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Are you close to retirement and worried about where you will live?
Do you dread the possibility of facing sky-high prices, temperamental weather conditions, or an unfriendly population?
Unfortunately, these challenges can be a reality in some states, and that’s why it’s important that retirees familiarize themselves with the worst states for them to call home.
We’ll take an in-depth look at those least desirable places in the United States for retirees and discuss what makes them so unfavorable.
Table of Contents
#1. Connecticut
Connecticut is a small state rich with history and filled with coastal cities, quaint small towns, and rural areas.
But as you’ll find with most of New England, states like Connecticut are not the best place to retire.
Connecticut is the most expensive state to retire in, so it’s automatically out for most people looking for a place to retire comfortably.
It’s also very low in quality of life and access to healthcare, which only compounds the issues one might face when they retire in the state.
Overall, it might seem charming, but it’s not suitable for those who wish to retire easily and confidently.
#2. New York
The bustling big city of New York. There are many options for entertainment and places to see.
From a scenic drive to high-end shopping, this state has more than enough to keep anyone busy.
Something New York also has is a very expensive cost of living, making it one of the most expensive places to retire.
#3. Rhode Island
This small, unassuming seaside state is stunning and offers a ton for those fans of history and the sea.
But while it is a fantastic place to visit, you may not wish to call it home.
It is one of the most expensive states to retire in and has extremely limited access to healthcare, which isn’t surprising given its size and reputation.
Its quality of life could be better, too, giving it a much lower ranking than other states you could retire in.
#4. Wyoming
Wyoming is a great state for natural attractions, boasting many gorgeous sites to visit for seniors who love the outdoors and wish to see all it has to offer.
It also has an overall low cost of living.
However, that’s about all Wyoming has to offer for retirees.
Wyoming ranks relatively low regarding access to healthcare, which is among the lowest in the United States.
This can be a significant issue for seniors who need high-quality and reliable health services.
#5. Vermont
Vermont is another gorgeous New England state that embodies everything New England offers.
But if you wonder why you rarely hear about it, you’ll understand when you discover it’s unsuitable for retirement.
Vermont is among the more expensive states to retire, limiting the ability to stretch your income and truly enjoy yourself.
Vermont also has the worst access to healthcare, which is problematic for those who need good health support throughout retirement.
With all this in mind, Vermont does boast stellar quality of life, which might be something to consider if you’re in excellent health and have extensive funding.
#6. Delaware
Delaware came at the bottom of our list, and for good reason.
Delaware is the least desirable state for any retiree to settle down in.
Its irredeemable qualities include a high cost of living, low access to healthcare, poor overall quality of life, weather that is not inviting, and above-average crime rates.
True, there are many restaurants, museums, and natural attractions, and no sales tax.
However, even these are not enough to bump up Delaware’s ranking and make it a state where seniors consider living out their retirement.
If you live in Delaware, consider another state!
#7. New Jersey
New Jersey has a low quality of life and is among one of the most expensive states to retire in.
These two reasons are enough to keep prospective retirees out of the state.
But unlike other states on this list, New Jersey has better access to healthcare, meaning there are plenty of hospitals, assisted living centers, and dentists nearby.
If you find yourself here for some reason, you will have the resources to keep yourself in good health.
#8. West Virginia
West Virginia is home to many museums rich in civil-war history.
It’s also filled with nature, nestled in the Appalachians.
But while there is plenty to do and see, West Virginia falls towards the bottom of our list because it ranks among the lowest when it comes to cost of living, access to healthcare, and overall quality of life, all of which are important to retirees who want to live out their years comfortably.
Once you’ve settled down, it may be a spot to visit, but it should be at the bottom of your list of states to live in.
#9. Maine
Maine is known for many things: seaside views, delicious seafood, and stunning natural landscapes.
But is it a good place to retire? Not necessarily.
Maine has a high cost of living, making it inaccessible to many seniors who want to enjoy the amenities it offers.
Access to healthcare is also low, preventing some from getting the quality care they need throughout retirement.
However, one area where they shine is quality of life, which ranks among the highest in the U.S.
#10. New Mexico
New Mexico is a state where seniors are guaranteed not to get bored.
There are plenty of tourist attractions and shopping experiences to enjoy.
Like in Wyoming, the cost of living is relatively affordable.
However, New Mexico’s quality of life is worse than Wyoming, and access to health care could be better, which doesn’t bode well for retirees in the state.
Even if New Mexico does have a lot to do, that doesn’t make up for the critical problem areas that make it a poor place to retire.
#11. North Dakota
While North Dakota is a beautiful state to visit, and its tax law can be appealing for retirement, its weather can be quite unpredictable, especially through the winter months.
Along with the harsh weather, the quality and cost of healthcare make it score pretty low on our list.
#12. California
Californians enjoy warm weather, beautiful beaches, and access to a lot of outdoor activities.
But moving here for retirement can be pricey.
Not only does California have high state income taxes (up to 12.3 percent on certain types of income), but its cost of living is also higher than the national average.
So if you’re looking to downsize and save money in retirement, this is probably not the best place for you.
Plus, California’s public services aren’t always reliable.
From frequent power outages to rolling blackouts, many areas face infrastructure challenges that can be inconvenient or even dangerous.
#13. Alaska
Alaska is a beautiful state, but it’s easy to see why many would not want to retire there.
Its extremely cold weather and unforgiving environment are challenging to navigate.
Its often remote living areas mean it ranks very low in access to healthcare. It also has a low overall quality of life and is not a very affordable state to call home.
Unless you already live there and wish to stay there throughout your golden years, you’d be much better off looking into another state to retire in that ranks higher in all the above areas.
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I have over 15 years experience in the financial services industry and 20 years investing in the stock market. I have both my undergrad and graduate degrees in Finance, and am FINRA Series 65 licensed and have a Certificate in Financial Planning.
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