Retiring sounds like a dream, taking mornings slowly, enjoying free time, and leaving work stress behind. But not all places are equally friendly to retirees. What may be paradise for some can be a real headache for others.
According to a recent study by Bankrate, shared by CNBC, six of the ten worst states for retirement are in the southern United States. Why? Extreme weather, limited medical care, and high living costs make retirement much more complicated than desired. Yes, surprisingly, Florida and California, the famous "retirement paradises," also appear on the blacklist.
Climate that works against you
Climate is a factor we can't ignore. In southern states, heat waves, hurricanes, and floods are common. Texas, Florida, and Louisiana lead the problems. Texas ranks 47th in climate for retirees, which shows how uncomfortable living there in old age can be.
It's not just about heat or cold. Natural disasters affect safety and peace of mind, which are key if you have a fixed income and want to enjoy life without surprises.
Health comes first
Accessing quality medical care is another major challenge. In more rural states like Oklahoma, Arkansas, or Nebraska, finding a specialist can be expensive and complicated. For a retiree, this can be a real obstacle.
Florida and California, although large cities like Miami or Los Angeles offer good hospitals, also have extremely high housing prices and saturated services. So the idea of a perfect retirement becomes complicated if you only think about sun and beach.
It's not all black or white
Stephen Kates, a retirement expert, says that numbers don't tell the whole story. Many people choose to stay in places with family or friends, even if the climate, taxes, or services aren't ideal. Social connection can be more valuable than any ranking.
Wyoming is another curious example. With no taxes on retirement or income, it sounds perfect. But its rural character and the lack of urban life or advanced medical care can make it impractical for some.
Think in stages
Retirement isn't just one chapter of life. Kates suggests planning it in stages: an active phase, another with less mobility, and finally a quieter one. Changing cities according to needs and age may be the best strategy.
The 10 worst states for retirement
Louisiana
Texas
Oklahoma
Arkansas
Nebraska
Alabama
Kansas
California
New Mexico
Florida
Retiring is more than choosing a sunny place. Before making a decision, analyze climate, costs, health, and community. Your retirement deserves to be comfortable and safe. Don't rush: compare, travel, and choose calmly.