Retirees looking for white sandy beaches, affordable real estate and accessible healthcare have traditionally flocked to Florida, but a new state is taking the top spot as an appealing place to spend your golden years.
A new ranking by banking and credit union library Bank Locations listed Texas as the best state for retirees in 2023. Michigan also beat out Florida as a more appealing locale for older Americans, based on factors like cost of living, quality of life and access to healthcare.
Texas flaunts a variety of benefits for seniors, including a high number of hospitals and senior living communities throughout the state. Nice weather, as well as cultural amenities like national parks and museums, gave the Lone Star state a stellar reputation among the senior set.
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The number two spot was nabbed by Michigan, which boasts a low cost of living and high access to healthcare, appealing for seniors on a set budget. Florida landed at number three, ranking highly in quality of life, but lower for affordability. The state has become increasingly expensive, with the average home price $407,000 in 2022, up from $145,000 a decade before.
Taking the bottom spot on the list for the worst state for seniors was Delaware, according to the survey. High healthcare costs, along with a high crime rate, gave the state a low score for quality of life. Delaware does not have ample affordable housing, and also lacks appropriate activities for seniors.
Read more: A starter guide to retirement: 5 steps toward a secure future
Check out the full rankings by Bank Locations, and see the 10 best and worst states for retirees:
