Do you plan to retire in any of these places?

Retirement should be your golden years. This is the perfect time to relax, follow your passions, and simply savor the life you worked so hard to build. But there is a factor that matters very much and that can make the difference between a dream and a nightmare. The place you live in. 

Not all states are created equal, and while some of them are the perfect locations for seniors, others are places no older person would like to live because of the harsh conditions or economic status.

Cost of living, taxes, healthcare, and crime concerns are all factors those who want to retire consider before relocating, and this is why we are here today. We want to talk a little bit more about this topic and find out what the worst states to retire are.

It’s time to analyze how these states fall short in critical areas! If you are planning to move, you should think twice about the location, and this article is here to help you avoid retiring in the worst places possible.

West Virginia

The Mountain State is for sure a beautiful place with all its rolling hills and breathtaking scenic views, but is this a place you would want to retire? The outdoor activities might seem nice at first, but when you think about some of the challenges that this state has for seniors, you may want to choose another place to spend your golden years.

With a moderate climate and charming small towns, it is easy to see that this is not the problem, but one of the main drawbacks for retirees is the taxation on retirement income. West Virginia includes Social Security benefits and other retirement incomes in its taxable base and does not offer any tax breaks for seniors.

Then we have the healthcare. West Virginia has one of the poorest healthcare systems in the country, and there are no indicators telling us that it will change soon. With a high prevalence of chronic illnesses and limited access to quality medical care, this might be a huge problem for anyone who wants to retire here.

Also, even if crime rates are lower now in most parts of West Virginia, there still are some pockets where violent crimes happen, and this can be a safety concern for retirees.

If you are a nature lover, you might want to move here, but you should be aware of the factors that we mentioned above.

Connecticut

This is the place that captures all the essence of New England, and this makes it a very attractive location for many retirees. But beneath this nice and charming surface, Connecticut poses some challenges for those who want to retire here.

The tax environment is not friendly to retirees because the state imposes high property taxes and taxes on Social Security income based on the adjusted gross income. Also, if you want to withdraw from your retirement accounts, you will be fully taxed, and in case you are living on a fixed income, these are not the best news.

If we are talking about combined sales and income tax, Connecticut ranks as having the fifth-highest tax burden in the whole country! Combine all of these factors, and you get a state where financial planning is a nightmare for seniors.

The cost of living in Nutmeg State is one of the highest you can find in the US, with housing, healthcare, and utilities making people pay a little fortune for them. While the state has a higher quality of healthcare compared to many others, accessing it can come with a steep price tag.

We need to also mention the harsh and cold winters. The landscapes might be beautiful and look straight out of a fairytale, but those who want to retire here will most probably not appreciate them at all. The frequent snowstorms are a dealbreaker for anyone suffering from mobility issues.

Illinois

Chicago is for sure a city that seems worth relocating, especially for its cultural scene. But this is not the whole state. The suburban charm combines perfectly with wine trails and bustling urban centers all around the corner. This can seem like a dream come true at first glance, but if you look underneath, you will unpleasantly discover that Illinois is probably the worst place to live in the whole US.

One of the main concerns of Illinois is financial stability. Long-term debts, massive unfunded pension liabilities, and persistent budget imbalances are all present here, and many people don’t know or are simply unable to deal with all of this.

These financial problems have led to high property taxes and steep state and local taxes, and this makes Illinois one of the worst states to retire. Then, the healthcare costs are higher than average, while the health outcomes for its residents are poor compared to other states.

If you live in rural areas, things are even worse. Healthcare services are extremely limited, and the winters are incredibly harsh. Significant snowfall and icy conditions are present here the whole winter, and this makes it hard for seniors to enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

California

The Golden State might seem like a desirable location to retire, but the biggest problem with it is the fact that it is incredibly expensive for most retirees. Here you can find the highest income tax nationally, and all retirement income with an expectation for Social Security benefits is taxed.

Even more California’s sales taxes are some of the most elevated in the entire country, and approximately 1 in 10 seniors lives in poverty. This is a clear indicator that this is not the best place for someone who wants to relocate after retirement.

Besides all of this, we also have the safety concerns. With a crime rate that is 31% above the national average, California is not what you would call a safe state. Violent crimes are the ones that remain unsolved with a percentage of 59%!

The only good thing about California is the public health. Here you have access to world-class healthcare facilities and wellness programs. Also, the weather is nice, and if you are an outdoor person, you will surely be able to enjoy the beautiful nature and the scenic landscapes.

New Jersey

The Garden State offers shopping, restaurants, casinos, and golf along with lots of greenery, but is more suitable for a vacation spot than a place to retire. Why? The state’s high costs, fiscal challenges, and quality-of-life issues make it a place that is not suitable for most seniors.

New Jersey consistently ranks as one of the most expensive states to live in, and its high cost of living sacres many retirees. Healthcare costs are the third highest in the country, and this is a big cause of concern too. On top of this, property taxes in New Jersey are the highest in the United States.

The crime rate is low compared to other places, but there are still certain areas that are among the most dangerous in the nation. Unfortunately, retirees will have to face overcrowding, heavy traffic, and harsh winters. All of these factors lead to a worse quality of life.

Don’t know where to retire? Check this out: Where to Retire: America’s Best & Most Affordable Places (Choose Retirement Series) 

You should also read: 5 Incredible Costco Perks for Seniors Without Discounts

Kay