Retirement in 2025: Which States Are Meeting the Needs of Aging Americans?
Florida Remains a Retirement Favorite, but Other States Take the Lead in Healthcare
Florida continues to dominate the conversation around retirement destinations. With no state income tax and a long-established support system for older residents, it remains appealing for active seniors. Yet when comparing nursing home affordability, healthcare infrastructure, and elder support programs, states like Minnesota and Wisconsin outperform Florida in key categories.
Minnesota was recognized for its high-quality healthcare network and effective statewide policies that prioritize older adults. The average monthly cost of nursing home care in the state may exceed the national median, but residents benefit from better staffing ratios and clinical outcomes. Wisconsin also ranks well, offering lower-than-average costs paired with a strong rural healthcare presence that makes long-term support more accessible outside major cities.
The Northeast Delivers on Medical Access, but Expenses Run High
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut earned top scores in hospital rankings, physician availability, and preventive care efforts. These states have made significant investments in elder wellness programs, helping seniors stay mobile and engaged. However, the financial burden in these states can be heavy. In Massachusetts, for example, private nursing home costs frequently top $13,000 per month, making long-term affordability a major concern.
Rhode Island balances coastal appeal with manageable population density, and though care quality remains high, housing and daily living expenses continue to rise. Retirees without supplemental coverage or savings could find these states challenging despite their top-tier services.
Southern and Western States Show Room for Improvement
States in the Deep South, including Mississippi and Alabama, scored poorly in the study's healthcare and long-term care categories. Staffing shortages, aging facilities, and limited state-sponsored programs have created gaps that make these areas less attractive for retirees in need of care. While living costs in these states remain low, access to consistent and high-quality eldercare is often limited, particularly in rural regions.
Western states like Nevada and New Mexico also face hurdles. Nevada struggles with disparities in healthcare access between urban and rural communities. Long-term care expenses are rising, and senior services outside Las Vegas remain patchy. New Mexico ranked lowest in the overall readiness index due to high crime rates, low healthcare quality scores, and insufficient eldercare infrastructure.
Data-Driven Insights Help Guide Retirement Decisions
Jones & Swanson's report used multiple factors to evaluate each state's readiness for retirees, including: Median monthly nursing home costs
Healthcare system capacity and hospital density
Crime rates impacting senior communities
Access to state-funded senior programs
Housing affordability and local cost of living
Climate stability and weather resilience
Quality of life ratings based on social and recreational access
States like Iowa, Utah, and Nebraska emerged as strong contenders, with reasonable costs and well-developed support networks. These regions may not traditionally top retirement lists, but their consistent performance across financial and care-related metrics makes them compelling alternatives for retirees prioritizing affordability and safety.
Planning for Retirement Requires More Than Sunshine
According to Jones & Swanson, the shift toward data-based retirement planning reflects growing awareness of the risks associated with aging. While scenic appeal and warm weather continue to influence decisions, the cost and quality of healthcare are increasingly driving where Americans choose to settle.
Retirement should be a time of rest, purpose, and community. For that to happen, states must invest in systems that support aging populations. As this report shows, some are far ahead, while others have catching up to do.
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