The 10 Best States to Live in If You’re Over 65

As you move into your golden years, now more than ever, there’s more time to explore the world or even move from one place to the next. 

Is it time to ditch the cold weather up north for someplace warmer? Perhaps you want to live in an area along the coast or in the mountains. 

Regardless of where you choose to live, you’ll want to get the most for your money, too. If you're considering relocating, these are the best states for a stress-free retirement.

There are plenty of reasons to call Massachusetts home if you’re a senior, including that the weather isn’t too bad all year long. 

There are also lots of schools for those seniors who want to take a few courses. Even better, Cape Cod offers some of the best sailing opportunities in New England, especially with locations like Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket to explore. There’s hiking, birdwatching, rafting, and much more to do.

The state offers a wide range of senior programs, including prescription assistance, elder financial support, senior housing programs, and health insurance counseling.

North Dakota may not seem like an obvious choice, but this rural region is experiencing significant growth. The state provides numerous programs to support senior needs, including senior programming at local recreation centers, community-based services for those with disabilities and mobility needs, and assisted living services.

Seniors will find lots of amenities and benefits to calling North Dakota home, including over 201 sunny days a year. It’s also a tax-friendly state, including property tax rates and local sales tax rates. Homes tend to be more affordable as well. The state tends to have lower crime rates, lots of employment options, including for seniors, and beautiful national parks.

Although Wisconsin does get a bit chilly in the winter, there are plenty of reasons why you want to make the move here. The population here is older, with 38% of residents being over the age of 50. Thanks to a lower cost of living, it’s also one of the most affordable states to retire in. There are lots of options for those who are looking for assisted living communities and active communities for those over 55.

Wisconsin also does a good job of providing access to a wide range of support programs for seniors, including Medicare counseling services, elder nutrition programs, and programs for the visually impaired or hard of hearing.

Iowa offers a number of benefits for seniors, including a low cost of living, good access to jobs in a range of sectors, and educational opportunities. It also has a four-season climate, though there are severe weather events possible.

When it comes to senior programs, many cities offer recreational programs and senior centers. The state also offers a range of senior supportive services, such as help with counseling, assistance with transportation, behavioral health supports, and even chore assistance programs for mowing, snow removal, and yard work. There are homemaker services, too.

New York may be a more expensive place to live, but it is also a very senior-friendly place to call home. Senior programs range widely, including programs for home sharing, senior centers in various forms, and meal services. Exercise and wellness programs are readily available.

When it comes to the quality of life, it’s generally very good here. Numerous parks exist throughout the state providing opportunities for hiking, boating, birdwatching, and others. Independent living and assisted living centers are readily available here, some with very high ratings.

For seniors who love the outdoors, South Dakota may prove to be one of the best places to live. There are plenty of hiking destinations, including Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The cost of living is lower here than in many areas of the U.S. There’s also no state income tax for seniors who plan to work.

For senior programming options, residents can enjoy nursing services, nutrition programs, senior transportation programs, and assisted living resources. The state also offers access to community recreation centers, senior centers, and numerous state-wide assisted living communities.

For retirees who wish to stay active, Nebraska can be a fantastic place to live. There’s ample wildlife throughout the state, including white-tail deer and elk. Birding is fantastic here, too. There are numerous parks with lakes for fishing, swimming, boating, and more. The state is also filled with national landmarks that make it fantastic for history lovers.

Nebraska offers many supportive resources for seniors, typically at the state level. That includes medical care advisory, disability-focused programs, and GetSetUp, a program that provides live, online classes from the Nebraska State Unit on Aging that help people stay physically, mentally, and socially active.

Maine is an exceptional choice for several reasons, including the lower cost of living. The state also has a higher population of older people, which means more programs and resources are available for seniors. The state’s economy offers jobs for seniors, while numerous educational programs are available through senior centers and community colleges.

The Maine government connects residents with educational and travel programs for seniors, senior park passes, computer training programs, volunteer opportunities, and senior citizen volunteers. There are legal and financial supportive resources, help with Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security available, and even home-delivered meal programs here.

Retiring in Minnesota could mean cold winters, but it also means some of the best activities for older seniors. It is one of the healthiest states for its easy access to healthcare as well as a range of retirement services. The cost of living is lower here, too.

Senior living communities are readily available, and programs for cleaning services, meal prep, transportation, and fitness centers are available. There are also many options for golfing and fishing here.

Vermont makes the top of the list for many reasons, including its growing senior population. There are large, modern community centers for seniors here, including those that provide opportunities such as art studios, chauffeur services, social events, concerts, and lectures.

Vermont senior centers are numerous and provide education and support for healthy aging. Numerous social programs are offered, and the state aims to help seniors avoid isolation. They offer wellness activities, transportation solutions, and wellness activities to keep people connected.

As you prepare for retirement, keep in mind that there are other things to think about besides affordability when considering where you want to spend your golden years. Access to year-long good weather, health care benefits, and ease of getting around are other perks that can also help your dollar extend a bit more.