Best Places to Retire in the US

Summary: Where are the best places to retire in the U.S.? The latest 2026 WalletHub study identifies the options, considering factors like tax rates, cost of living, healthcare access and activities.

Florida slipped to #2, with Wyoming taking the #1 spot. South Dakota, Colorado, Minnesota and Alaska follow, each offering unique benefits and drawbacks.

If you're curious (and a bit cautious) about where to enjoy your retirement years, we've got you covered. The 2026 WalletHub study ranks the best states for retirement based on the metrics retirees seek when choosing their next best retirement location.

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Beyond activities, healthcare, and cost of living, many retirees relocate primarily to be closer to family and grandkids. Perhaps you want a change of scenery. Or, maybe you want to know how income taxes in retirement stack up in all 50 states — to keep more of your hard-earned cash in the bank.

By 2030, the U.S. will have more adults aged 65 or older — retirement age — than children under 18, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. By 2060, about 94.7 million Americans will be 65 or older. Like you, many of these same people will start thinking about where to hang their hat when they retire, if they haven't already done so.

So, whether you're thinking about "one of these days" or you're already retired and itching to make a move, it makes good sense to poke around to find the best places to retire in the U.S. before you start packing your bags.

Wondering about the "lowest-ranked" spots to retire? Our companion article looks at the worst places to retire in the U.S. (Quick note: some of the best places are also listed as the worst for a variety of reasons).

These are just a few of the factors that may tip the scales when you’re deciding whether to relocate.

• High-quality public health care
• Affordable housing
• Good public transportation
• Lots of green space
• A welcome sense of community
• The ease of making new friends
• Lower taxes
• Weather: cold vs. hot, or humid over dry

Before you permanently uproot your life, take a look at the best states to retire to in 2026, according to WalletHub.

We’ve highlighted the top 10.

10 best places to retire in 2026

*Rounded up or down. A rank of 1 represents the best conditions for that metric category.

1. Wyoming

Home to Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming has it all — gorgeous parks, low crime rates, affordable housing and a slower pace of life for retirees. It is also the 10th largest state by area and the least populated. Summers are hot and humid with 222 days of sunshine.

But as winter approaches, the weather can get harsh with strong winds and high snowfall — up to 294 inches at Yellowstone.

Wyoming has low violent crime rates and some of the cleanest air in the country. Wyoming also ranks among the states with the lowest tax burden for retirees; the state has no estate or inheritance taxes. Check out our Wyoming State Tax Guide.

2. Florida

When thinking about retirement, Florida is always in the conversation. This year, the state slipped to number two behind Wyoming. But like last year, Florida still ranks highly due to its relatively low taxes for retirees, including no estate, inheritance, or income taxes. (Check out our Florida State Tax Guide). Besides that, Florida receives more funding per senior from the Older Americans Act than all but two other states. This money funds homemaker assistance, transportation and nutrition programs for seniors.

Florida is popular with retirees — dig into the nine reasons people retire in Florida. A few reasons why the state is so popular include the second-most coastline miles of any state, the second-most adult volunteer opportunities, the fifth-most theater companies, and the seventh-most golf courses. Florida also has the third-lowest death rate in the country for people ages 65+.

On the flip side, new Florida residents are often unprepared for severe hurricane risks and flood hazards. This drives up home insurance costs, particularly in flood zones. Additionally, while Zillow reports average home prices fell 1.5% last year to $375,470, Florida’s overall cost of living remains high.

3. South Dakota

South Dakota can be an excellent choice for retirees looking for a lower cost of living, abundant outdoor activities — from Badlands National Park to the well-known (and often visited!) Mount Rushmore — and friendly communities. A largely rural state, retirees who prefer a wide range of amenities and entertainment options may want to consider other states when deciding where to retire. That said, Sioux Falls is the largest city in South Dakota and offers many of the amenities retirees look for, including restaurants, shopping and entertainment venues.

South Dakota has a population of 943,078, with over 14% of residents 65+. The state also has many high-quality health care facilities. Because South Dakota has no state income tax, income from pensions, Social Security, and retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs isn't taxed. However, South Dakota does have one of the highest sales tax rates in the country. Take a look at our South Dakota Tax Guide.

4. Colorado

WalletHub ranks Colorado as the fourth-best state for retirees. It has one of the lowest rates of social isolation for seniors and boasts the 10th-best geriatric hospitals in the country, with UCHealth taking a top spot. In 2025, Colorado had the fourth-highest percentage of seniors in good health and the third-highest percentage of physically active seniors. Few residents over 65 live in poverty in the state, and, like number two-ranked Florida, Colorado offers similar taxpayer-friendly conditions, with no estate or inheritance taxes. Check out our Colorado State Tax Guide.

Colorado has plenty to keep seniors active and engaged. For example, it has abundant volunteer opportunities, scenic byways and theaters. Although the value of homes across the state has dropped (1.4%), the average home now sells for $532,748, according to Zillow.

5. Minnesota

Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes, hot summers and brutal winters. Located in the Upper Midwest, it has become a popular retirement destination in recent years. In 2026, Minnesota ranks fifth. Despite cold, snowy winters, Minneapolis and neighboring capital St. Paul offer retirees vibrant culture, diverse communities, and year-round outdoor recreation, including dozens of scenic parks and lakes.

Move further north to cities like Duluth and Ely (near the Canadian border and on the edge of the world-famous Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness) and you'll find abundant hiking, fishing and hunting. One of the deepest, cleanest and largest Great Lakes, Lake Superior, offers opportunities for boating, walking sandy beaches, and sightseeing not found in many other places.

