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The 5 Best States to Retire If You’re Looking for Perfect Weather

February 24, 2025 · Retirement Life
A retiree relaxes on a wooden deck with a view of a lush forest, enjoying mild, comfortable weather.
Savor a peaceful morning on a wooden deck, soaking in the golden sunlight and crisp air of the forest.

These places have the perfect weather for any retiree!

Perfect weather doesn’t mean just Florida! This is a common misconception you need to be aware of because guiding yourself after this can make you miss out on a lot of things and great locations.

The United States is big, and there are many other states that have great conditions that are perfect if you want to avoid the weather that becomes more extreme from one year to another.

For example, the summer of 2024 was a cruel one in Phoenix, where a new record-breaking temperature of over 110 degrees for more days in a row was recorded. In South Florida, temperatures reached 90 degrees in more locations in July.

Climate risk rises with age, and these extreme conditions could damage your health. It’s true that retirement destinations in hotter areas are very popular, but those over 65 years old should reconsider this.

The summer of 2024 is not an anomaly. These temperatures will become a common occurrence, and we need to learn how to protect ourselves. Hopefully, there are still states where you can find perfect weather, and we want to tell you more about them, so keep reading!

Perfect Weather
Photo by Art Boardman from Shutterstock

Oregon

High temperatures are not a problem here but there is a lot of rain. According to NOAA, the average inches of precipitation per year for the Coast Range is somewhere around 100! On the other hand, even if it brings precipitation, the Pacific manages to keep the temperatures mild, and this also means a lot of forests and natural beauty.

So, if you are not bothered by rain, this is one of the states with perfect weather. Compared to other places, Oregon is not a cheap state when it comes to basic needs. This is why in 2023 a lot of people over 65 years old decided to relocate. If you are ok with spending more money, then you are in for an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Also, there are no sales taxes, which can be an advantage for some.

If you don’t know what city to consider, we are here to say that Eugene is an amazing place. It is located in the Willamette Valley, so you are right in the middle between the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific. Eugene is a ski resort, so this is a popular destination for tourists in the winter.

According to Forbes, Eugene is one of the best places to spend your retirement in Oregon. The city managed to get 25th place, and on the same list, you can find another two cities from this state: Bend and Ashland.

Maine

Maine was indeed affected by climate change. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says it. The average temperatures have risen by 3.5 degrees compared to the ones that were recorded in the 20th century. The good news is that the summers are still pretty cool, and you rarely get temperatures over 90 degrees. For many, this is the perfect weather that ensures they will make the most out of their golden years.

During the winter you might encounter some harsher days because this season tends to be a little bit colder, but considering that Maine is the state with the most 65-plus residents in the entire country, it is easy to say that it is not that bad. Also, this is a huge bonus if you are into winter sports.

What can you find in Maine besides the perfect weather? Well, there is more coast than in California; there is a lot of nature with mountains, lakes, and forests, and this means there are countless opportunities for outdoor activities.

The cost of living is above the national average, but compared to the standard cost for New England, Maine is cheap.

Our city recommendation is the capital city Augusta. Located on the course of the Kennebec River, this is a beautiful place where you can spend your retirement. It’s quiet, but you also have the possibility of engaging in various activities such as cross-country skiing, hiking, or snowshoeing.

Also, let’s not forget about the Viles Arboretum. This is a huge botanical garden where you can observe the plants or do a little bit of bird watching.

Wyoming

This place is far away from the coast and from the ocean, and at a mean elevation of 6,700 feet, this is the second-highest state in the entire country, following Colorado. But Wyoming is still a great place to retire and also one with the said perfect weather.

The semi-arid climate might not be for anyone, and the differences in altitude, ranging from the lowest of,100 feet above sea level to a peak of 13,800 feet create temperature fluctuations that can bother some people.

But despite all of these, the summer highs here in Wyoming are somewhere between 75 and 89 degrees. Winters are cold, and the temperatures are almost always below the freezing point.

If you like to spend a lot of time in nature and fishing and hiking are your hobbies you will love to live here. Even more, Wyoming is a truly affordable state where housing is cheap and taxes are low. BONUS: There are no state income taxes!

Cody is one of our favorite cities from here, and this is based on the natural wonders you can find here. It is located near Yellowstone National Park, so you can know for sure that the view is breathtaking!

Also, the website SmartAsset ranks this place as the number one retirement destination in Wyoming because the tax burden is low and the medical facilities are top-notch.

Minnesota

One very interesting thing about this state and its perfect weather is that there are very few natural disasters happening here. Also, the water supply of the state is entirely sustained by the waters of Lake Superior. This is a great resource to have near you considering how fast the planet is warming.

Winters may be extremely cold, with typical temperatures in the teens, while summers are pleasant (with peaks in the low 80s in Minneapolis and lower farther north).

According to WalletHub, Minnesota is the best state for health care. It has highly rated public hospitals and surprisingly low costs considering what it offers. On the other hand, the state income taxes are pretty high, and this is also one of the states that still tax Social Security benefits.

Hopefully, buying a home here is affordable, and the median home sale prices are 20% lower compared to the national average. Also, the crime rate is 47% lower.

Perfect Weather
Photo by John McCormick from Shutterstock

Michigan

This state has access to four of the five Great Lakes, and besides the beauty that comes with this, it’s also the perfect weather that is created by these conditions. In the summer, the water of these lakes absorbs the heat, and when winter comes, it releases it. This means cooler summers and not-so-harsh winters.

The Missouri Economic and Research and Information Center ranks Michigan in 13th place regarding the low cost of living in 2024. Getting a house is extremely affordable, with a median price of $264,000 in 2024. This is a big difference compared to the median price of $435,000 nationally.

We consider that the best city to retire in this state is the city of Ann Arbor. Here you can find all you need and have access to all of the amenities available in a college town.

If you plan to move in the near future, these might help: Bankers Box Small Classic Moving Box 10 Pack
You should also read: Never Retire in These 5 States!

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