Jesse Smedley
Jesse Smedley is the Principal Broker for iHealthBrokers and the founder, president, and CEO of Smedley Insurance Group, Inc. and iHealthBrokers.com. Since the inception of SIG in 2007, Jesse has been dedicated to helping people save money on their health insurance by providing them with resources to educate themselves on all their health insurance options, both under age 65 and Medicare beneficiaries. He is featured in many publications as well as writes regularly for expert columns regarding health insurance and Medicare.
There are so many videos and opinions on which states to retire to and one very important thing to take into consideration is health insurance!
The following states have become increasingly popular for those looking to move upon retirement. So included on this least are the current most popular states to retire to- some of which may surprise you!
A brief pause… so in no particular order:
Maine
Maine has a lower crime rate, access to a vibrant cultural scene, and stunning natural beauty. Also, if you are a seafood lover, look no further!
Maine provides seniors with easy access to quality health care although it can be less accessible in the more rural areas. In general, healthcare in Maine is considered to be top notch.
Cost of living can vary, and although it is on the higher side of this list, it ranks much more middle of the road when compared to all 50 states.
Cost of a comfortable retirement annually: $77,286
The downside, of course, can be those extreme temperatures if you are not partial to the cold.
Kansas
Kansas is a surprisingly popular retirement destination! It has a very low cost of living for retirees and a much more temperate climate. You still have all four seasons, but summers and winters are not necessarily as brutal as some of the other states on this list.
Cost of a comfortable retirement annually: $60,620
Kansas offers access to surprisingly quality healthcare for seniors. Most of the southern states were lower on the list for healthcare and although Kansas is technically considered the midwest, it is as southern as the midwest gets!
Like Maine, Kansas offers a broad range of outdoor activities and a very vibrant cultural scene. Although the climate is more temperate, it does have one major downside: tornadoes! There is also limited access to public transportation and in more rural areas, access to healthcare is limited.
Arizona
Arizona is well known as a popular retirement destination. Warmer climates tend to suit retirees although they can still enjoy some of those cooler desert nights.
Arizona has top notch healthcare and easy access to it. It may be a slightly more expensive state on this list, but it is well worth it!
Cost of a comfortable retirement annually: $76,730
That being said, housing and healthcare costs seem to be on the lower end when compared to much of the rest of the US. Arizona has a LOT to do especially if you enjoy the great outdoors.
But it can be prone to natural disasters such as wildfires and flash floods. Additionally, Arizona has a retirement income tax which could be a financial squeeze for those on a fixed income.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a great place to retire! Beautiful four seasons and lush landscapes. The winters can be cold, but certainly not as cold as Maine. Despite amazing healthcare and infrastructure, cost of living for retirees is very affordable.
Cost of a comfortable retirement annually: $66,384
In addition to a rich cultural scene, Maine is filled with history of the birth of the United States.
However, state income tax and even local taxes may put some people off.
Florida
Finally, Florida is still one of the most popular retirement destinations. If you love the beach and hate the cold, Florida is the place for you!
Florida has great healthcare and Medicare Advantage plans are widely accepts and usually very inexpensive. Florida has a tremendous amount of cultural activities, golfing, and excellent food.
As such a popular retirement destination, there are many activities and communities geared towards retirees.
There are no state income taxes, but homeowner’s insurance due to hurricanes (and hurricanes themselves) can be a major drawback to living in Florida. Still, retirement costs can be reasonably affordable.
Cost of a comfortable retirement annually: $71,592