The latest data from the World Population Review shows that Minnesota had a population of 5,863,405, with just over 950,000 retired people living in the state. The state has the 10th-best elder abuse protections in the country, which guard elderly residents against physical and financial harm, and the 15th-lowest violent crime rate. The state is also home to many highly-rated hospitals and health care systems, including the Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota Health System. However, the Minnesota housing market is tight, with an average home value of $350,752 statewide. Minnesota is one of the states that still taxes Social Security retirement accounts and pensions. Check out our Tax Guide.

6. Alaska

Picture cold temps, polar bears, gorgeous scenery, ice and snow and you've got a pretty good idea of what Alaska is all about. But natives will argue this is only one small part of retiring in "The Last Frontier".

Alaska placed sixth overall in WalletHub's study. The state excels in affordability and healthcare access, thanks to strong medical facilities in places like Anchorage. The state has no state income tax and no tax on Social Security, pensions, 401(k)s and IRAs. There is no statewide sales tax, allowing retirees on fixed incomes to stretch their savings further.

Many also benefit from the annual Permanent Fund Dividend, a cash payment from oil revenues, plus senior-specific programs such as property tax exemptions and low-income assistance for those over the age of 65.

Beyond finances, Alaska also offers retirees a lifestyle focused on the great outdoors, with national parks, wildlife viewing, fishing, hiking and scenic drives that promote physical activity and mental well-being. Cities like Anchorage offer modern amenities, moderate home values around $422,785 (compared to $398,663 for the state), and a sense of freedom that appeals to nature-loving retirees.

7. Delaware

Delaware ranks as the seventh-best state for retirement, up from number eight last year. The state boasts one of the lowest overall tax burdens in the country, including no estate or inheritance taxes. It has a large senior population and the lowest poverty rate among people aged 65 and older. Delaware offers a variety of things to do and places to go — from the beaches of Rehoboth to the historic streets of Wilmington. Overall, the First State offers a unique blend of experiences for retirees.

Delaware is a retirement oasis. With pristine beaches, gorgeous scenery, quaint beach towns and award-winning restaurants, retirees have many opportunities to meet new people and enjoy a lively retirement lifestyle. The state boasts no sales tax and some of the lowest property taxes in the nation. (Check out our Delaware State Tax Guide.)

However, a home will set retirees back about $406,074, up 1.3% from a year ago, compared to the average U.S. home value of $368,697. Delaware is also the second-smallest state by landmass, but it accounts for a vast population of approximately one million residents. That means the streets can be congested and getting around can be difficult. Also, public transportation in Delaware isn't very reliable.

8. Pennsyvania

Located on the East Coast, Pennsylvania has a rich history dating back to the American Revolution. Seniors will find a blend of large cities, like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and scenic landscapes perfect for outdoor activities. Many of the oldest historic sites, like the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Valley Forge National Park, are located in this great state. The cost of living in Pennsylvania is higher than the national average. But that's tempered by the fact that the state doesn't tax traditional retirement income, such as IRAs and 401(k)s. Social Security and pensions are also not taxed. The state offers excellent healthcare, has low crime and boasts nearly 17 million acres of forested land.

However, Pennsylvania has an inheritance tax (up to 15%), bad roads, cold winters and year-round air pollution in its biggest cities. Although the average value of a home across the state is rising, you can still find reasonable home prices in some areas, with the average home value listed at $290,401, according to Zillow.

9. New Hampshire

At just 9,349 square miles, New Hampshire offers easy access to stunning natural landscapes. However, that outdoor beauty comes at the cost of big-city amenities, harsh winters, and a higher cost of living. In fact, BestPlaces reports the state averages 68 inches of snow annually — well above the 28-inch U.S. average.

On the upside, New Hampshire doesn’t charge a sales tax or levy Social Security benefits, retirement income, or pensions. However, New Hampshire has one of the highest property tax rates in the country — an approximately 1.50% effective rate according to the Tax Foundation, ranking 5th highest nationally. And if you're looking for a sense of community, only 12% of the state’s residents are seniors, which could make it difficult to meet new friends. But did we say it is a gorgeous state? Check out the New Hampshire Tax Guide.

10. Iowa

Iowa ranks 10th overall in WalletHub's latest study, due to affordability and quality of life. It offers a low cost of living — well below the national average — and affordable housing. The average home value sits around $239,547. Social Security is exempt from state income tax, most retirement income is untaxed for those 55 and older, and there's no estate or inheritance tax. Read our Iowa Tax Guide.

Iowa also provides a safe lifestyle with low crime, excellent healthcare, including top-ranked facilities like the University of Iowa Hospitals, and plenty of ways to stay active via trails, parks, community events and volunteer opportunities. While winters are cold and transportation is limited in rural areas, the focus on a friendly Midwest community makes it a smart, value-packed choice for a relaxed retirement.

10 other states worthy of merit

The following 10 states also earn the distinction of being good states to retire in 2026.

1. Wisconsin
2. Virginia
3. North Carolina
4. North Dakota
5. Missouri
6. Idaho
7. South Carolina
8. Arizona
9. Maine
10. Ohio

Where you retire matters

“Retirement is supposed to be relaxing, but it can also be incredibly stressful given that it typically puts people on a fixed income, which may not be enough for them to live comfortably," says Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst. "As a result, the best states for retirees are those that have low taxes and a low cost of living to help retirees’ budgets stretch as far as possible. Having access to excellent medical care and homemaking services is also crucial, especially for people who don’t plan to retire in close proximity to their families.”

Still not certain if moving is best for you? Check out the Worst Places to Retire in the U.S., based on 46 key indicators like not-so-easy access to quality health care, higher housing costs and taxes.

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