The 15 Best States for Seniors

15. (tie) Rhode Island

While the cost of living in Rhode Island is higher than the national average, it’s lower than other New England states. Its small size makes it easy to get around and access the cultural amenities in Providence or Newport. Of the five areas of well-being measured in the report, Rhode Island’s older residents scored the best on physical well-being.

Ranking from the Gallup-Healthways survey.

15. (tie) South Carolina

Of the five areas of well-being measured in the report, South Carolina scored best on the social measure. The state was ranked as the 8^th best place to grow old on Caring.com’s list. It is among the top states that Americans are now moving to in retirement.

15. (tie) Idaho

Idaho’s strong local economy has made it a top destination for those relocating across state lines. The Gem State had the highest percentage of inbound moves last year, with almost two-thirds of all moves entering the state. Of the five areas of well-being measured in the report, Idaho’s older population scored best in community.

Flickr / Scott Butner

15. (tie) Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania scored best on the measure of financial well-being. Older Americans like Pennsylvania because it has no taxes on retirement income and a low cost of living relative to other Northeastern states. Home prices are also relatively low. The number of Pennsylvanians age 65 and older has been growing at twice the rate of the rest of the population.

15. (tie) Connecticut

Connecticut’s older residents were among the best in the country on the physical well-being score. The state offers quality health care and a high life expectancy. The state also offers plenty of outdoor recreation amenities to residents, and is a short drive to Boston or New York City for more urban options.

Flickr / Nathaniel C.

14. Nebraska

Nebraska’s older residents scored the best on the financial measure. The state has been steadily climbing in the public health rankings as rates of smoking fall. Caring.com ranked the Cornhusker State the 10th best state to grow old in.

13. Montana

Montana’s older residents benefit from a strong community, but they don’t fare much better in terms of overall well-being than the rest of adults in the state. The state is particularly hospitable to veterans. It has the most veterans per resident and the most VA health facilities per veteran.

12. Oregon

The well-being of older adults in Oregon is high relative to the overall well-being of adults there. Oregon is a growing destination for retirees, who are moving to the Beaver State to escape higher taxes elsewhere in the country. Outside of Portland, 60-somethings make up the largest share of the population in Oregon.

11. Florida

A longtime favorite for the senior set, Florida scored particularly well on the social measures for residents over age 55. WalletHub recently ranked it the best state for retirees. The Sunshine State has the highest percentage of residents over age 65 in the country.

9. (tie) Iowa

Iowa’s high ranking reflects strong scores in both financial well-being and community for residents over age 55. The Hawkeye State ranked second on Caring.com’s list of the best states to grow old in. Most than half of residents have access to a workplace retirement plan, a higher percentage than any other state.

9. (tie) South Dakota

A strong community score helped push South Dakota toward the top of this list. The state offers good medical care and no income tax, both benefits to older Americans. It also boasts a remarkably low crime rate.

6. (tie) Alaska

Alaska’s older residents score particularly well on measures of financial well-being. They score only slightly better on well-being measures than younger residents of the state. Among all adults, Alaska is the second happiest state in the country.

6. (tie) Minnesota

Minnesota’s high ranking reflects a strong score on measures of financial well-being. This is the first time the Land of 10,000 Lakes has appeared among the top 10 states on this list. Minnesota also boasts top-notch health services and healthy amounts of physical activity by seniors.

6. (tie) Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s strong scores on measures of financial well-being among older residents help push it to the top of this list. This is the first time the state has appeared among the top 10 states on the list. Earlier this year, Caring.com, ranked Wisconsin the 10^th best state to grow old in.

5. Colorado

This is the first time Colorado has appeared among the top 10 states on this list focused on those 55 and older, but the state regularly appears high on Gallup’s list of overall well-being for adults of all ages. Colorado ranks high on this list thanks to a strong score on physical well-being among residents age 55 and older. The Centennial State has the lowest obesity rate in the nation.

2. (tie) Arizona

Arizona tied with two other states for the highest social well-being score among residents over age 55. It also received high marks on measures of purpose and physical well-being. This is the first time Arizona has appeared among the top 10 states on this list.

2. (tie) New Hampshire

In addition to tying for the second-highest score on measures of overall well-being among older Americans, seniors in New Hampshire have the highest well-being advantage relative to the general population of the state. Older residents also score well on measures of social and physical well-being.

2. (tie) North Dakota

Seniors in North Dakota get high ranks for financial well-being. The state also scores well on measures of community. North Dakota has made the biggest gains on the list, leaping to 2nd place from 31st in 2014.

1. Hawaii

This is the second year in a row that the Aloha State ranked first for well-being of its residents 55 and older. Hawaii received the top score in three of the five elements: purpose, community and physical well-being. Hawaii also boasts the lowest property tax in the nation.