Latest study reveals the best states to retire in 2025, with surprising results

• Nebraska ranked first overall as the best state for retirees, offering a strong combination of affordability, healthcare, safety, and community engagement, making it the ideal place for a fulfilling retirement.
• Cost of Living and Housing: Alabama led the pack with its affordable housing and cost of living, providing retirees with great value for their money.
• Healthcare and Safety: Utah excelled in healthcare services and safety, ensuring retirees access to high-quality care and a secure environment.
• Community and Recreation: Nebraska ranked first in community and recreation, offering plenty of parks and community centers, making it easy for retirees to stay active and socially engaged.
• Environment and Climate: California topped the list for its favorable climate, providing retirees with a comfortable and scenic place to live.
• Massachusetts ranked last in the study, with high costs of living, less favorable climate conditions, and lower rankings in community and recreation, making it less appealing for retirees.
• See full data on how each state is ranked in each metric and the raw data for each metric after table.

The research, conducted by Deskup, focused on key categories including Cost of Living and Housing, Healthcare and Safety, Community and Recreation, and Environment and Climate, to help retirees find their ideal place to call home.

1. Nebraska (Final Score: 70.64)

Nebraska takes the top spot as the best state to retire in 2025, and for good reason. It ranks first in category community and recreation, meaning retirees can enjoy an abundance of parks (362.3 per 100,000 people, the highest in the nation), with 10.21 community centers per 100,000 residents to stay active and engaged, and plenty of scenic byways (33). Healthcare is also top-notch, ranking sixth overall, with 3.72 healthcare provider sites per 100,000 people and an impressive hospital rating of 3.75 out of 5 (the fourth highest in the nation).

Although housing costs are lower in some other states, they still remain manageable, with an average home price of $258,011, and a low income tax rate, 3.8%. To top it off, Nebraska’s air is among the cleanest in the U.S., ranking fourth with an index of 14. This state is a retirement dream for those seeking affordability, healthcare, and an active community.

2. South Dakota (Final Score: 68.80)

South Dakota is a retirement paradise for those who prioritize great healthcare and a strong sense of community. Ranking fourth in healthcare and safety, although the state boasts a lower number of healthcare provider sites, 4.95 per 100,000 people, it has the highest average hospital rating in the country at 4.03, and relatively low crime rates (1.890 per 100K).

In addition, the state takes fifth spot in community and recreation, offering the third highest number of parks per capita (140.19 per 100,000 people) and community centers (10.98 per 100,000 people), plenty of public spaces to enjoy. South Dakota is also tax-friendly with a low income tax rate of 3.74%. With a moderate climate, an average temperature of 45.2°F and low annual precipitation of 20.1 inches (top 10 for lowest precipitation rates), it’s a great choice for retirees looking for a safe, affordable, and community-driven place to settle down.

3. West Virginia (Final Score: 67.74)

For retirees who want to stretch their dollar without sacrificing quality of life, West Virginia is a standout choice. It ranks second in cost of living and housing, with the lowest average home price nationwide at $165,830, and the sixth lowest property tax rate in the country at just 0.57%. The state also boasts the fourth lowest cost of living at $63,992 annually on groceries and utilities.

West Virginia is eighth in community and recreation, which means retirees can take advantage of 46.71 parks per 100,000 people, 15 unique and beautiful scenic byways, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The state’s healthcare system is also ranked eighth, being well-equipped, with 24.23 healthcare provider sites per 100,000 people, (the highest in the top 10 states). Add in a mild climate with an average temperature of 51.8°F and West Virginia offers a relaxed, affordable retirement with plenty of outdoor beauty.

4. Kansas (Final Score: 65.79)

Kansas offers a winning combination of affordability, healthcare, and recreation, making it a well-rounded choice for retirees. Ranking sixth in cost of living, Kansas offers affordable homes (average price: $227,188), a low 3.05% income tax rate, and the third most affordable living costs, at an average of $63,554. But it’s not just about finances, Kansas is ninth in healthcare, ensuring solid medical access with 4.75 healthcare provider sites per 100,000 people and an average hospital rating of 3.66 (the sixth highest).

Kansas is also a great place for active retirees, ranking ninth in community and recreation, with 11 different scenic byways and 67.52 parks per 100,000 people. With a climate that offers all four seasons and a welcoming community, Kansas is an appealing spot for a balanced and fulfilling retirement.

5. Iowa (Final Score: 65.40)

Iowa proves that the Midwest is a hidden gem for retirees, ranking second in community and recreation thanks to its vast network of parks (119.40 per 100,000 people), scenic byways, and a friendly, tight-knit atmosphere with the highest number of community centers per capita in the country (12.26 per 100,000 residents).

