NEW Rankings of the Best and Worst Places to Retire
“The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.” —Colin R. Davis
Here are the best states to retire in 2025, and you'll be surprised at which states have slipped to the bottom.
For decades, Florida was the undisputed king of retirement. Sunshine, no state income tax, endless golf courses, and all the markings of a retiree's paradise, but according to a new 2025 report from Bankrate, those golden years may be spent somewhere else, perhaps a little cooler.
In a surprising twist, Florida not only lost its crown but also plummeted to 41st place in the ranking of the best states to retire in.
Many of the traditional Sun Belt havens are now slipping as retirees prioritize more than just warm weather and tax breaks.
New Top Retirement Destinations
Thanks to stellar marks in safety, health care access, and overall livability four New England states cracked the top ten: New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and Rhode Island. It proves that colder weather is not a deal breaker when the fundamentals of retiring comfortably are strong.
At the Bottom of the List
Louisiana ranked last due to crime, healthcare, and affordability. The Golden State's high cost of living, housing prices, and tax burden have pushed it out of contention despite its natural beauty and weather. Surprisingly, eight of the ten lowest-ranked states are in the Sun Belt, which was previously considered the ideal destination.
Florida: rising house costs and insurance fees due to natural disasters, hurricanes, and flooding are causing this state to no longer offer the ideal retirement value that many assumed it would.
Today, retirees are seeking safety, affordability, and access to healthcare more than just sunny weather and tax shelters. Retirees are becoming more discerning and less nostalgic.
If you're rethinking your ideal retirement location, the latest data serves as a good reminder not to chase the Sun Belt, but to pursue what matters most for long-term well-being.
