Best States to Retire – Top Places for Seniors 2025

Last Updated on: December 10th, 2025

Reviewed by Kyle Wilson

Important Points To Remember

  • Low retirement taxes
  • Affordable senior living
  • Strong healthcare access
  • Warm pleasant climate
  • Budget friendly states

Retirement is a very important and the major milestone in life. This is a time to relax, enjoy freedom and live in a place that supports your lifestyle, health, and finances. There are so many options across the United States, but choosing where to retire can be very confusing. That is why so many people start their search by exploring the best states to retire, especially if they rely on Social Security, a pension or best state to retire on a fixed income.

This detailed guide will break down the best states for retirees to retire in 2025. This also covers the taxes, affordability, healthcare, climate and overall quality of life. No matter what you are searching, in this guide we will give you everything you need to know.

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What Makes A State One Of The Best Places To Retire

Before we explore the list of the best states. It is very important to understand what are the factors and what defines the best retirement states to live in. Retirees generally look for these reasons and let’s discuss each one by one.

Low Taxes 

Tax friendliness is one of the biggest reasons people move. The best states to retire tax wise usually offer no tax on social security, pensions or retirement income.

Affordable Cost Of Living

Retirees on social security or a fixed income need low housing costs, affordable groceries and reasonable healthcare expenses. 

Good Health Care Access

States with the strong health system become the best states for seniors to retire, especially those with Medicare friendly facilities.

Pleasant Climate

Warm and pleasant weather is a priority for so many seniors so that they can enjoy Weather with peace.

Safe And Comfortable Communities

Low crime rates, senior activities and the quality lifestyle make a very big difference and seniors prefer these places to live.

Top 7 Best States To Retire In 2025

Choosing the perfect place to retire is a big decision and the right state can make your golden years feel truly golden. If you are planning ahead then here is a look at the top seven best states to retire in and let’s have a look at what makes each one stand out.

Florida – The Best Retirement State

Florida remains one of the best US states to retire. This is best because it has no state income tax. The state also has warm weather year round and affordable living in many cities. It gives you a strong healthcare system. It is also the best state to retire on Social Security because your benefits go further.

Tennessee – Affordable And Tax Friendly

Tennessee offers no tax on wages or retirement income. There are also some of the lowest costs in the country. Tennessee has beautiful scenery and also the best mild weather. All these things make Tennessee one of the best states to retire financially.

South Dakota – Best Tax Environment 

South Dakota is often ranked as the best state to retire in for Texas because this state has no state income tax. It also has low property taxes. Talking about health, you can get affordable healthcare. For seniors who want long-term savings this is one of the best states to retire tax wise.

North Carolina – Mild Climate And Affordable Living

North Carolina is best because it combines the reasonable property taxes for retirees. The state also has beautiful coastal and mountain towns. And also has strong healthcare access that’s why many people consider it one of the best retirement states to live in.

Wyoming – Best For Fixed Income Retirees

Wyoming is often chosen by retirees. This place is chosen because it is peaceful, there are so many natural places and low taxes as well. It has no state income tax, low sales and property taxes and also has safe communities. This makes it one of the best states to retire on a fixed income.

Georgia – Growing Retiree Destination

Georgia is quickly becoming a popular retirement state because of these things

  • It has low taxes on retirement income
  • The state has the warm climate
  • And there is an affordable housing

This is often listed in the best states to retire in 2024 and 2025

Colorado – Perfect For Active Seniors

Colorado is perfect for the active seniors who want to enjoy outdoor activities. It provides excellent healthcare, it has beautiful mountains. The state also has a great quality of life. Colorado appears on many lists of the best states to retire to, especially for healthy and active seniors.

Best Conservative States To Retire

Best Conservative States To Retire

Some retirees preferred states with conservative values. There are some of the top choices that include these following states.

  • Texas
  • Tennessee
  • South Dakota
  • Wyoming
  • Alabama

Best States For Retirees With Pension

If you receive a pension, you want states that do not heavily tax your income. There are some of the states that are the top choices for the retirees with pension

  • Florida
  • Nevada
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Wyoming

How To Choose The Best State To Retire In

Picking the best state to retire depends on your budget, your health needs and family location. You can also choose the best state according to the preferred climate and the lifestyle. Before choosing any state to retire in, you have to ask yourself some of the questions like.

  • Do I want warm or mild weather?
  • Do I need low taxes and low living costs?
  • Do I want to live near the mountains, beaches or cities?
  • Do I prefer relaxed or active communities?

All these questions will make you better understand your needs so that this will help you to identify the best states to retire among the many options that are available.

Best States To Retire For Taxes

Best States To Retire For Taxes

Retirees often look for low cost or no tax states to live after retirement. Here are some of the top tax friendly states that are popular among retirees

  • Florida
  • South Dakota
  • Wyoming
  • Nevada
  • Texas

Final Thoughts

Choosing where to retire is one of the most important financial and also lifestyle decisions you will ever make. No matter if you are looking for the best state to retire financially or you want the best states to retire in the US now after having this article you have a clear picture of the top choices. The good news is that the United States offers plenty of beautiful, affordable and tax friendly states that are perfect for every type of retiree. So before choosing the place, always remember to compare the states to pick the best one according to your preferences.

Start your future planning with confidence and also secure with peace of mind. Get reliable, affordable coverage from our trusted Burial Senior Insurance. Protect your loved ones from financial stress and make sure that your final expenses are fully covered with ease.

FAQs

South Dakota, Florida, and Tennessee are the best financial states to retire because they have no income tax, low housing cost, and overall cheaper daily living. So this will help your retirement money last much longer.

Florida is considered as the most retiree friendly state because it offers warm weather. Also, there is no state income tax, many senior communities, strong healthcare services and a lot of activities. And the lifestyle is specially designed to support seniors comfortably and safely year round.

Yes, you can retire on $2000 a month in states like Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee and Oklahoma. Here rent, groceries, utilities and transportation are much cheaper. So this will allow you to live comfortably on a small monthly budget.

Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska are often ranked as the cheapest and happiest states because they offer low living costs. There are friendly communities, safe neighborhoods, good hospitals and peaceful lifestyles. This will create a comfortable and enjoyable retirement experience.

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Senior Writer & Licensed Life Insurance Agent

Iqra is a dynamic and insightful senior writer with a passion for life insurance and financial planning. With over 8 years of hands-on experience in the insurance industry, Iqra has earned a reputation for delivering clear, actionable advice that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their financial future. At Burial Senior Insurance, she not only excels as a licensed insurance agent but also as a trusted guide who has successfully advised over +1500 clients, helping them navigate the often complex world of life insurance and annuities. Her articles have been featured in top-tier financial publications, making her a respected voice in the industry.