Why Minnesota Shines For Retirees

Minnesota might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about retirement spots. You'd think warm states like Arizona would be more appealing. Surprisingly, Minnesota ranks very high among the best states for retirees, coming in at number two, just behind Florida. A study by WalletHub looked at factors like affordability, quality of life, and healthcare to make this decision. Retirement isn't always relaxing, especially on a fixed income. Therefore, states with low taxes and a low cost of living really help retirees stretch their budgets. Access to quality healthcare and services is crucial, too, especially for those retiring far from family. Minnesota excels in healthcare, ranking first in this category. It has the most healthcare facilities, plenty of nursing homes, and a high number of home health care aids per capita. The state's geriatric hospitals are also among the best in the nation. Thanks to these healthcare conditions, Minnesota has one of the lowest percentages of seniors with disabilities and excellent mental and physical health ratings. When it comes to quality of life, Minnesota stands out as well. It has strong elder abuse protections, a low violent crime rate, and a high percentage of neighborly people. Financially, the state has a low poverty rate among seniors and a low rate of seniors facing hunger. Overall, Minnesota scored 62. 74, just behind Florida's 62. 76. Other top states include Colorado, Wyoming, and South Dakota. Unfortunately, states like New Mexico, Washington, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Kentucky ranked lowest for retirement.