Here's a list of states from first to last that are the best to retire in. http://www.money-rates.com/research-center/best-states-for-retirement/2012-complete-list.htm
The criteria used in determining the rankings were:
Cost of living
Property taxes
Unemployment rate
Violent crime rates
Property tax rates
Climate
Life expectancy for seniors
Recent population growth in the senior demographic
Unfortunately, Ohio ranks 44th, but that's not as bad as Michigan's dead last position.
Comments ... #
Surprising to see that. Personally I look forward to retiring here someday. Maybe get a small fishing boat and spend my twilight years reading, and fishing.
posted by INeedCoffee on Oct 28, 2012 at 11:01:30 pm #
These lists are subjective and entirely a construct of the author. Cost of living is listed as the first criteria and Hawaii is number 1 with California rounding out the top ten?
That being said, they picked Idaho as number 2? I know little about Idaho but I wouldn't have thought it would be in a favorable position.
posted by idinspired on Oct 28, 2012 at 11:09:50 pm #
If oceans continue to rise, average temps keep going up and the SW drought turns out to be desertification, the Great Lakes area could be the best place to be...
I don't know how they came up with this list, but anyone who advocates Hawaii as a first class retirement location either knows nothing of Hawaii or is wealthy enough to cross it off the list and substitute Phuket, Uppsala (Sweden) or the Maldives.
Not that the list means much anyway. The way things are going most people are going to end up moving to Iowa, buying a used trailer and living on dog food.
About 4 years ago we passively started keeping an eye open for retirement relocation possibilities. We determined there really is no formula that will pinpoint you to a location that works best. INeedCoffee mentions a small fishing boat and retiring to reading and fishing. Despite any comments concerning crime and taxes in Michigan there are many properties up near Ludington and Manistee that have incredible fishing and you can probably get a year round residence for the price of a place here in Toledo with a very low cost of living. In addition your costs of travelling may be low if you have family in this area you will occasionally need to come back and see.
The one sure thing we have found out is that restrictions are actually your friend when picking a retirement area. We do not have children and are not tied to any certain area. The more freedom you have – the more difficult the decision.
posted by Danneskjold on Oct 29, 2012 at 12:57:14 pm #
Not to mention, pension benefits aren't taxed in Michigan.
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