[...] The 2012 version of this list came out Jan. 11. December 7, 2010 — The 50 U.S. states are in a beauty contest. Whether they [...]

January 11th, 2012 | #

I am interested in retiring to Wisconsin, your article states that it has the highest propert taxes in the nation and states that social security is not taxable. What about cost of living? Health Care? cost of Gas etc. these factors would very helpful for decision making of where to retire. How does the economy in wi compare to other states?

January 11th, 2012 | #

Your list seems quite plausible. I would point out, though, that some of those states are big. And whether one lives in one area of the state or another can make a huge difference.
My husband and I live in western NY (on the Canadian border, down river from Niagara Falls). Property taxes vary by county, and in Niagara Co. they definitely are high related to income levels. And income taxes are pretty high; but as you note, retirees can take advantage of exemptions. We couldn’t possibly afford to live anywhere near NY City or Albany. But western NY has very moderate housing prices (nice houses/neighborhoods starting at less than $150,000) and a much lower cost of living than many other parts of the state. And housing costs have not been subject to the extreme rises and falls that they have been in many areas of the country. There is also has an immense amount of natural beauty here and the winter climate is not at all extreme (which you imply it is in NY); and of course, there’s all kinds of boating opportunities in the other seasons. Also tons of good restaurants. A person might simply want to avoid Erie County’s Buffalo Southtowns if he/she doesn’t like a lot of snow and colder weather. Or, just drive south an hour or so to go skiing, and then return home to no snow. Where we live along the Niagara River and a bit south of Lake Ontario, we get far less snow than Buffalo and its southern suburbs does only 30 miles away. Though we are looking for a possible place outside of NY to move to when my husband retires, that mostly has to do with wanting to be near family and nothing to do with a bad climate here, or lack of natural beauty, lack of amenities, etc. I might add that it’s also a plus to live next door to Canada (and an hour and a quarter from Toronto), as that opens up additional cultural and social opportunities. I would say western NY is a well kept secret and a very fine place to live.

January 11th, 2012 | #

I’m responding to Charles’ question, regarding Wisconsin. We have lived in Wisconsin most of our lives. Yes, the property taxes are quite high, but housing costs are much lower than states on the east and west coasts. Cost of living, therefore, is much lower than, say, California, but that would be true of the entire midwest. When we do retire, we will always keep a home there because of family and because the summers are really beautiful. We only use our AC for a week on average during the entire summer. The winters….well, you’ve got to like the cold and snow. And of course, the Green Bay Packers!!

January 11th, 2012 | #

Those are precisely the reasons we sold everything in New York State (western NY) and relocated to Florida. We save a huge bundle. have a condo in Winter Haven FL city of 35,000 and 50 lakes within city limits. with homestead takes under $700/yr. total excellent weather, plenty to do and only 40 minutes from Orlando airport with reasonable flights everywhere including worldwide. Beaches on both costs an hour or so away. Lots to do. People need to retire outside of the high cost states listed in your review. Good article. Should be helpful to all those pondering the question!

January 11th, 2012 | #

I live in Chicago now. I am 70, still trying to work, and barely making it. The cost of living is extremely high compared to my salary. When I go on straight SS, I will never make it here. Just the rent alone will do me in. I can’t afford to buy so I am looking at good rental areas with good walking to stores, etc. I am torn between the west,AZ or NV, or going south. Not sure about the humidity in FL. I need sun and not gloomy horrid winters.

January 11th, 2012 | #

My wife and I are NJ residents and are trying our best to wave farewell to this state of taxation.
In the past four years our real estate taxes thanks to local government tax hikes and their re-evaluation have increased from $4,500 to $7,800. Governor Christie is working to reduce taxes but he is dealing with a generational Democratic State House and Senate who just love to pander to the government employees and to tax and spend.

January 11th, 2012 | #

I am retired and just moved from Connecticut to Western Massachusetts. I find it much cheaper to live here. Our home is waterfront on a beautiful lake and the property taxes are 1/2 of what we were paying in Newtown CT.

January 11th, 2012 | #

I’d be interested in a site where you can select the factors important to you that be quantitatively measured. Some things like not too far (or too near) family are qualitative factors only.

For me that means minimal allergies like I and my wife endure in Saint Louis (a wonderful region in many ways,) lower median humidity, temperature not too frequently over 99 degrees or frequently under 32 degrees, median or lower cost of living, midway between Missouri (daughters) and California (Brother, sons, niece, nephew,) conservative, and (due to Hispanic/Anglo/Indian family backgrounds,) someplace moderately culturally mixed. Our best answer so far has been Central New Mexico. Multiple Summer visits of 1-2 weeks and a Fall visit of just over 1 week to Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, and Taos (Evergreen allergies alone killed Taos,) have reinforced our impressions. We want to visit in Winter and Spring before our 2016 retirements to be sure.

