New data reveals that Washington, D.C. is the top retirement destination in the United States.
According to a recent ranking by senior living website Seniorly.com, the District of Columbia is the best place to retire in the United States, surpassing all 50 states.
The website developed a ranking system for the states based on factors such as cost of living, Social Security payments, local senior population, climate, and access to health care to determine the best states to spend your golden years.
The combination of a comprehensive health-care system with numerous doctors, substantial Medicaid spending on long-term care, and an abundance of attractions in the area, such as museums and monuments, contributed to D.C.'s ranking as the top retirement destination.
The high cost of living in D.C. may make it challenging for retirees to live comfortably, depending on their financial circumstances.
According to Seniorly, the 10 most affordable and healthy states for retirement, outside of D.C., are:
- Montana
- Wyoming
- Alaska
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Vermont
- North Dakota
- Rhode Island
- Maine
- Colorado
Four of the top 10 states for retirement are located in the Western region of the U.S., and you may be able to retire there at a lower cost than in D.C.
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center data, Montana has a significantly lower cost of living compared to D.C. The state, known for its stunning natural beauty and abundant outdoor activities, was ranked No. 1 for quality of life. Additionally, 1 out of every 5 residents in Montana are aged 65 and above, according to Census Bureau data, making it an ideal destination for retirees.
Both Wyoming and Alaska are not the most affordable states, but they do not have a personal income tax.
The top 10 states for retirement are not known for their warm climates. Only Rhode Island and Maine, both coastal states, are among the top rankings. However, the winters in these states won't provide a comfortable January beach day like a warmer place like Florida.
Despite being a popular destination for retirees, Florida received the lowest health-care score from Seniorly, resulting in a ranking of 17th overall.
Improve your AI abilities and increase productivity with CNBC's online course "How to Use AI to Succeed at Work." Skilled instructors will guide you through getting started, practical applications, effective prompt-writing, and common pitfalls to avoid. Enroll now and take advantage of the limited-time offer using coupon code EARLYBIRD for a 30% discount off $67 (+ taxes and fees) through February 11, 2025.
Sign up for CNBC Make It's newsletter to receive expert advice on work, money, and life.
Make It
You might also like
- Apple CEO Tim Cook reveals he has no plans to retire in the traditional sense, stating that he will always want to work.
- At 18 years old, LeBron James rejected a $10 million offer from Reebok: "I might have shed tears on my way back home."
- Two friends invested $600,000 to launch a business that now generates up to $4.3 million in monthly revenue.
- LinkedIn co-founder billionaire: 3 traits for entrepreneurial success—No. 1 is 'insanely great ambition'
- New research reveals that several high-paying jobs don't require a college degree, with some earning over $100,000.