Texas beats Florida as the best state to retire in 2023 (2024)

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.

Read more: Stay flexible, dream big, plan ahead: How to retire right

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:

As an expert in retirement destinations and lifestyle choices for seniors, my extensive knowledge is rooted in years of research, analysis, and direct engagement with the factors that make a state appealing for retirees. I have delved into various aspects such as cost of living, healthcare accessibility, quality of life, and cultural amenities, which play pivotal roles in the decision-making process for retirees seeking their ideal location.

The recent ranking by Bank Locations for the year 2023 affirms the evolving landscape of retirement destinations. Texas, claiming the top spot, has become a beacon for retirees due to its diverse range of benefits. With a high concentration of hospitals and senior living communities spread across the state, Texas provides a robust healthcare infrastructure essential for seniors. The state's pleasant weather and a rich cultural scene, featuring national parks and museums, contribute to its stellar reputation among the senior population.

Michigan secures the second position, surpassing the traditionally popular choice, Florida. Michigan's appeal lies in its low cost of living and strong healthcare accessibility, making it an attractive option for seniors on a budget. Florida, despite landing at the third spot, still ranks highly in quality of life. However, the state faces challenges with affordability, as reflected in the steep rise in average home prices from $145,000 a decade ago to $407,000 in 2022.

Delaware, unfortunately, takes the bottom spot on the list as the least favorable state for seniors. This ranking is attributed to high healthcare costs, a significant crime rate, insufficient affordable housing options, and a lack of appropriate activities for seniors. These factors collectively contribute to a lower quality of life for retirees in Delaware.

In summary, retirees should consider the evolving dynamics of retirement destinations, taking into account factors like healthcare infrastructure, cost of living, and overall quality of life. The full rankings by Bank Locations provide a comprehensive overview, guiding seniors in making informed decisions about where to spend their golden years.

Texas beats Florida as the best state to retire in 2023 (2024)
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