Deciding where to retire is crucial for Baby Boomers seeking a comfortable and affordable lifestyle. We have leveraged data from the 2024 WalletHub study to identify the states baby boomers should avoid during retirement.
The study evaluated states based on affordability, quality of life, and health care, using a 100-point scale to grade each metric. From the weighted average of the scores, the Wallethub team determined each state’s total score and ranked it accordingly.
Here are the states Baby Boomers might want to avoid when considering retirement options.
Kentucky
(Total score: 43.30)
Kentucky ranks as the 5th best state for elder abuse protection. This state seems attractive for retirees on a budget, ranking 32nd in affordability. However, digging deeper reveals lower rankings for quality of life (41st) and healthcare (44th).
This could translate to a lack of desired amenities and activities. It also indicates potentially limited access to doctors and specialists.
New Jersey
(Total score: 43.69)
New Jersey offers better access to healthcare, ranking 20th in this category. This is the only benefit the state provides. It ranks as the state with the 5th worst elder abuse protections in 2024. New Jersey has the second-highest cost of living (49th) on this list. Having a secure life with a comfortable lifestyle on a fixed income could be difficult in New Jersey.
Mississippi
(Total score: 44.10)
Mississippi might be very affordable for retirees, ranking 12th in cost of living. This could be a major draw for those on a tight budget. Unfortunately, Mississippi falls short in other crucial areas. It has the lowest ranking for quality of life (50th) on this list, and healthcare access is also a concern (48th). This could mean limited access to recreational activities and potentially fewer healthcare options. Also, it has comparatively high tax burdens, ranking 19th on the list.
Rhode Island
(Total score: 45.20)
Rhode Island offers a somewhat balanced picture. It has decent healthcare access (23rd) and quality of life (42nd). However, affordability might be a hurdle, ranking 42nd. This state could be a good fit for those looking for healthcare and a decent living environment. However, managing daily expenses within budget might be a challenge.
Oklahoma
(Total score: 45.57)
This state presents a similar situation to Rhode Island. It’s relatively affordable (17th), which can be a major plus for retirees. However, quality of life (47th) and healthcare access (45th) bring down the overall score. While affordability is important, a fulfilling retirement also requires a vibrant community. Access to good medical care is also imperative.
Louisiana
(Total score: 45.88)
Louisiana is an attractive option for budget-conscious retirees because of its affordability ranking of 16th. However, this benefit is overshadowed by lower rankings in quality of life (46th) and healthcare access (47th). Retiring in Louisiana could mean living on a budget. However, with limited access to cultural attractions, recreational activities, and doctors or specialists, it may not be the best state to live in.
New York
(Total score: 46.49)
New York offers a shining example of a state with excellent healthcare access, ranking 12th in this category. This could be a major draw for retirees with specific healthcare needs. However, there’s a significant trade-off.
Living in the Big Apple is expensive as it has the highest cost of living (ranks 50th in terms of affordability). Balancing top-notch healthcare with a comfortable lifestyle on a fixed income might be difficult in New York.
Washington
(Total score: 47.19)
Washington presents a different scenario. It boasts a great quality of life (17th), offering retirees a vibrant and engaging environment. This could include access to beautiful scenery, cultural attractions, and recreational activities. However, affordability might be a hurdle for some, with Washington ranking 45th in this category. Moreover, The state levies a 5.5% sales and excise tax, impacting residents’ annual income. Managing a desirable lifestyle and daily expenses within budget could be a concern
Arkansas
(Total score: 47.28)
Arkansas is another state with a relatively low cost of living (13th), which makes it potentially attractive for budget-conscious retirees. However, Arkansas has lower rankings for quality of life (49th) and healthcare access (42nd), which could lead to a lack of desired amenities and activities and limited access to medical care.
Illinois
(Total score: 47.37)
Illinois presents a mixed bag. It offers decent healthcare access (26th) and a potentially good quality of life (16th). You can enjoy the medical facilities and various amenities. However, the cost of living in Illinois might be tight for retirees on a fixed income, ranking 47th. Deciding to retire in Illinois might involve carefully evaluating your daily expenses to achieve your desired lifestyle.
West Virginia
(Total score: 48.07)
This state boasts the lowest cost of living (ranks 5th). This could be a major draw for retirees looking to stretch their budget as far as possible.
Nevertheless, affordability comes at a significant cost here. West Virginia has the lowest ranking for quality of life (40th) and falls short in healthcare access (50th). Retiring in West Virginia might mean living very frugally. However, there needs to be more access to amenities, cultural attractions, and doctors or specialists.
Tennessee
(Total score: 48.41)
Tennessee is another state with a very affordable cost of living (6th), making it an attractive option for budget-conscious retirees. However, similar to Mississippi (point 3), affordability comes at a cost. Tennessee has a lower ranking for quality of life (48th), potentially offering fewer recreational activities or cultural attractions.
Healthcare access in Tennessee is just average (46th). While Tennessee might be financially manageable, it may not have the most stimulating environment for all retirees.
Maryland
(Total score: 48.97)
Maryland offers a more balanced picture. It boasts good access to healthcare (17th) and a potentially good quality of life (19th). This could translate to a vibrant community with amenities and access to necessary medical care. However, affordability might be a concern for some retirees, with Maryland ranking 43rd in this category. Having a desired lifestyle and managing daily expenses within budget could be a challenge.