Photo by Yaroslav Shuraev on Pexels
There is some contention about which is the best state in America to live in when you retire. To some degree, it depends what you prioritize. Some people won’t want to live in certain states because of their political affiliation. Others will have different concerns entirely.
Let’s talk about a few of the options that are appealing to individuals approaching their Golden Years.
Arizona
Retirement communities in Arizona are an option for people who are getting into the later stages of their life. Many of these communities are close to golf courses. If you like warm weather and golf, this idea probably appeals to you.
Of course, the weather regularly hits triple digits in the summer, so you might regard that as a drawback. There are also the scorpions and rattlesnakes to watch out for.
If you get an apartment or condo with air conditioning, though, you should have no issues with either the temperature or the wildlife.
California
California is a paradise for many retirees. It’s one of the largest and most populated states, and there’s seemingly something there for everyone.
You might live in LA. You can attend movie premieres and spend your time taking tours of the city. You can hang out in Santa Monica by the ocean or see the Lakers play.
Perhaps San Francisco appeals. The weather is gorgeous nearly every day, and there are bike paths, museums, fine restaurants, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Those who don’t want to move to California often speak about the high cost of living. It’s one of the most expensive states in the country, so you should only move there if you have saved up plenty of money during your working years.
Delaware
Delaware isn’t a state that most people will immediately think of if they’re going to retire soon. It’s somewhat of a dark horse candidate. However, it has some appealing aspects that some would-be retirees might not necessarily know about.
The main reason to retire in Delaware is the favorable tax policies. Social Security benefits aren’t taxed in Delaware. It’s difficult to emphasize how much that truly matters to some people, but for some individuals who don’t have a lot of money when they retire, it’s a gigantic consideration. There’s also the fact that if you are age 60 or over and you live in Delaware, the first $12,500 of retirement income is totally exempt from taxes.
Again, this matters to older adults. Many of those who move there also point to the beautiful beaches and breathtaking coastline. They might like the proximity to major cities, including New York and Philadelphia. If you have relatives in either of those places, you can easily visit them.
Finally, if you live in Delaware, you can find quality, affordable healthcare and relatively inexpensive housing. The combination of all of these things might be enough to sway you if you haven’t considered this option.
Any of these may appeal, so think about what matters the most to you in retirement.