Gracias,

Glenn

January 11th, 2012 | #

[...] February 22, 2011 – The Sunbelt continues to dominate when it comes to the places that baby boomers are considering for retirement. Topretirements.com has just published its 5th annual list of the 100 most popular places to retire on its site, and this year the trend toward the Sunbelt continues even stronger — 77 of the 100 top positions were held by towns in the Sunbelt. Florida dominated the list, taking 26 of the spots (it held 23 in 2010), followed by North Carolina (11) and South Carolina and Arizona (7 each). Note: We will be updating this article for 2012 in late January, 2012. To make sure you don’t miss our new list, sign up for our free weekly “Best Places to Retire” newsletter. See also “The Worst States for Retirement – 2012“. [...]

January 11th, 2012 | #

I don’t understand how an assessment of Illinois can conclude Illinois is a “worst” place to retire. Sure the fiscal health is lousy– but that’s not impacting people (yet, I assume). And retirees are incredibly shielded from that fiscal health problem because 100% of retirement income is not taxed in the state tax code. So, you are mostly left with complaining about the weather.

January 12th, 2012 | #

I’ve lived in downstate Illinois for 51 years and have been retired for 16 of those years. The state fiscal mess has not yet impacted on the state’s residents and will not likely impact significantly on retirees. Those who
were employees of the state (e.g.,I retired from teaching at a state university) are not taxed on any of their pension income that was earned during their employment by the state. Except for the cold winters, Illinois is presently a great state for retirees.:neutral::neutral::neutral:

January 12th, 2012 | #

Is there a State by State ranking of best or worst places to retire. I know you published the 10 worst places, but
what’s number 11, 12 and so on.

Editor’s note: Good question. In 2011 we came developed a list of the 10 Best States to Retire – we will be updating it soon.
The worst states after 10 started to fall off quickly – in other words they aren’t nearly as bad as say the top 7 or 8. But in the 11th through 15 spots would probably be MD, CA, WV, NE, and MI.

January 12th, 2012 | #

Very helpful article. Wouldn’t it have been great to be smart enough to make all the right decisions over the past five decades? Gosh, I would have been both wealthy and well known, I am sure. Alas, I made many, many bad choises, and, from my mistaks, learned little more than bad things do happen to good people. Of course other people and institutions made an equal number of bad decisions that hurt me. Take it all together and what I difference does it make at age 75? For me not too much except to realize that we are not the producer, director and actor in our lives. Best to take life less seriously and try to find a bit of happiness each day as it passes by.

January 12th, 2012 | #

[...] a lot of it has to do with taxes.John Brady operates the website, “TopRetirements.com“. His analysis shows northeast states with high taxes put a large burden on retirees. Of Jersey’s [...]

January 13th, 2012 | #

[...] just confirms what we have already suspected, but  Connecticut has been deemed the worst state in the country in which to retire.  Thank you Governor Malloy, thank you State Senator Bob Duff, and thanks to [...]

January 13th, 2012 | #

As a CT resident and a senior one at that, I can’t think of any place in the US that I like more or appreciate the many wonderful and beautiful opportunities right here at home. Of course, as a senior, I too want to avoid cold weather (even if we don’t have a blizzard this year 67″ of snow last year) and the unfavorable tax rates on seniors here in CT.

Please avoid the laying of blame on either political party as the debt problem in CT goes back nearly fifteen years and both parties have run this state. Where I live is extremely affluent and virtually 75% Republican but the reality is that CT economics is largely dependent upon the defense industry from Groton (submarines and naval warfare) to Hartford (weapons production) and Stratford (Skikorsky helicopers) etc. When the defense budgets go up and more people are hired, finances improve. When DOD budgets are cut, the state loses revenue. Also note that most of the country’s hedgefunds are headquartered in CT as are a substantial portion of the insurance industry. So, let’s get off blaming particular people or parties as both parties have suffered through the same problems.

January 14th, 2012 | #

[...] has compiled a list of the 10 worst states in which to retire, based on five factors: fiscal health, property taxes, income taxes, cost of living and [...]

January 15th, 2012 | #

If Connecticut is the worst state for retirement, why does this Newsletter/blog/discussion post come out of Connecticut? It is my understanding that the person who runs it has retired and this is the job/business he created for his retirement.

Editor’s Comment. Yes, I live in Connecticut most of the year. We try to be objective in what we present here (even if it hurts!). We dearly love the State, but it is not a friendly place for retirees for the reasons presented. We are fortunate that we are able to live here where so many of our friends and many relatives also live. Like we said in the article, there are a lot more reasons to retire somewhere than just the financial ones.

