What is the friendliest state for retirees? A data-driven guide

Surveys reveal that what retirees value most in a state varies dramatically, from tax savings to social engagement. The question of what is the friendliest state for retirees therefore has no single answer, but a number of leading candidates depending on your personal priorities.

Quick Summary

The friendliest state for retirees is subjective and depends on individual priorities, such as finances, climate, and community. States that consistently rank high include New Hampshire, Utah, and Wyoming, each offering unique benefits in areas like safety, senior happiness, or tax advantages. Your ideal state depends on balancing these factors.

Key Points

• No Single 'Friendliest' State: The ideal state depends on individual priorities, including finances, healthcare, safety, and community.

• New Hampshire Ranks High Overall: It tops some reports due to high scores in safety, healthcare access, and tax-friendliness.

• Utah is a Senior Happiness Leader: It scores highest on social engagement and low isolation, making it ideal for community-oriented retirees.

• Tax Savings Are a Key Motivator: States with no income tax, like Wyoming and Florida, attract retirees seeking to maximize their financial resources.

• Safety is a Top Concern: For safety-conscious retirees, Plains states like North and South Dakota consistently offer low crime and strong healthcare access.

• Popularity Has a Downside: Long-time favorites like Florida face rising costs and higher insurance rates due to natural disaster risks.

Understanding 'Friendliness': More Than Just a Sunny Climate

The idea of a "friendly" state can mean different things to different retirees. While a warm, sunny climate might be the first thing that comes to mind, recent reports show other factors are often more important. Key metrics used to determine the best states for retirees typically include:

• Affordability: This includes cost of living, housing prices, and state tax policies on retirement income.
• Healthcare Access & Quality: Proximity to quality medical facilities and the standard of geriatric care are crucial as we age.
• Neighborhood Safety: Low crime rates and traffic safety are a top priority for feeling secure.
• Social & Community Well-being: Factors like the prevalence of senior centers, volunteer opportunities, and social engagement contribute significantly to happiness.
• Weather: While often a top priority, weather can be a double-edged sword, with warm states sometimes suffering from extreme heat or natural disaster risks.

Top Contenders for the Friendliest State for Retirees

While no single state is perfect for every retiree, several consistently appear at the top of various rankings based on different criteria.

New Hampshire: The Overall Winner

According to a 2025 study by Bankrate, New Hampshire earned the top spot for retirees. The Granite State ranked exceptionally well in several key areas:

• Neighborhood Safety: Ranked #1 nationally, ensuring a secure environment.
• Healthcare: Impressive ranking for healthcare access and quality.
• Taxes: Favorable tax policies for retirees.

Utah: The Happiest State for Seniors

For those prioritizing social and emotional well-being, Utah is a top choice. Scoring high on Caring.com's Senior Happiness Index, Utah boasts a supportive environment with low social isolation and engaged senior communities. Despite higher-than-average senior care costs, the high quality of life makes it ideal for those financially prepared.

Wyoming: Financially Sound for the Budget-Conscious

Wyoming appeals to retirees focused on financial matters. It consistently ranks high for tax-friendliness, with no state income tax. The state also boasts a low population density, attracting those who prefer a quieter, more scenic lifestyle. However, its ranking for healthcare quality is lower than other top contenders.

North Dakota: The Safest Bet

For safety-conscious retirees, North Dakota earns top marks. A 2025 SeniorLiving report graded it with the highest safety score, excelling in senior healthcare access, traffic safety, and low crime rates. Its rural provider networks and telehealth initiatives make healthcare surprisingly accessible.

Florida: A Popular, but Mixed Bag Choice

Historically a retirement hotspot, Florida offers warm weather and no state income tax, making it popular for many. However, recent rankings show a decline in its favorability due to a surging cost of living, expensive home insurance in coastal areas, and vulnerability to natural disasters.

