This Midwestern state nearly topped Florida as best for retirees: See the list

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If you’re retired or nearing retirement, you may want to consider these states for your next move.

Financial company WalletHub compared the 50 states across 46 key indicators of retirement-friendliness, from financial factors like tax rates and the cost of living to things like access to quality medical care and fun activities.

Here’s a look at where WalletHub determined were the top states for retirees in 2025 – and some of the results may surprise you.

Florida ranked top state to retire

What we know:

First, and unsurprisingly, Florida claimed the top spot for retirees.

According to WalletHub, the state’s ranking comes from relatively low taxes for retired people, including no estate, inheritance or income taxes. In addition, Florida receives more funding per senior from the Older Americans Act than all but two other states. This funds things like transportation, homemaker assistance and nutrition programs for seniors.

FILE: Two men play pickle ball on August 24, 2021. (Credit: Raychel Brightman/Newsday RM via Getty Images)

In addition to financial factors, WalletHub said the Sunshine State provides an ideal environment for retirees. It has the second-most shoreline miles of any state, allowing for plenty of relaxing at the beach. It also has the second-most adult volunteer activities, fifth-most theater companies, and seventh-most golf courses and country clubs.

What they're saying:

"Retirement is supposed to be relaxing, but it can also be incredibly stressful given that it typically puts people on a fixed income, which may not be enough for them to live comfortably. As a result, the best states for retirees are those that have low taxes and a low cost of living to help retirees’ budgets stretch as far as possible," Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, said in a statement. "Having access to excellent medical care and homemaking services is also crucial, especially for people who don’t plan to retire in close proximity to their families."

Minnesota ranked runner-up state to retire

What we know:

More surprisingly, Minnesota took the number two spot for retirees, in large part due to health reasons.

WalletHub noted that Minnesota has the most health care facilities, the second-most nursing homes, and the third-most home health care aids per capita. Its geriatrics hospitals also rank as the fifth-best in the nation.

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On the financial side, Minnesota has the 10th-lowest share of residents ages 65+ who are in poverty and the fifth-lowest percentage who went hungry in the last 12 months.

Minnesota was followed by Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota to round out top five spots.