January 15th, 2012 | #

I understand. I also live in Connecticut and my wife and I are planning to retire in a few years. When we do retire, we will be leaving the state, like so many others. I estimate that I will save at least $1500 a month by leaving Connecticut. We will be moving to either Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Florida. Living in the South will not bother us, we have lived there in the past, unlike some other Yankees who have trouble adjusting. The $1500 comes from being able to at least cut my PITI in half for an equal house/condo, no longer having an oil bill for heat and hot water (as I write this it is 11 degrees, electric rates in Connecticut are the second highest in the country, Hawaii is the highest) and not having my Social Security taxed along with so many other taxes in Connecticut. In addition, our children have all fled Connecticut to that area of the South, so it only makes sense for us to go there. They fled Connecticut because of the high taxes and high cost of living years ago. This is a problem for many families in the state. The young people are leaving because it is difficult to find jobs that pay enough for them to be able to live independently and not have to come back and live with Mom and Dad after college. When they head south and west, they can do that. Connecticut is in the business of exporting people, jobs and businesses to the rest of the country because it is so expensive to live hear and do business. Last year, the state imposed the highest tax increase in the history of the state. The fact is, that state is in a similar condition to Illinois or California. It is just that Connecticut does not get a lot of attention because we do not have a major city or media center in the state so people do not pay a lot of attention to what goes on here. We are between Boston and New York, not fly-over country, but drive-through country. A very pretty state to be sure, with a lot of history, beautiful colonial towns, and wonderful places on Long Island Sound, but one you can drive through on your way to a major metro in 2+ hours.

January 16th, 2012 | #

Did you know that the state of Illinois has no income tax on retirement income, including pensions and 401-Ks!!! This
more than makes up for any other shortcomings.

Editor’s Comment: Very true, IL is very friendly about just every kind of retirement pension, including SS. One problem is that IL’s property tax is 6th highest in the nation. Another is that because there is a flat 5% income tax, all non-retirement income is taxed at a pretty hefty rate.

January 16th, 2012 | #

Don’t forget sales tax and gasoline taxes in Illinois – among the highest in country. Also, Gov Quinn is wanting to start to tax retirement income based income level. It’s getting worse.

January 16th, 2012 | #

My husband and I retired from South Fla to Western North Carolina. It is just beautiful being in the foothills of the mountains. Taxes are low, expenses are low, insurance is low, health care is fantastic and we find ourselves sharing the area with many “half backs.” Northerners or MidWesterners used to move to Fla, hate it, and then come half way back, which is usual. Four perfect seasons clinch the deal!

January 17th, 2012 | #

West Virginia? Surely you jest! Yes, WV wants retirees’ income, but offers NO INCENTIVES, particularly to the middle class.

January 17th, 2012 | #

This is a “we hate liberal states” list, not a “best place to retire” list. No mention is made of factors such as climate (which is a financial AND a halth issue- how much does it cost to run your air conditioning onstantly in a high-humidity state?) or public services (on which people on fixed incomes are especially dependent?). The state of Texas is in much worse budgetary shape than just about every state mentioned, but it misses your list- why? What about a clean environment- aren’t older folks especially susceptible to toxic air and water? I could go on…really though, the political bias is obvious. Me, I’ll retire where I live and love it, California.
Editors note: In an effort to keep politics out of this Forum we made a few small edits to this and some other posts here.

January 17th, 2012 | #

This state is horrific to live in..highest gas (double) tax in the nation…highest alcohol/cig taxes…highest property taxes…if u have a 400,000 house expect to pay like 10k a year in taxes….sell your house? another tax!….double dip state income tax…sales tax…every tax u can think of …If i didnt have little kids here, id be otta here

January 18th, 2012 | #

There are so many other factors that are relevant to retirement besides weather and taxes (although both are very important). I believe that family, friends, and familiarity play just as important a role in maintaining a quality of living. A lot of times it seems that moving away is based on fiscal reasons with the expectation that you can travel and visit family and friends. Health issues and comfort issues sometimes get in the way of this.

January 19th, 2012 | #

I live in Massachusetts and my husband and I are about 5 years from retirement. We have considered some of the Soutern/Western states to retire to, but eliminated them because of things not mentioned in your article – Florida (too humid in the summer), Texas, Nevada, Arizona (too many illegal immigrants), Louisiana (hurricanes, flooding, natural disasters), Mississippi, Alabama (deficient health care and public services). You also make too much of high property taxes – if a retiree wants to dodge high property taxes then RENT, don’t own. My husband and I have definitely decided on Maine as our summer/fall living destination. It has nice beaches, great (not humid) summer weather, and a reasonable cost of living. We are still looking at a winter/spring place, and are currently considering Virginia or the Carolinas. Your article is biased toward the Northern/Midwestern states. I will take Maine (one of those Northern states on your “bad places to retire” list) over Texas or Florida any day of the week!

