New Jersey

7 Worst States to Retire In

Are you thinking of retirement? Curious to know which states to avoid? When it comes to retirement, you want a place that is affordable with good healthcare and good quality of life. WalletHub ranked every state for its retirement-friendliness based on financial factors like tax rates, cost of living and access to quality healthcare. These are the worst states to retire in.

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Worst States to Retire In

1. Kentucky

Kentucky is the worst state to retire in. It is known for its affordability challenges, low quality of life, and poor healthcare standards. Traffic congestion is a major issue, which can make it difficult for seniors to get around. The state also faces limited healthcare options, particularly in rural areas. 

2. New Jersey

New Jersey is ranked the second-worst state for retirement. It is known for its extremely high cost of living, with high housing and utility costs. New Jersey is also notorious for having one of the highest property tax rates in the nation. Traffic congestion is also a significant issue, particularly in Bergen County, which can make it difficult for seniors to navigate. 

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3. Mississippi

Mississippi, the third worst state for retirement, is known for its low quality of life, poor healthcare quality, and susceptibility to extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes and tornadoes. Despite these challenges, Mississippi’s low cost of living and affordable housing make it an attractive option for retirees on a budget. 

4. Rhode Island

Rhode Island is the fourth worst state to retire in. It is known for its high cost of living, including high housing costs. Rhode Island is also not ideal for seniors because it is susceptible to hurricanes and flooding. Traffic congestion is also a significant issue, which can make it difficult for seniors to drive around. 

5. Oklahoma

Oklahoma is the fifth worst state for seniors to retire in. It faces challenges in healthcare facilities and harsh weather conditions such as tornadoes. Despite these challenges, Oklahoma’s low cost of living makes it an affordable option for retirees on a budget, although property taxes can be relatively high compared to other states. 

6. Louisiana

Louisiana ranks as the sixth worst state for retirement. It’s not the best place to live for seniors because it is highly susceptible to hurricanes. Plus compared to other states, Louisiana has poor healthcare. The high crime rate is also an issue in Louisiana. In fact, New Orleans is ranked as one of the most dangerous cities in America. The one good thing about living in Louisiana is that the cost of living is low, making it an attractive option for retirees on a budget. 

7. New York

New York ranks as the seventh-worst state to retire in because of its exorbitant cost of living. It’s expensive to retire in New York with high housing costs, utilities, groceries, and other expenses. Healthcare costs are also high, and the state is not tax-friendly. Despite these challenges, New York scores high on healthcare and quality of life.

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