Iowa is also affordable (#12 in cost of living), with an average home price of $215,336 (the eighth lowest), a property tax rate of 1.52%, and a reasonable income tax rate of 4%. While healthcare ranks 20th, Iowa still provides solid hospital care (average rating: 3.3) and accessible healthcare provider sites. With low crime rates and a stable economy, Iowa is a fantastic choice for retirees who want affordability, safety, and a strong sense of community.

6. Mississippi (Final Score: 64.42)

If you’re looking for affordability and healthcare Mississippi is a top pick. The state ranks fifth in cost of living and housing, featuring an average home price of just $177,461 (the third most affordable nationwide), a property tax rate of 0.67%, and the second-lowest cost of living,  $62,971 annually.

Retirees also benefit from Mississippi’s impressive healthcare, ranking third with 9.76 healthcare provider sites per 100,000 people, (the 10th highest) and an average hospital rating of 3.66 (the sixth highest). While it lags in recreational options, the state still boasts a warm weather (63.4°F average temperature) and a budget-friendly lifestyle that makes Mississippi ideal for retirees looking to maximize their savings.

7. Idaho (Final Score: 63.79)

Idaho is perfect for retirees who love the great outdoors and top-tier healthcare. Ranking second in healthcare and safety, the state offers 10.3 healthcare provider sites per 100,000 people, the second-lowest private health insurance spending per enrollee at $4075, and an average hospital rating of 3.64. Crime is also at a low in this state, with only 1,062 crimes per 100,000 people (the third-lowest rate in the U.S.) Though the state ranks 22nd for cost of living, it balances out with low property taxes (0.67%) and an income tax rate of 3.05%.

Idaho is also a haven for nature lovers, with 87.77 parks per 100,000 people, stunning landscapes, and an air quality index of 22. For those who value health, safety, and scenic beauty, Idaho is a fantastic retirement destination.

8. Wyoming (Final Score: 63.79)

Wyoming is a tax-friendly, recreation-packed retirement haven. The state ranks third in community and recreation thanks to its 10.74 community centers per 100,000 people (the fifth-highest number nationwide) 19 scenic byways, and a top eight ranking for parks with 97.19 per 100,000 people. It also boasts no state income tax and a property tax rate of just 0.56%, keeping living costs manageable.

Though healthcare ranks 15th, it still provides reliable medical access in larger cities, with hospitals receiving an average rating of 3.66/5 (10th nationwide). The climate is dry and cool, with just 12.9 inches of precipitation annually (third-lowest), making it ideal for retirees who love open spaces and a peaceful, stress-free lifestyle.

9. New Mexico (Final Score: 61.05)

For retirees who crave mild winters, breathtaking landscapes, and affordability, New Mexico is a strong choice. Ranking fifth in environment and climate, it offers an average temperature of 53.4°F and just 14.6 inches of precipitation annually (the fifth-lowest rates in the country). The state also ranks eighth in cost of living, with an average home price of $301,651 and one of the lowest property tax rates of 0.67%.

While healthcare access ranks lower (#30), the state offers 27 unique scenic byways (ranking 8th nationally) and 73.80 parks per 100,000 people, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.

10. Alabama (Final Score: 60.56)

Alabama is the most affordable retirement state in the country, ranking first for cost of living and housing with an average home price of just $225,130, a property tax rate of only 0.40% (second best in the study), and the fifth cheapest everyday expenses ($64,430 annually).

While healthcare ranks 17th, retirees benefit from affordable private health insurance ($4,994 per enrollee) and a reasonable hospital rating of 3.43. The warm climate (62.8°F on average) and make it a fantastic option for retirees looking for affordability and sunshine.

Full list of the best states to retire:

Note: With the exception of “Total score,” all of the columns in the table above depict the relative rank of that state, where a rank of 1 represents the best conditions for that metric category.

Full list of data for each metric and how states ranked in each metric and raw data:

Best states to retire in 2025

Methodology

The study gathered 14 key factors and categorized them into four main groups: Cost of Living and Housing, Healthcare and Safety, Community and Recreation, and Environment and Climate. Data for each factor was indexed on a scale from 0 to 100, reflecting its relative performance. The factors were then weighted based on their relevance to retirees’ needs, and the weighted scores were summed to produce the final state rankings.

Assigned weights and categories:

Cost of Living and Housing – 35%

Average House Price – 10%

Income Taxes – 5%

Property Taxes – 5%

Cost of Living – 15%

Healthcare and Safety – 30%

Private Health Insurance Spending Per Enrollee -10%

Healthcare Provider Sites – 5%

Hospital Ratings – 10%

Crime Rate – 5%

Community and Recreation – 20%

Community Centers – 10%

Parks – 5%

Scenic Byways – 5%

Environment and Climate – 15%

Ideal Temperature – 5%

Precipitation – 5%

Air Quality – 5%

Source

Zillow

Tax Foundation

Kaiser Family Foundation – KFF

National Association for Home Care & Hospice – NAHCH

FBI – Crime Data Explorer

Smartscrapers

Open Street Map

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