The bottom line regarding retirement locations
We’re obviously not saying that everyone should rule out living in the 5 states we chose as the worst states to live out your golden years. If you’ve built a large retirement nest egg, you may have the freedom to choose a retirement location that would be unaffordable for most.
Other things you’ll need to consider are whether you prefer urban, rural, or suburban living, along with the amenities you’re looking for and how close you want to be to other family and friends.
You might also want to consider looking beyond our nation and explore options for retiring overseas. Ultimately, you have to choose the factors that matter to you the most.
So what are your thoughts about these retirement locations? Let us know in the comments section. Meanwhile, if you enjoyed this article, we also recommend reading: The Ultimate Retirement Checklist for Seniors Over 50, 60, and Beyond
For expert guidance on senior health and finance, visit National Institutes of Health (NIH), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Social Security Administration (SSA) and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
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Good information
Very helpful we live on Ssi it is terrible can’t believe how hard it is to make ends meet
I’d be interested in seeing how the USVI’s compare ( pros and cons)
I lived in St. Thomas for 5 years in the 90’s. There are more negatives than positive reasons for not living there. The crime rate is very high, the healthcare is poor at best, housing is expensive, and food is very expensive because it has to be imported. You will also be a minority regardless of color because the locals do not care for the ‘Continental- those from mainland US’ regardless of color. If a hurricane comes locals can not fly out because it is important to get the tourist out first. The islands depend on tourism and when that tanks the residents are hurting financially which increases the crime rate. I lived there when Hurricane Marilyn hit in 1995 and was without power for 2 months and was one of the lucky ones because most people were without power for 6 months plus. Visiting and living in the US Virgin Islands is as different from night and day.
There are many cons and few pros. Keep in mind that visiting vs living there are not the same in any way and people will move there and within a couple of months regret it and move back to the states. Pros: The weather unless you enjoy different seasons, the scenery but only from a distant because the locals leave trash everywhere, nude beach on St. John, plenty of water sports if you have the money, great scuba diving, and Carnival in the month of April with some of the best fireworks. Cons: Crime rate is very high for the low population on the islands, hurricanes are not fun especially when you without electricity for months, non-locals are tolerated but not liked regardless of color, food is expensive since over 90% is imported, healthcare is not good (I was recommended to leave by my doctor because of the poor quality), sexual assault is pretty high as well as animal and children abuse. Some people get ‘rock fever’ because they just need to get off the island and that is usually by air.
For medical needs to be met well most people who can afford it go to Miami or Atlanta now because the hurricanes destroyed such services in Puerto Rico. Also as you age and assisted living care is needed the care there is very poor. Especially if you’re a minority race! If you are used to good customer care and work ethics you will be upset most of the time but don’t dare say anything or it’ll only get worse for you. I know, I grew up there. I moved away in my twenties and would never live there full time again. If you insist on giving it a try the best option would be St. Croix. It’s still quiet and friendly for the most part. As beautiful as St. John is transportation to get basic needs met is a problem. Gotta take a boat to St. Thomas for stuff. Any of these islands make a nice winter spot but not full time living. The prejudice against white tourist is definitely felt deeply. I grew up there, I understand this very well.
What about North Carolina? Wilmington is beautiful. Cost of living is average and less chance of flooding or wind damage from hurricances.
Wilmington is beautiful, though it has changed somewhat. It is my hometown. North Carolina offers a lot of different sceneries… whether it be the ocean, the mountains or the piedmont. We are considering moving back to our beautiful state in the near future.
How about Vietnam? Would like to retire there, money goes far and more value
Love your suggestion.
What about including foreign countries for retirement?
What about California???🙄🙄
Any advice on Arizona, New Mexico or Utah?
What about Oklahoma? I know people tell us they have tornadoes there. But I’ve heard the cost of living is cheaper.
Such Bias
NY has great healthcare facilities, and the most generous Medicaid. Many great medical specialists PA, RN . And lots of free things and discounts for senior in NYC.. Trains of all types are half price for over 65, making getting around without a car very cheap.
SS is not taxed, and my pension is not taxed.
Great information happen to own homes in Florids and Georgia . Hurricane is a disadvantage in florida with insurance cost high
as for Georgia the lack of Arts is a feature not a bug. In addition Atlanta is not the end all do all, its actually the bug not a feature for Georgia
I have heard that Vietnam is gorgeous
Love Tennessee! So many places to go and see. Not far from Destin and Panama City Beach. We live in Chattanooga. It’s a beautiful town and we have several attractions here. Easy to go to Nashville or Knoxville, Alabama, Georgia or Alabama. Come and visit. You would love it here.
Thanks for the information. Definitely helps deciding where to retire and what to look for