In 2025, new data revealed a growing trend: retirees are increasingly steering clear of certain states that fail to offer affordability, reliable healthcare, or the safety and comfort they need in later life. Based on key retirement factors like cost of living, taxes, healthcare access, and overall well‑being, here are the states many retirees are actively avoiding.
1. Louisiana
Lousiana ranks as the worst state for retirement—retirees face high crime rates, costly healthcare, and economic instability that undermine quality of life.
2. Texas
Despite no income tax and warm winters, Texas ranks near the bottom due to high insurance costs, poor senior healthcare access, and safety concerns.
3. Oklahoma
Low state taxes don’t make up for inadequate healthcare infrastructure and limited senior services in many regions of Oklahoma.
4. Arkansas
Arkansas struggles with poor healthcare outcomes, frequent natural disasters, and elevated crime—making it a less appealing option for retirees.
5. New Mexico
With high crime rates, stretched medical services, and low economic strength, New Mexico ranks poorly on most retirement metrics.
6. Mississippi
The state combines the lowest senior income levels with high poverty, healthcare shortages, and limited access to quality services.
7. Alabama
Alabama’s healthcare system scores low, and retirees often cite rising medical costs and limited availability of essential services.
8. South Carolina
Despite its popularity, South Carolina ranks near the bottom due to safety issues and underwhelming senior infrastructure in many areas.
9. New Jersey
Life in New Jersey is pricey—high property taxes, elevated cost of living, and limited affordability make it unattractive for most retirees.
10. Arizona
Arizona’s healthcare and weather vulnerabilities, combined with soaring insurance premiums, have pushed many retirees to look elsewhere.
Final Thoughts
These ten states often fail to deliver on retirement priorities: affordability, healthcare access, and personal safety. While some retirees might stay for family or familiar surroundings, for many this data is a clear signal to look elsewhere.
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Bankrate’s 2025 survey ranks some states among the worst for retirees—based on affordability, healthcare, and safety. Read more on Bankrate.com.
