The 10 best U.S. states to retire—it's about more than 'just the number of sunny days and taxes'

StatesLifeThe 10 'most livable' cities in the world—none are in the United StatesWoman admiring nature in Franconia Notch State Park, New HampshirePchoui | Istock | Getty ImagesWhite sandy beaches and mild, sunny climates have long been features of the archetypal American retirement

But perhaps not anymore

New Hampshire, a state known more for its skiing than its sunshine, was named the best U

The financial services website ranked all 50 states based on 15 metrics, including affordability, health care and weather

Furthermore, The study used data from a variety of sources, including the Council for Community and Economic Re, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U

Moreover, Conversely, Department of Health and Human Services

The metrics were weighed according to survey responses gathered by Bankrate in May 2025 on what Americans say are their top priorities for choosing a retirement destination, in today's financial world

As a result, affordability, weather and neighborhood safety influenced overall scores the most

Retirees won't be flocking to New Hampshire for its climate, it seems, as it ranked 40th in the country for weather

But it earned the No. 1 spot for neighborhood safety and landed in the top 10 for health care, tax-friendliness and number of residents aged 65 or older (fascinating analysis), in light of current trends

Here are the 10 best states to retire in 2025, according to Bankrate:New HampshireMaineWyomingVermontIdahoRhode IslandWest VirginiaWisconsinUtahVirginiaNew England may be hotter than the Sun Belt for retireesNotably, three other New England states joined New Hampshire in the top 10 — Maine, Vermont and Rhode Island — despite the region's relatively poor weather ratings and the high cost of living in certain states

Also notable: No Sun Belt states, such as Florida, North Carolina or Arizona, made the cut, considering recent developments

States in this region often attract retirees and place high in similar rankings due to their mild climates and tax-friendliness, as is the case in Florida. "Our survey results may be shocking to any retirees who only considered warm weather and income taxes in their relocation plans," Stephen Kates, a certified financial planner and Bankrate financial analyst, said in the report

Meanwhile, "We incorporated 15 different data points into our analysis for a comprehensive perspective on the true costs of retirement across different states. "While weather was the second-heaviest weighted category, neighborhood safety and health care were nearly as important in Bankrate's rankings, pushing up overall scores for Northeastern states with less-favorable weather, in light of current trends

However, Preferable climates also tend to come at a high cost

Furthermore, 1 for weather, but No. 46 for affordability and No. 48 for local taxes, per Bankrate's analysis, putting it at No

Nevertheless, 43 overall

Although New Mexico earned the No (an important development), amid market uncertainty. 2 spot for weather, it came in last for safety, putting its overall ranking at No. "There's more to being a resident than just the number of sunny days and taxes," Kates said (quite telling). " public safety, walkability, access to health care, air quality, recreational opportunities and more add up to the daily quality of life retirees want, in this volatile climate

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