January 20th, 2012 | #

Interesting article. A caution to all before moving, however, to carefully run the numbers. A few years ago we sold 20 acres in Montana we had once considered for retirement and discovered we would have paid more in state tax there that year than in CT. (As for its weather, Montana does reliably hold summer every July.) I also recently considered buying a small condo near my mother in Ohio but after adding to the property tax, the sewer tax, water tax, school tax, town tax, etc, it added to more than ours here. (And Ohio weather? Columbus has more cloudy days than Seattle.) We retired right here. I no longer listen to the Connecticut bashers calling talk radio (who needs nine hours of whining negativity?). So it snowed last night. I saw a young mountain lion race across our property into the woods this morning and just came in from taking photos of its tracks. I’m happy to be alive here.

January 20th, 2012 | #

There seems to be an unhealthy obsession with income taxation and cost of living associated with this list. Anyone who is about to retire should be old enough to remember that state fiscal crises are nothing new and cost of living is a more slippery concept for retirees. Remember, this is retirement. I hope no one is realistically considering a 30 year mortgage on a four bedroom house, complete with .5 acres of grass to mow that will be taxed accordingly. Access to good health care institutions and good public services should be heavily weighted with rehspect to any list of potential retirement locations. Moreover, the social environment should be seriously concerned, i.e., availability of intellectually stimulating people, institutions and opportunities.

January 20th, 2012 | #

David-We would love to retire to California, but it is too messed up economically; we know, we lived there already once. Politics has very little to do with our decision. We have to think about how far our retirement income will go. That’s the reality of it. Some states are just too expensive for us to even consider. As I read what people write, there is some good advice, some off the wall advice and some some “what the heck is this person thinking” advice. I enjoy this forum. I sure would like to hear more about Conway, SC and that area…

January 21st, 2012 | #

After reading all of the posts, it becomes more clear to me why Prescott, AZ is rated 3rd of 100 in the top 100 list of favored retirement locations. We’ve lived in the Prescott since 2007 and really like it here. The weather is temperate with mild winters and summers that peak at about 99 degrees. The Prescott area took a big hit along with the rest of Arizone in the housing market, so the previous high prices have reduced dramatically. For veterans, the Prescott VA Hospital is highly ranked across the VA Hospital system. My husband uses it exclusively for his medical care and has been very satisfied. Other medical care can be a problem though. Most doctors will either not take Medicare/Medicare Advantage or are not taking new patients. For the most part, Prescott is conservative Republican. The extended area of Prescott Valley adds additional housing, shopping, and entertainment opportunities. If you are still working and looking for employment opportunities, they likely won’t be in the Prescott area unless you are in the medical field or are interested in retail.

January 22nd, 2012 | #

Housing still overpriced in Illinois North of I-80 and East of I-39, and property taxes here are brutal. Based off over-inflated “market value”. 2010 Census tells the story of Illinois and as soon as my youngest is done with school, we are fleeing this state. I pay more in property taxes than what most in surrounding states pay for their monthly mortgage payment.

January 31st, 2012 | #

Does having an awful governor count as a minus 1 or more…I live in Az. the weather is hot in the summer, very mild for 9/10 months, cost of living is bearable, but to me, property taxes are high. Social Security is taxed, but it does offer a state tax credit of $2500.00 for retired military. So since all else is expensive, I take advantage of this small crumb. You have to love your state, good, bad and otherwise. Good luck to you on your decisions to relocate. I relocated from Kansas City, MO., and did not notice any difference, but then maybe I did not pay that much attention and I was not 65 years old eiher at that time.

February 1st, 2012 | #

[...] released its 2012 list of the “Worst States to Retire.” It will probably come as no surprise to those of us that live here that Massachusetts [...]

February 4th, 2012 | #

Well we lived and worked in CT so we did not want to move there. So we chose Maine. Then we find out about the high Income Tax rate, The highest percentage kicks in at $15,000. So even if you ar on poverty you have the highest rate.
Next the State has not say in the School Districts. So whatever the localally elected school board vote to do is what happens. Well they have a thing called weighted votes. So the larger towns get more people to sit on the voting boards. They decide the tax rates for all the towns in the school districts. You guessed it. The little towns get hit with Big school tax bills and no avenue for complaint. This “Home Rule” Thing is a pain in the A** if you know what I mean. Since Maine was part of Mass at one time, and Mass is a Commonwealth State. Most of Maine Constitution is writtent the same way. All the power is with the Towns. So the state offers suggestions and things to help out the Towns but if the Town wants Augusta (the capital of the State) to bug out then that is what happens.
Therefore you get hit with high local taxes because that is how it is done and boy are those Town meetings something to behold. The only thing good about them is that you actually get to voice you complaint but that is as far as it goes.
Short version. Stay away from Maine.

