The 10 Best States to Grow Old in, 2016 Study

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over 6 years, said...

Why are the costs for home health aides so high? I have worked for one agency, after retiring, and found the pay too small to be worth the expense of extra maintenance on my car and gas, which was only reimbursed to $.25/mile. The figures posted here are at least 4x the amount I was making. That is why I kept the job only about 3 weeks. Do the agencies take that much off the top? Why?


over 7 years, said...

What are the Tropical locations that were not mention.


over 7 years, said...

Seven of the top 10 states are all in the north of the country. Those northern states look good in photos but what is inviting about the freezing cold winters? 2) The summers are humid. 3) Unless you are in a city of at least 100,000 people there is a shortage of the medical care that most seniors will require. The only reason to retire in those northern states is familiarity and nearby relatives and friends.


almost 8 years, said...

Where does Texas rate on the list?


almost 8 years, said...

Thank you fellow commenter ... thanks for the info . ...deff. will look into that.


almost 8 years, said...

There are areas around Apopca a little north of the Orlando area where land is available. My suggestion would be to check the local area realitors for former orange grove properties and such. I've seen undeveloped property within 30-40 miles of Orlando or in the Deltona area for as little as $500.00 an acre. I'm serious, prices are that low in some of the rural areas that are still undeveloped. There would be work envolved getting power in and getting things built if you didn't just take in an rv or a mobile home which I've known a lot of people to do. Then it's just a matter of digging a well and a sewer system. Just food for thought.


almost 8 years, said...

I would consider that , buy a little land there in what area away from attractions that`s a good price ? I don`t mind being way out in fact I like privacy, I have too many ducks for the parade ...I am a duck alcoholic , and LOVE fresh farm eggs that are organic raised. That`s why it`s perfect here in all the Mos. except the winter ....Jan. - march....ugh. I also have tame Canada geese that have there babies here every yr. ...the babies go south but Mom and Dad stay ( I feed them Good ) and tame, ALL kinds of ducks . so , that being the case It would be hard to move them to Fl. Plus I have a very big pond partly fenced in to keep them safe. Plus I know it gets way to hot in the summer there so part time is great. nice chatting about the options . would LOVE to see the parade though.. fun to watch peoples faces around the ducks lol.


almost 8 years, said...

I agree. That would be a nice way to go. Summer in your area and winter in Florida. It's funny you'd mention the ducks though. The Peabody hotel in Florida has an entire flock of ducks that live in the Penthouse there in Orlando. Every morning they come down to the fountain and every evening they go back up to the penthouse. It's fun to watch because they make a big deal out of it for the tourist that come from all over to watch the "duck parade". As open as that area is to animals I'm sure you could find a park there that would allow you to bring them if there aren't too many that is. A lot of land for sale in that area that's very reasonable too if you don't mind getting a little away from the tourist attractions.


almost 8 years, said...

The best way to have it is to have the best of both worlds ...., Tn . in the warmer Mos. and Fl. in the winter ....I would do that.... but have Ducks , ( which I couldn`t have in N.Y. cause they froze to death ) ugh ) So I have them here and live cheap , I need to find a duck and chicken sitter LOL for the winter , then off I go to Fl. 4 winter. Live Cheap and comfy ...that`s the plan. no cheaper place than Tn. plus the beautiful country...then off to be warmer 4 winter.


almost 8 years, said...

I can't argue with what you've said and to be honest if the cold didn't bother me I'd live year round in the Carolinas or Tennessee. Not long but I did live in Tennessee for a short time. Met my late wife there as a matter of fact. I love the Blue Ridge Parkway especially in the fall. The main point I was trying to make all along was the states this article or survey or whatever it was named states that will have a far better retirement income that I will and can stand the cold weather. So I was trying to suggest states where those that may be relying on income from social security and/or have trouble with cold weather would be the happiest. I can't speak for those that have a good or excellent income during retirement but I felt someone should speak up for those with a moderate or low retirement income as I felt this original article did not. Some may not need to consider the cost of living after they retire and I applaud them but there are far too many that will have to live on a lower fixed income and a strict budget. Those are the people I feel are far too often over looked even I feel quite confident better than 50% of those now in retirement fall into the category of. I had no intention of dominating the comment section of this posting but felt driven to speak out. My apologies to any who feel I'm speaking out of turn or too much but I can't apologize for speaking out for those who are less fortunate when it's time to retire.


almost 8 years, said...

