Texas beats Florida as the best state to retire in 2023

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: 

10 best states for retirees

Texas

Michigan

Florida

Georgia

Tennessee

North Carolina

Utah

Arizona

Idaho

Missouri

10 worst states for retirees

Delaware

West Virginia

Rhode Island

Vermont

Connecticut

Alaska

Maine

New Jersey

New Mexico

Wyoming

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