February 5th, 2012 | #

So many of the “worst states” for retirement are also the same states that have some kind of health insurance for those with pre-existing conditions in the form of guaranteed issue (WA,NY,NJ,MA,ME,VT and Wash DC). Some states have high risk pools established so that someone with pre-existing conditions and too young for Medicare CAN obtain insurance, but will pay a hefty premium. Other states offer nothing, unless you are below the poverty line. At 55, I have retired early, and will be forced to leave my home state of AZ to relocate to a state that allows me to purchase health insurance – such as NC, AL or AR. THAT’s one way of attracting retirees, especially those with enough money to retire early!

February 6th, 2012 | #

Unfortunately, a job change brought me to Illinois from Minnesota. I would not buy a house here because of the property taxes and have decided not to retire in Illinois when the time comes. I’m hoping to sell my house in Minnesota and get out from that. But a total list of the 50 states would assist us in making an intelligent choice. You had to figure everything up anyways to figure your top 10 best/worst. My goal is to find a place to settle in for at least 8 months out of the year, because I plan on travelling the world for the other 4 months. I’ve already lived in Europe and North Africa, but would love to spend time in South America and Asia.

February 6th, 2012 | #

Well, one thing they did not take into account was the cultural events, arts, and social safety net. I am thinking that may be something they should add. I am in Minnesota, have a grown son with Down’s syndrome and Minnesota’s program for him far outweighs other states. Also, Minnesota has programs for Seniors, such as Meals on Wheels, Hospice Care, Respite for Care Givers and others, that fortunately I do not need to know about yet, because I am too young.

February 8th, 2012 | #

THE GOVENOR ANNOUNCED THEN SIGNED INTO LAW IN MICHIGAN TO BEGIN TO TAX RETIREE PENSION (PRIVATE FEDERAL AND PUBLIC) THIS YEAR 2012 TO PAY FOR THE TAX BREAKS/CUTS GIVEN TO BUSINESSES. WITH ALL THE FORECLOSURES HERE AND THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY OVERALL IT’S AMAZING THE GOVENOR USED RETIREES, THE LOWEST FORM OF INCOME, TO PAY FOR HIS BUSINESS BREAKS. WE SHOULD BE IN THE TOP 10 WORST STATES FOR RETIREES

Editor’s Note: To Topretirements commenters – please do not use ALL CAPS. It is considered SHOUTING on the Internet.

February 8th, 2012 | #

[...] The bad news? You live in the second-worst state, according to research released recently by TopRetirements.com.Connecticutnow has the dubious honor of being the worst state to spend your golden years, according [...]

February 8th, 2012 | #

ok this is all great, I dont think most of us will have to worry about where to retire, as retirement will be non-existant before too long. I am requesting to be cremated and tossed into the ground or water anywhere. please make sure my state knows this upon my passing !

February 8th, 2012 | #

We live in CA and plan to leave the state very soon. Weather is fantastic here, but everything else is terrible. The state is in a fiscal mess, accumulated by decades of Democratic ruled legislators. We pay 9% state income tax. Property tax amount stays low if you bought your house at a lower price (a long time ago; thanks to Prop 13). However, if you buy buy a new one at today’s market price (say $800,000), then property tax alone is another $9,000 per year. Tax rates are likely to go even higher in CA in the years to come. Democrats will not curtail spending; so the state needs more revenue from taxes. We rather live in NV and just visit CA and enjoy what it has to offer (without paying all these high taxes).

February 8th, 2012 | #

We live in WI and we are retired. We plan to move to PA where taxes are more favorable to retirees. Income taxes are very high. Since our income is all 401K and IRAs it is all taxable and not as income but has a pension distribution so you don’t even qualify for married income tax credit. Property taxes are extremely high in WI. We pay $6000 a year on an average home. Our kids in PA pay $4500 on a home that is worth twice what ours is. The cost of living isn’t cheaper here than PA, or even Florida from what we have priced out in stores over the years. Medical is the same. Beware that most of WI except for a few groups in Milwaukee only accept their own local HMOs or PPOs. That national health insurance companies like Blue Cross, Aetna, United Healthcare are not accepted. We travel an hour for doctors yet have a number of hospitals nearby. Most of the doctors are in group health plans that do not accept Blue Crosse or any of the other national plans.

February 8th, 2012 | #

recently I looked at my parrish( county) taxes and found almost 60% was for schools.I think the retired folks should be exempt from these taxes as we have already paid for at least 30 years . ashok rao

February 8th, 2012 | #

In reading the posts, what seems most evident to me is that money isn’t everything in deciding where to live. I see folks loving 4 seasons, warm, and everything in between, as well as the people in the community. Some of the warm states attract escapists, who don’t engage with community in which they live and miss the best part of retirement-having time to give back or enjoy the company of likeminded people you couldn’t meet when you worked. I will stay on Cape Cod-relatively mild winters, moderate (rarely ever hits 90) and interact in lively arts, culture and outdoor active lifestyle on land, water and air

February 9th, 2012 | #

The writer of this silly blog is not very informed. Climate change is the canary in the coal mine.

http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/09/29/332369/nasa-hansen-the-southern-u-s-will-become-almost-uninhabitable/

February 10th, 2012 | #

Is anyone happy being retired in New Hampshire? We used to live in the state and will need to move out of Illinois in retirement- real estate taxes too high, Any good comments?

