Choosing the right state for retirees can make all the difference between a comfortable and stressful retirement. According to a new study by Bankrate, some regions offer the ideal mix of affordability, safety, and community—key elements for those over 65 looking to make the most of their post-work years.
While New York remains a beloved destination for many, one particular state stands out for offering a safer, more relaxed, and financially balanced lifestyle. It’s not known for its weather, but its rankings in health care, arts, and public safety make it one of the most appealing spots in the entire country for retirees.
Which U.S. state is the best place for retirees over 65?
According to Bankrate’s latest study, Maine takes the spotlight as the best state for retirees this year. It ranks second in safety, third in health care, and fourth in arts, making it one of the most well-rounded destinations for those prioritizing quality of life.
Although its cold weather earned it a modest 41st place in that category, Maine’s strengths in other key areas more than compensate. Its strong sense of community, cultural offerings, and top-tier medical care make it a standout choice for people seeking peace of mind and access to essential services.
The report emphasizes that retirement isn’t only about sunshine or low taxes—it’s about finding a balance between affordability, access to health care, and feeling secure. Maine’s consistent performance across categories proves that a slower pace and tight-knit environment can deliver just that.
How other states ranked in the Bankrate study
The Bankrate analysis compared all 50 U.S. states across eight major categories, including affordability, safety, health care, taxes, and arts. The results placed several New England states among the top five, showing that the region offers retirees both community and stability.
At the top of the list, New Hampshire claimed the number one spot thanks to its unbeatable neighborhood safety ranking (1st) and strong scores in health care (5th) and taxes (6th). Despite being 40th for weather, it still achieved the best overall balance.
Following Maine in second place, Vermont earned top marks for health care and arts (1st in both) and ranked second in senior population, though it slipped slightly due to affordability (12th) and harsh weather conditions (43rd).
Wyoming also stood out for its tax advantages and affordability (4th), even though its health care ranking was weaker (39th). Idaho completed the top five, praised for its strong safety record (3rd) and relatively low cost of living.
On the opposite end, Louisiana landed at the bottom, performing poorly in almost every category, while Texas followed closely behind despite its tax benefits. Other low-ranking states like Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Nebraska struggled mainly due to health care and affordability issues.
Bankrate’s methodology prioritized what retirees value most, assigning the highest weight to affordability (28%), followed by weather (18%), safety (17%), and health care (16%). Other lifestyle elements such as arts, recreation, and proximity to peers played a smaller but meaningful role in the final results.
For those planning their next chapter, this study serves as a reminder that choosing the right state for retirement is about much more than sunshine—it’s about finding a place that supports health, safety, and peace of mind for years to come.