather (1).
44. Kansas: While coming in at 41, Kansas scored mid-marks across the board in local taxes (25), weather (18), healthcare (28), and people of similar age (31). It scored its lowest ranks in affordability (44) and in arts and entertainment (41).
45. Alabama: In 45th place, Alabama had low marks in healthcare (47) and in its arts and entertainment (47). It also scored mid-marks in affordability (30), weather (31), safety (28), and people of similar ages (25).
46. Nebraska: This midwestern state proved to be unaffordable for many retirees, coming in in 49th place for affordability. Retirees were also not fans of its arts and entertainment (38) and its lack of people with similar ages (39).
47. Arkansas: Arkansas scored among the bottom for its scarcity in safety measures (46) and healthcare affordability (42). It also placed among the lowest marks in arts and entertainment (48).
48. Oklahoma: Oklahoma may be growing among younger workers looking for affordable living and job opportunities, but it placed among the bottom ranks for retirees due to its lack of arts and entertainment (46), miscellaneous activities like community wellbeing and walkability (47), affordability (45), people of similar ages (44), and healthcare (41).
49. Texas: Another popular spot for Millennial and Gen Zers thanks to its affordability, Texas ranked poorly for retirees who didn’t care for its high healthcare costs (50) or weather (47). The Lone Star state, however, did rank among the highest for local taxes (7).
50. Louisiana: Coming in dead last was Louisiana, who consistently ranked low among all categories. It placed its lowest score in safety (48), while also coming in among the last for affordability (43), people of similar ages (42), and local taxes (40).
SEE ALSO:
5 Surprises Top Bankrate’s Best States for Retirement 2023
2025’s 3 Best and Worst States for Retirement: WalletHub
10 Best, Worst States for Retirement 2024
Amanda Umpierrez is the Managing Editor of 401(k) Specialist magazine. She is a financial services reporter with nearly a decade of experience and a passion for telling stories and reporting news. She is originally from Queens, New York, but now resides in Denver, Colorado.
