Study Rates the Best States for Retirement

According to Rethinking65, Connecticut is one of the better places in America to spend your retirement years, even if it didn't crack the top 10.

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The retirement-focused website recently ranked all 50 states based on factors that matter most to older adults. Instead of looking at just one thing, the study considered a wide range of quality-of-life categories, including life expectancy, access to hospitals and nurses, the number of nursing homes, nursing care costs, air quality, walkability, sunlight, and the percentage of residents who are 75 and older.

Connecticut landed at No. 13 overall, putting it ahead of more than three-quarters of the country. While our cost of living may not win many fans, the state continues to score well in areas that become increasingly important later in life, particularly healthcare access and overall quality of care.

New England had a strong showing in the rankings. Massachusetts finished fourth, Rhode Island came in seventh, and Connecticut claimed the No. 13 spot, showing that the region continues to be an attractive place for retirees despite its higher expenses.

At the other end of the list, Mississippi finished last. The report cited its shorter average life expectancy, poor walkability, and lower-rated nursing homes as major reasons for the ranking. Oklahoma, New Mexico, Georgia, and Michigan rounded out the bottom five.

If you've always assumed Florida was the obvious choice for retirement, this report might surprise you. The Sunshine State finished second, with Hawaii taking the top spot thanks to its combination of longevity, healthcare resources, and environmental factors.

Top 15 States for Aging Well

1. Hawaii

2. Florida

3. New Jersey

4. Massachusetts

5. New York

6. Virginia

7. Rhode Island

8. Nebraska

9. Oregon

10. Washington

11. Montana

12. Idaho

13. Connecticut

14. Utah

15. Minnesota

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