Sorry you can not take any cold , I am from n.y. and it`s really cold there and high cost of living much higher.... much milder and cost of living is cheap here, although it does get down to the 20`s ...which I hate , it`still not as bad as northern states. . My daughter had a home in S.C. and loved it but was getting too expensive to live there with the cost of living and tax`s . so she`s back here . and does go to Fl. in winter....which is what I will do if I live that long ...LOL But for the $ can`t beat Tn.


almost 8 years, said...

I can't deny that the cost of living in Tennessee is among the lowest but can't agree about the weather. Like parts of North and South Carolina and parts of the other states I named before much of the state is mountainous thus having severe winter weather which for people like myself can be very difficult to deal with. I have injuries from my time in the military that have left me with arthritis and cold weather can make it very painful. I was born and raised in North Carolina and love that area but because of the colder weather there I will be spending my retirement in Florida and even then somewhere in the mid to southern areas. I may spend some of the warmer summer months in the Carolinas but for winter I'll be like the other "snowbirds" and head south.


almost 8 years, said...

Tennessee is the cheapest and Low tax`s , plus great weather !!!! Carol Mac.....senior


almost 8 years, said...

The only state in this list I'd even think of considering is South Carolina. Like so many others my age or older I live on a fixed income that's not all that great so cost of living is very high on my priorities. So cost of living, weather, attitude of local residents, access to local health care and housing are my top priorities. Weighing those things first, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, and Louisiana would be at the top of my list. Lowest cost of living areas I know of in this country, very friendly attitude for the most part from locals towards new move ins, mostly good health care also. There are even developments there in some areas that offer housing to seniors that can be purchased with a reverse mortgage to make the cost of living even lower. Granted those houses are one maybe two bedroom but just how much room do most seniors need. Those communities and developments also have health care and other resources such as shopping and other things important to seniors near by. Not to mention having neighbors in your own age range if you're a senior. Granted the southeast is known for higher humidity than other areas but for the most part the temps are pleasant for the most part of the year, the locals are pleasant to live around for the most part and more likely to be friendly and helpful than other areas. It's a more relaxed attitude and lifestyle than other areas of the country too. So for me good weather, low cost of living, pleasant and helpful attitude of neighbors, decent distance to good healthcare and daily needs like groceries and shopping rates very high on my list. I've not found any where in the country better suited to meet more of the needs of seniors at the lowest cost than the southeast so this list of states is just not right for those needing to watch expenses in their retirement years.


almost 8 years, said...

Seems like most could be the top states to freeze to death in. And too much of many locations are rather rural meaning very likely there is little transportation if you can't drive. And then we have Hawaii. It has been several years since I was last there but food costs are at least double almost anywhere on the Mainland. Because so many people will be needing nursing home care at some point, there are states like NY where that can be fully paid by Medicaid. Obviously NYC is expensive but the whole state sin't NYC!


almost 8 years, said...

Whatever you do, if you're poor don't come to Arizona. They are the worse for everything. Healthcare, mental health care. You name it, they're on the bottom of the list. I know, I'm living it, or existing in it.


almost 8 years, said...

You can make statistics say anything you want, and this story proves it. I live in Alabama, where the lifestyle is terrific--access to wonderful parks and activities is plentiful. Cost of living is relatively low. Health care is superb--we have some of the best facilities in the country, and two medical schools in the state. Cost of senior facilities is also relatively low. People are transferred here and end up staying because the lifestyle and cost of living are better than many other places around the country. What's important to someone in their 20s and 30s is not important in your 70s and 80s. A couple of the studies you cite focus on what's important in the earlier part of life, not the later years. And like all research, the results are a function of who you ask, what the questions are, and if the person answering is being truthful. As you age into your 70s and 80s, your world narrrows, and this report does not take that into account.


almost 8 years, said...

From my preliminary research, most of these places are not cheap, especially to live even by middle class standards came to expect during their working years. Hawaii in particular is very expensive for anyone, especially retirees, who have to figure out how to make their savings last longer. Alaska, Oregon, and most of the others aren't really cheap either. The irony is that there are still places in Florida, though not on a beachfront of course, but that you can actually get by pretty well on Social Security alone. Not true of most of these other states. Also, Mexico, Central America, and South America have some very nice options where you have to sacrifice nothing of your lifestyle, and can live very well, maybe better than before you retired, and on Social Security alone.


almost 8 years, said...

Being a South Dakota native, I distinctly recall the challenges of living in a rural area. Although the cost of living and health care is less, the decreased population and the struggle of finding adequate resources in remote (and not so remote!) areas are certainly factors to be considered. It will always be home to me but I'm concerned about my relatives growing older in this region.