Comparison Table: Top States for Retirees

State	Primary Strength	Taxes	Healthcare Access	Safety Score	Cost of Living	Climate	Natural Disaster Risk
New Hampshire	Overall Wellbeing	Excellent	High	Excellent	Above Average	Cold winters	Low
Utah	Social/Happiness	Lower	High	Above Average	Above Average	Four Seasons	Low
Wyoming	Tax Friendliness	No Income Tax	Lower	High	Below Average	Cold winters	Moderate
North Dakota	Safety	Low tax burden	Excellent	Excellent	Below Average	Cold winters	Low
Florida	Warm Weather	No Income Tax	Mixed	Lower	Rising	Warm/Humid	High

How to Choose the Right State for You

1. Define Your Priorities: List what's most important for your retirement. Is it cost savings, access to nature, or a strong social scene? Assign weights to each factor to guide your search.
2. Research Beyond the Rankings: Explore local costs, community specifics, and healthcare options. A state's overall ranking might not reflect the specific city or region you're considering.
3. Visit Prospective Locations: Spend a few weeks or months in potential states during different seasons. This will give you a real feel for the environment, community, and pace of life.
4. Crunch the Numbers: Look at the total financial picture, including property taxes, sales tax, insurance costs, and overall cost of living, not just state income tax.
5. Talk to Locals: Connect with retirees already living in the area to gain firsthand insights on the pros and cons.

Essential Considerations for a Friendly Retirement

• Healthcare infrastructure: The best states prioritize robust healthcare systems for seniors. You should research the quality and accessibility of medical care, including specialized geriatric services and long-term care options. States with strong rural networks or a high number of senior facilities per capita can be particularly beneficial.
• Social Connectivity: Retirement can lead to loneliness if not addressed proactively. The friendliest states offer numerous opportunities for social engagement, from senior centers and volunteer groups to recreational activities tailored for older adults. Look for areas with a high density of your peer group.
• Balancing Tax Savings and Cost of Living: While a state with no income tax, like Wyoming, seems attractive, it may have higher property or sales taxes that offset savings. Analyze the complete financial picture to ensure it aligns with your budget.
• Climate and Safety Risks: Consider how weather could impact your health and safety. Some sunny states, like Arizona and Florida, face increasing risks from extreme heat or severe storms, which affect both well-being and insurance costs.

For additional financial insights into choosing a retirement state, consulting reports from reputable sources is highly recommended. Empower's Best States Report offers valuable data on taxes and savings.

Ultimately, the quest for the friendliest state for retirees is a personal one. By carefully evaluating your own needs and using comprehensive data, you can find the perfect place to start your next chapter with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which state is the most tax-friendly for retirees?

States with no income tax, such as Wyoming, Florida, and Tennessee, are often considered the most tax-friendly because they don't tax retirement income like Social Security or pensions.

Is Florida a good state for retirees?

Florida is a popular choice for its warm weather and no state income tax. However, its rising cost of living, higher insurance rates due to hurricane risk, and mixed healthcare ratings mean it is not the top choice for every retiree.

What factors define a 'friendly' state for seniors?

A friendly state for seniors typically offers a good balance of affordability (taxes, cost of living), high-quality healthcare, a safe environment, opportunities for social engagement, and a favorable climate.

Which states have the best healthcare for retirees?

States that consistently rank high for quality senior healthcare include Minnesota, Massachusetts, and North Dakota. Factors include healthcare infrastructure, Medicare options, and overall health outcomes.

Which states are the safest for retirees?

Safety-focused reports often put states in the High Plains region at the top. North Dakota, South Dakota, and West Virginia consistently rank high due to low crime, low traffic fatalities, and strong healthcare access for seniors.

Can I find an affordable retirement in a warm climate?

Yes, but with trade-offs. While some traditional sunbelt states like Florida have seen costs rise, other states such as parts of Texas or South Carolina may offer more affordable options. It's crucial to research specific cities and the overall cost of living.

How important is having a community of similar-aged people?

Research shows that having a supportive community with a high density of peers is a significant factor in senior happiness and social engagement. This can help combat loneliness and isolation in retirement.

Why do different lists have different 'best' states?

Ranking methodologies vary significantly based on the factors being prioritized. One list may prioritize financial metrics, while another focuses on social engagement or safety. This is why it is important to find a list that matches your personal retirement priorities.