A new WalletHub study — widely reported in Business Insider — ranked all 50 U.S. states based on affordability, quality of life, and healthcare access for retirees. Key takeaways:
Top Retirement States
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Wyoming — Scores #1 overall thanks to low cost of living, no income/estate/inheritance taxes, and strong protections & low crime for seniors.
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Florida — Comes in #2 overall. While beaten by Wyoming in this ranking, it still scores extremely well thanks to tax friendliness, abundant leisure options, funding for senior services, and coastal lifestyle.
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South Dakota, Colorado, and Minnesota also round out the top five, each offering a mix of affordability, healthcare access, and quality of life.
Lower-Ranked States
States that ranked poorly tended to struggle with higher living costs, weaker healthcare access, or lower quality-of-life scores. Some of the bottom performers included Kentucky, Oklahoma, Mississippi, West Virginia, Hawaii, and New York.
Why Florida Still Shines for Retirees
Despite being just edged out for the #1 spot nationwide, Florida continues to be one of the most popular retirement destinations in practice, for several reasons:
Warm Climate & Lifestyle
Florida’s mild winters and sunny weather make it ideal for year-round outdoor living. Beaches, golf courses, cultural activities, and leisure communities draw retirees from across the country.
Tax Advantages
The Sunshine State has no state income tax, and it also doesn’t tax Social Security benefits, inheritance, or estate income — a huge plus for retirement planning.
Senior Services & Funding
WalletHub’s report highlighted that Florida receives high funding per senior resident from national ageing programs, which supports things like transportation, nutrition, and homemaker assistance.
Top Retirement Cities
Multiple Florida cities — including Orlando, Miami, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale — continue to rank high on various retirement-friendly lists for their amenities, healthcare access, and quality of life.
Thinking Beyond the U.S.?
For many retirees — especially those in the UK and Europe — the appeal of retiring abroad is growing, whether for cost savings, climate, culture, or lifestyle. That’s where international property platforms like HomesGoFast and EuropeanProperty can help:
Explore Global Options
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HomesGoFast lets you browse retirement-friendly markets worldwide, from affordable coastal towns to mountain villages — a great way to consider retirement beyond the U.S..
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EuropeanProperty specialises in European destinations — think tranquil Spanish beach towns, Tuscan countryside estates, or charming Portuguese villages — which can offer great value, milder climates, and vibrant expat communities.
Bottom Line
The latest rankings show that while Wyoming tops the list for retirements in the U.S. overall, Florida remains a strong choice thanks to its tax advantages, lifestyle offerings, and senior services. However, retirement planning today looks very different than it used to — and many people are also exploring international options for lifestyle, affordability, and new cultural opportunities. Platforms like HomesGoFast and EuropeanProperty make it easier to research and compare a wide range of places where retirement could be both enjoyable and financially sensible.
