The Best States to Stay Active in Your Golden Years
Just because you’re old doesn’t mean you can’t stay active. And sometimes, it pays to live in a state where senior activity is prioritized. Not all states are good for active retirees who seek outdoor living and exercise, but some of them are – they’re walkable, beautiful, fun and friendly. This is a list of the 35 best states for seniors who want to get a little more out of life.
Alabama
Sweet home, Alabama, where the skies are so blue! But blue skies are just one of the things that mark Alabama out as being a good place to live. Retirees can enjoy hiking and cycling at the beaches and parks, and they can also enjoy the low taxes.
Alaska
Alaska is admittedly not for everyone, because not everyone likes the cold, but those who do move there find it a fun and welcoming place. It has generally good healthcare and lots of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Bear in mind the prices of goods are sometimes higher than in other states, though.
Arizona
Arizona is great for those who like desert living! It has over 300 days of sunshine a year, and thus is perfect for hiking, golfing, and outdoor adventures. Some people also think that the low humidity and dry climate helps with arthritis as well, so that’s another big plus.
Arkansas
Arkansas boasts natural beauty, including hot springs, mountains, and lakes. It’s ideal for retirees who enjoy hiking, fishing, and boating. Unfortunately it does have some major cons, though – firstly, it’s in a tornado zone, and secondly the healthcare isn’t considered very good.
California
Some people seem to think California is a young people’s state, but it’s just not. Elderly folks love the beautiful beaches, bright sunshine, and proximity to the glitz and glamor of Hollywood. The cost of living is admittedly high, but some people find it more than worth it.
Colorado
Colorado has beautiful scenery, and that scenery makes people go out in the fresh air and exercise. Healthcare in the state is also considered good, and all in all it’s just a great place for active retirees. Older people are flocking to the state and building new communities there.
Connecticut
Connecticut is great for walkability, and the more walking you do, the healthier you are. The state also has great healthcare, friendly communities and lots of cultural events, plus many people like it for how close it is to New York City.
Florida
Florida is home to many great theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, but that’s not all it’s got to recommend it. Many cities have retirement communities with amenities like fitness centers and pickleball courts, making it easier to stay active and healthy.
Georgia
Georgia has Southern charm and a lot of stunning scenery to do exercises in. The climate is generally pretty mild, there’s a lot of opportunities for walking, and if you like golf then you’re in luck – there’s also a lot of golf courses.
Hawaii
Hawaii does have a few downsides – it’s packed with tourists every year, for a start – but many retirees live great, active lives there. Swimming, paddleboarding, hiking, and gardening are just some of the activities that retirees can do while they enjoy the heat.
Idaho
Idaho offers affordable living, beautiful landscapes, and many great outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and skiing. The seasons are mild and the crime rate is low, making it a great choice for the active and adventurous retiree. The healthcare is considered pretty good as well, which is important as you approach your twilight years.
Indiana
Indiana’s cities are mostly walkable, which is a huge boon for the active retiree. It also has a low cost of living and good healthcare, all strong points in its favor. Some people are put off by the bad weather, but if you don’t mind it Indiana may be the ideal place for you.
Iowa
Iowa stands out for its community-focused culture, walkable towns, and well-maintained parks and trails. People have put a lot of effort into Iowa, and the result is a great place to live if you’re a retiree. There’s a good arts culture in the state as well, so you’ll never be short of things to do.
Kentucky
Kentucky is noted for its rolling hills, and the beautiful scenery is just one of the reasons why seniors keep moving to the area. It has a generally slow pace, and a lot of peace and quiet which appeals to retirees. Unfortunately though, its healthcare system is considered sub-par.
Maine
Maine boasts beautiful coastal scenery that some people can’t get enough of. Active retirees enjoy hiking, kayaking, and casually walking in places like Portland and Bar Harbor. The state also has low crime rates and great retiree communities.
Michigan
Michigan’s Great Lakes offer boating, fishing, and scenic beauty for retirees and young people alike. The cities are also wonderful and welcoming places with walkable neighborhoods, vibrant arts scenes, and friendly communities.
Minnesota
Minnesota has a rich cultural history and a lot of things to do. Active retirees can enjoy hiking, biking and skiing in the great outdoors, and there’s a great many strong retirement communities where you can meet new people to go on adventures with.