February 11th, 2012 | #

[...] The purpose is to try to help baby boomers understand where, all other things being equal, they can … [...]

February 17th, 2012 | #

Beverly – I am happy with NH. I have lived in MD and NJ in the military and am retired. If one uses an assumption of an income of $100K retired (just an assumption, not saying that everyone makes that) and a home with an assessment of $275K, although NH’s real estate taxes are higher than expected and there are personal propery taxes, there are no income or sales taxes. IN a comparison with MD, there would be a savings of almost $15K per year, which in no way is offset by the higher property tax or the slightly higher heatin bills. Hope this helps.

February 18th, 2012 | #

income of $100K retired

I should have joined the military:shock::shock:

February 19th, 2012 | #

I have no idea where his the %100K military retirement originated. I will say that after serving 25 years and retiring as a Major 18 years ago, my military retirement is not even half that much. So believe me this is not a NORMAL retirement paycheck – maybe a four star with a whole hoop of years or maybe he has a pension from another career after the military?

Editor’s note: I think the 100k was just an example to make a point about differing taxes by state. Obviously a military pension alone wouldn’t come anywhere near that. But as Shelbygtdriver says perhaps there was another career or a successful lifetime of saving/investing. The major point: everybody’s situation is different. If taxes are important to you, research will help you make the right decision.

February 19th, 2012 | #

I have a question for everybody. I have recently been told that my vision will not be returning.I’m legally blind. I would like to find a community with excellent public transportation. I have done a bit of research and I believe I have narrowed it down to about 4 possibilities. I’m open to any and all suggestions. I would love to be close to water weather it’s fresh or salt. I prefer warmer climate. Presently live in Maine, but the winters are too much for me now. Unless I were to move to Portland, getting to appointments and shopping is a project. I’m fiercely independent and hate to bug everybody for rides. I can still take care of my self I just cant drive anymore. So speak up and share,I’m not shy so please don’t you be.

Editors’ note: what were your four choices. It’s good that you have narrowed it down, but please share with us so we can help.

February 19th, 2012 | #

I have narrowed it down to 4) Las Vegas 3) Albuquerque 2) Hilo 1) Honolulu of course non of these choices are in stone. I need to be independent, that is my biggest want. I have to go to the doctors frequently and I want to do it my self.

February 20th, 2012 | #

Debbie, I am in a similiar boat and beginning to ask some of the same questions…so please keep me informed of what you find out – and experience. I have been impressed with Portland’s transportation system-but have only visited there a few times. I have a friend who lives quite a way out in the mountains, drives less than 5 minutes and takes the transit in (I’m thinking he told me over 50 minutes-we’re talking long distance) to Portland. While you might want to live closer to the transit system, (with no 5 minute drive) it does seem to have a generally good transportation system on several levels. The people seemed friendly, weather nice, water would include rivers, and nearby lakes and ocean.

February 21st, 2012 | #

I live in Minnesota, and I can hardly wait to move out. They absolutely rape the retirees in this state. And now they have rigged things so that my property taxes rose 28% this year. What a hell hole this place is. AS soon as my wife retires, we are gone.

February 22nd, 2012 | #

Bruce, I agree on the tax climate in Minnesota. Our property values are dropping but our property taxes are going up. Huh??? And they tax every nickel of income. No exemption for Social Security income like most states provide. It’s almost like they don’t want to be competitive for retirees. I’m actively searching for an alternative but waiting to see where my son (who has all the grandchildren) will settle after retiring from the military. I know it won’t be in Minnesota. That’s never been on his radar screen.

February 22nd, 2012 | #

I think we have found the optimum solution. We currently live in Maine and love it for the summer/fall months. When we retire, we think a place in the Carolinas would be great for 6.5 months thereby establishing residency and enjoying the tax breaks. We would return to our beusatiful Maine coast during the hot/humid summer months. Can’t wait to give it a try…We also have ties to NJ but I could never live there.

February 22nd, 2012 | #

Sharon, that makes me want to move to Maine, not stay away from it. The towns should have more power over their local schools than the state does; why should everything be regulated from on high? On the contrary, local needs can be better served by local governance. Then, if you don’t like something happening in your district, you can try to influence it yourself, with the help of like-minded individuals. If you fail, you don’t have to move that far away to find what you do like.

