(News Nation) – New Hampshire stands out as an ideal state for retirement in 2025, thanks to its safe streets, quality healthcare, and a vibrant retirement community.
In Bankrate’s annual assessment of the best states for retirees, New Hampshire took the top spot, while Maine and Wyoming followed closely in second and third place.
Released on Monday, Bankrate’s rankings analyzed all 50 states across eight significant factors, including affordability, weather, safety, and healthcare.
Interestingly, four states from New England made it into the top ten, benefiting from strong healthcare systems, safety ratings, and a higher proportion of residents in the same age group. On the other hand, three Rocky Mountain states were also highlighted for their affordability and low local taxes.
In contrast, it seems the appeal of the Sunbelt may be diminishing.
“Our findings might surprise retirees who considered factors like warm weather and tax benefits in their relocation plans,” noted Bankrate financial analyst Stephen Kates in the report.
Florida, often seen as a haven for retirees, was ranked 41st overall. While it scored well in terms of local taxes and the number of fellow retirees, it faced challenges in healthcare, insurance costs, and risks posed by natural disasters.
Bankrate assessed each category based on recent surveys that reflected Americans’ priorities.
Here’s a rundown of the ten best states for retirement in 2025, along with their standings in five key categories.
10 – Virginia
- Affordable prices: Rated 16th
- Weather: Ranked 8th
- Safety: 16th
- Healthcare: 25th
- Local tax: 27th
9 – Utah
- Affordable prices: 11th
- Weather: 6th
- Safety: 15th
- Healthcare: 27th
- Local tax: 16th
8 – Wisconsin
- Affordable prices: 6th
- Weather: 44th
- Safety: 9th
- Healthcare: 15th
- Local tax: 19th
7 – West Virginia
- Affordable prices: 1st
- Weather: 12th
- Safety: 6th
- Healthcare: 38th
- Local tax: 23rd
6 – Rhode Island
- Affordable prices: 38th
- Weather: 34th
- Safety: 4th
- Healthcare: 7th
- Local tax: 39th
5 – Idaho
- Affordable prices: 9th
- Weather: 24th
- Safety: 3rd
- Healthcare: 19th
- Local tax: 11th
4 – Vermont
- Affordable prices: 12th
- Weather: 43rd
- Safety: 19th
- Healthcare: 1st
- Local tax: 43rd
3 – Wyoming
- Affordable prices: 4th
- Weather: 21st
- Safety: 7th
- Healthcare: 39th
- Local tax: 1st
2 – Maine
- Affordable prices: 17th
- Weather: 41st
- Safety: 2nd
- Healthcare: 3rd
- Local tax: 29th
1 – New Hampshire
- Affordable prices: 14th
- Weather: 40th
- Safety: 1st
- Healthcare: 5th
- Local tax: 6th