Missouri
Missouri boasts endless outdoor space that seniors can enjoy themselves in. The towns generally offer community events where seniors can go and meet new people and go adventuring with them. Its only downside is that the healthcare is not really very good.
Montana
Montana is peaceful, quiet and full of beautiful scenery to enjoy. There are constant opportunities for fishing, hiking, and birdwatching, and so many retirees have flocked there that seniors have a built-in community. The one downside is the flurry of snow in the winter.
Nevada
Many people move to Nevada for Las Vegas, America’s glittering jewel of gambling and wild excess. But the state has more to offer than just that. Red Rock Canyon and Lake Tahoe provide year-round opportunities for hiking, boating, and biking in scenic surroundings.
New Hampshire
Money-conscious retirees go wild for New Hampshire, because it doesn’t tax Social Security benefits. It’s also a great place to live an active lifestyle, as it boasts excellent hiking, skiing, and cycling opportunities all around the state. Many people have retired to the state and built strong communities there, vastily improving their quality of life.
New Mexico
People overlook New Mexico, but it’s a good state to live in if you’re a retiree seeking adventure. For a start, it’s very affordable, but it’s also packed full of walking trails, fitness centers, and strong retiree communities. And the warm climate is great as well – many older people thrive in it.
North Carolina
North Carolina has strong retirement communities in the cities, and those communities help people be active. That’s not all, though. The state also has affordable housing and good healthcare options, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that active retirees thrive there.
North Dakota
North Dakota offers a quiet, peaceful, affordable setting for active retirees who enjoy biking trails, fishing, and hiking. The state’s low crime rate and strong sense of community add to its appeal for seniors, and the state welcomes more and more every year.
Oregon
Oregon is beautiful and the people who live there find their mental health boosted by that beauty. The state’s good climate and outdoor recreation opportunities - like kayaking, biking, and hiking - make it ideal for active retirees. The only downside is the high taxes, which many people understandably don’t like.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a rich cultural history and many friendly communities for seniors. It offers many diverse outdoor activities that can be done all year round, and many people who visit Pennsylvania find themselves never wanting to leave.
South Carolina
South Carolina boasts a fairly low cost of living and plenty of good retirement communities. The climate is warm, which helps with some health conditions, and the cities are pleasingly walkable. There’s beaches, hiking trails, and golf courses dotted around for older people to enjoy.
South Dakota
South Dakota earns itself a place on this list because of its low taxes, friendly community, and beautiful natural parks. Cities such as Sioux Falls are generally affordable for the average reitree and they also have walkable downtowns alongside quality hospitals.
Tennessee
Tennessee ranks a Ten for active retirees. There’s a lot of things to do, hiking and biking among them, and the quality of life in general is considered pretty good. The retiree communities in the area are friendly and inviting, and seniors often forge strong friendships.
Texas
While Texas isn’t for everyone, many active retirees absolutely love it. It features beautiful landscapes and affordable living, with warm weather that encourages outdoor activity all the year round. The healthcare facilities are also ranked highly, something that’ll become more important as you grow older.
Utah
Utah is another state with absolutely stunning scenery. The national parks and majestic mountains offer outdoor adventures for active retirees, but that’s not all the state has to offer. It also has a fairly good healthcare system, low crime rates, and strong local retiree communities where you can find friends for life.
Vermont
Vermont has a reputation for being peaceful and beautiful, and it’s a reputation well deserved. Hiking, biking and skiing are all very popular, and people also appreciate the area for its clean air, progressive culture, and good healthcare.
Virginia
Virginia is a state with a lot of history to explore, but that’s not the only reason retirees head there. The state encourages outdoor activities such as hiking, and the healthcare is considered excellent. It’s definitely a state to consider if you’re looking to retire.
Washington
Washington has multiple parks where seniors can exercise alone or in groups. There’s a lot of cultural events for people to enjoy, and the state is also noted for its stunning natural beauty. Plus, the healthcare system is considered really good as well!
Wisconsin
Wisconsin boasts a mix of lakes, forests, and friendly towns with plenty of outdoor activities. You can boat in the lakes or hike amongst the beautiful scenery. There’s also almost always cultural events going on, and lots of friendly faces to enjoy them with.