March 5th, 2012 | #

Best states to retire? It’s obvious that the author considered taxes as his most important criterion, which of course would weigh heavily against northern states since they spend a lot more on snow removal and — not coincidentally — EDUCATION. The study also undervalues QUALITY OF LIFE issues, which leave retirees thinking they’ll be better off in Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and South Carolina. …. People also tend to complain a lot about the Northern winters, but let’s be honest: snow and cold aren’t likely to kill you, whereas southern hellish summers, killer tornadoes, floods, and droughts have led too many people to early graves…… Bottom line: pay the northern states’ taxes and be thankful …

March 16th, 2012 | #

Wisconsin has something for everyone. If you are a liberal, there’s Madison and parts of Milwaukee. If you are a conservative, there is the rest of the state. If you like lower property and state taxes you will have to wait a couple of years until Governor Walker’s budget balancing plan really starts to pay off. If you like rolling hills (aka: upper New England) there is western Wisconsin. If you like lakes and forests you will like the sand country of northern Wisconsin. If you like family farms and a landscape with character, you will like central and southwestern Wisconsin. If you like great food, different ethnic award winning restaurants and a variety of top entertainment, you will like eastern and south easten Wisconsin. And if you are a sports nut, we have the Packers, Brewers, Badgers and Bucks less than acouple of hours from anywhere in the lower half of the state. Yes, and if you like downhill and cross country skiing, snowmobiling, boating, biking and walking (a dozen trails) or just watching migratory birds and nature in general, we provide seasons for all of those activities. That’s why, at age 69, I’m staying in Wisconsin.

March 16th, 2012 | #

In Ohio you get to attend OSU for free if you are over 65, and eastern OH has hills and is amish country with quaint shops and that area is so beautiful and calming. In that area they still shut down the shops on Sundays. My husband and I got to retire in our mid fifties … We wanted to retire in Maine ande the winter is only one to two months longer

March 16th, 2012 | #

N.J. doesn’t exclude pension income from state income taxes.

Editor’s Note: We respectfully disagree. For a couple making less than $100,000 a year, up to $20,000 in qualified pension income IS excluded. Social security income is not taxed either. See http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/njit7.shtml

March 17th, 2012 | #

In regards to Randall’s blog I disagree that the high cost of living in the Northeast is due to snow removal and education. The main reason for the high cost of living in the Northeast is one word – unions. I am living on Long Island for the time being, let me tell you that the police and teacher’s union control the cost of living out here…….. Long Island is one of the highest cost of living places to live in the country. Suffolk county on Long Isand is facing a five hundred million dollar deficit next year which will mean they will raise taxes yet again. I pay ten thousand dollars a year in property taxes the only reason why I am still here is my wifes refusal to relocate.

March 17th, 2012 | #

The New York area has high taxes. New Paltz south through Long Island have terrible real estate and school taxes. It is absurd. I grew up in New Paltz and my parents always complained about the taxes. I have a niece who lives in Pawling with her family;the amount they pay in taxes is what some earn as salary in other states and are quite happy with it! The school taxes are the highest. Westchester County real estate taxes are obscene; I do not think that the taxes have ever been cut in many areas of NY State…ever and they continue to rise. I miss New York, there is no doubt about it, but cannot afford to live there, especially when retired. The Carolinas is where we are headed.

March 18th, 2012 | #

Thanks for the info. I took an early retirement(younger than 62) and was unaware. I stand corrected.

March 18th, 2012 | #

[...] 10 Worst States for Retirement Posted by John Brady on March 27th, 2012 Comments (0)  Email This Post Entries (RSS) and Comments (RSS) [...]

March 27th, 2012 | #

This is why I am moving everything, kit and kaboodle, to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It’s a lot of work, but I’m enjoying the journey. Cost of living should be a LOT less, assuming I can ween myself off air conditioning and excessive television watching (the electricity rates are very high). About 4,000 Canadian and U.S. expats live in the Merida area now, with more on the way. I’m still looking for some place suitable for spring and summer life in the U.S., but that will take a lot of investigation.

April 1st, 2012 | #

Getting ready to retire in CA & move to OH. Someone told me I will have to pay CA taxes on my retirement since this is where I retired from & may also have to pay OH taxes as well. I’m not believing this & can not find any info on it. Please help!

Editor’s Comment: It seems to us that until you establish Ohio residency you will be on the hook for CA taxes, but that should stop with your new residency. But you should ask your accountant for exactly how that will play out.

