New Hampshire Tops List of Best Retirement States

Bankrate Guide Ranks States on Affordability, Safety, Healthcare, and Taxes

Planning for retirement involves more than just sunny days and tax breaks. A comprehensive new study by Bankrate aims to guide prospective retirees, evaluating all 50 states on crucial factors that impact quality of life.

New Hampshire Leads the Pack

New Hampshire has emerged as the premier destination for retirees, according to Bankrate’s latest analysis. The Granite State received top marks for neighborhood safety, ranking first nationally. It also scored highly for quality healthcare (5th), low local taxes (6th), and the presence of a robust senior community (7th).

Despite its strengths, New Hampshire was ranked 40th for weather, highlighting a potential drawback for those seeking warmer climates.

Louisiana Falls to the Bottom

Conversely, Louisiana ranked last overall, struggling across multiple assessment categories. The state received low scores for affordability (43rd), neighborhood safety (48th), and quality healthcare (37th). High crime rates and less favorable weather conditions (39th) also contributed to its lowest position.

Factors Beyond the Obvious

Financial analyst Stephen Kates emphasized that the report considers a broader spectrum of retiree needs. “Retirees and pre-retirees should take notice of these rankings because we looked beyond the typical categories to look closely at important lifestyle and risk factors for residents of various states,” he stated in the report.

“There is more to being a resident than just the number of sunny days and taxes. Categories like public safety, walkability, access to health care, air quality, recreational opportunities, and more add up to the daily quality of life retirees want.”

—Stephen Kates, Bankrate Financial Analyst

Bankrate’s methodology involved a deep dive into a variety of metrics, including public safety, walkability, healthcare access, and air quality, to provide a holistic view of each state’s retirement potential. For a full breakdown of the criteria, Bankrate’s guide is available here.

This comprehensive approach is crucial as the U.S. population ages; in 2023, the number of people aged 65 and over reached 59 million, representing 17.3% of the total population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau (U.S. Census Bureau, 2024).

Residents looking to relocate for their retirement years may find this detailed state-by-state comparison invaluable in making an informed decision that aligns with their personal priorities and financial goals.