May 26th, 2012 | #

We live in Connecticut and hope to retire next year when I am 65 and will turn 66. We will probably go to South Carolina. By going to South Carolina we will save somewhere between $1500 and $2000 per month. This will be accomplished in the following manner: Our housing (PITI) will be cut in half for the same or better housing; Heat, hot water and electric, currently being provided by oil and electric (Connecticut has the second highest electric rates in the US [Hawaii is the highest]) averages $400 per month. Many homes in South Carolina are all electric and the average bill is $125 per month. But, let’s be conservative and just cut the bill in half; Just for comparison purposes, gas for the car in Connecticut is running about $4.00 a gallon as I write this. While I do not expect to be doing as much driving (Won’t have to go to work each day), this past week, the average price per gallon in South Carolina was $3.11, the lowest in the country; Our income is such that Connecticut will probably tax our Social Security, in fact, Connecticut will tax just about any kind of income it can find and we just went through the largest tax increase in the state’s history; There is still a deficit in the state budget, so we can expect an additional tax increase in the near future. South Carolina will not tax investment income up to a certain limit and will not tax Social Security.
For those of you wondering about “Culture” in the South. Charleston is one of the most sophisticated cities in the United States. Columbia, the state capital, is often overlooked. Besides the University of South Carolina with all of the major college sports and all a major university brings with that, there are a number of other colleges and universities in the area as well as other cultural activities. The major cultural centers in the “Up Country” are Clemson University and Greenville, home of Furman University, as well as the area adjacent to Charlotte, NC, which has professional sports teams. Like any other state, if you are looking for cultural things to do, you do not go to the rural areas. If you want to go to Broadway shows, and you move to New York State, you don’t move to Watertown, New York. You move to someplace in the greater New York Metropolitan Area.
Finally, for those who complain about the people in the South who are still fighting the Civil War, AKA the War Between the States, or as some say in polite society, the “Late Unpleasantness,” one should remember a few things: 1. With a few exceptions, notably Gettysburg and Antietam, virtually all of the battles were fought in the South; 2. Southerners are proud people and they lost; 3. The South is the only part of the US that actually did loose a war and suffered the consequences. Some parts have never really come back from that; 4. There are some people who just like to get “Yankees” going when it comes to the “Late Unpleasantness”, and for some, a guaranteed way to do that is the Civil War; 5. Finally, remember, you are the new neighbor in town. If you went into an Irish bar for the first time on St. Patrick’s Day and proceeded to sing “God Save the Queen”, what would you think would happen to you? Perhaps, under the circumstances, a better strategy would be to learn to sing “Danny Boy”.
The United States is a rich and wonderful country in so many ways. We are a good and generous people that offers a great variety to all who live here. Each region of the country offers great variety to anyone who wants to take advantage of it. One of the keys to being happy in each region of the country is not to try to change the place, but to accept it for what it is. That means not going somewhere and telling the people who have lived their entire lives in that location how they should change what they have been doing for the past hundred years. There are good people everywhere. Finding those good people will be one of the things that will make for a happy and fulfilling retirement.

May 27th, 2012 | #

Angie: I moved from CA to MN and my CA taxes ended…thank God! I pay MN tax on my pension, which is a lot lower than California’s, believe me. Also, there was a Supreme Court decision some years back on this very question, and California lost, so don’t worry…once you cross the border, you are no longer beholden to them and their ridiculous taxes.

May 27th, 2012 | #

To “Fred’s Rant” Extremely thought provoking,..and brutally honest! Thank you, Fred!

It’s true!..Every place has its unique quality. When one searches for that ‘permanent dream retirement’ (in one’s personal definition), you find it! But your perfection, or your desires, may not be that of the many. There’s a wonderful something that happens when we appreciate and explore the history & culture of our new town or community… Allowing oneself to be the ‘new kid on the block’ is a good thing!

This city mouse moved from Maryland to Miami, and then from Miami to Ocklawaha, FL (a town of 2,500, and Seminole word for Big Blue Water). I appreciate my community’s rich history and southern culture. My town is laid-back and friendly. Growing up in a big market like Baltimore, and working most of my career in Miami, I now appreciate going to my grocer in Ocklawaha. For example, I can’t just run in and get my goods, I’m forced to stop-n-chat with my local grocer Gene (because that’s how we do it here in the South). America’s small towns are fading. The Mom & Pop shops are becoming a thing of the past; being a member of a small town is a real treat. It’s given something I’ve never known about myself — I like people!

Everyday I get to experience a part of America that will someday only be found in history books, “America’s once small town”. My small town is forcing me to slow-down, look-around, and embrace its southern culture! (In my opinion: my small town rescued this city mouse!)

May 28th, 2012 | #

Fred I really enjoyed your perspective and hope I meet someone like you when I retire, hopefully by the end of next year at 65. I am leaning toward the Carolina’s and would like to consider Asheville nc because it appears to be a but cooler in summer than say greenville sc. I like the idea of lower taxes in sc vs nc but the cities I find interesting such as charleston have brutally hot summers. Does the cost savings tax wise in sc vs nc make up for the heat and humidity? I’d be interested in hearing from someone who lives in Asheville to comment on the summer weather and what its like to live there lifestyle wise.

May 31st, 2012 | #