15 States Where Retirees Over 65 May Struggle To Make Friends

Retiring can mean the start of a new chapter. Sometimes that new chapter involves relocating to somewhere new so you can be closer to family or finding a place with milder temperatures.

But not all states are created equal when it comes to those 65 and older, which is why it can be important to do a little research before you start packing so that you can see what areas people aren’t flocking to once they hit that milestone age.

For example, some states will help you maximize your retirement savings with more favorable tax rates, which may be a draw for those over the age of 65. On the flip side, those states with higher rates may make it harder to survive on a fixed income, which is why there may be fewer older residents living there.

Keep reading to learn which states seem to have the fewest residents over the age of 65, and why that may be a sign that you should skip them when it comes time to plan your next chapter.

Nevada is home to 554,859 residents over 65, which represents 17.4% of the population.

Although the Silver State has no income tax, the state has a relatively high sales tax, with an average combined state and local sales tax rate of 8.24%.

Additionally, the state’s population is largely corralled in major cities like Las Vegas and Reno. If you want to live somewhere with fewer crowds, you might struggle to find accessible medical care.

The Bayou State is home to around 800,000 residents over 65, which equates to 17.4% of the population.

Residents face a state income tax ranging from 1.85% to 4.25%, which cuts into the budgets of retirees living on a fixed income. Additionally, the state has a relatively high average combined state and local sales tax rate of 9.56%.

Maryland is home to around 1 million retirees, which represents 17.3% of the state’s population.

In terms of taxes, residents pay between 2% and 5.75% — in some local jurisdictions, retirees may even face local income taxes — with an additional 8.25% levied on top of that.

It’s also one of a handful of states with both an estate tax and an inheritance tax, which could be an issue for retirees hoping to pass along wealth to their heirs.

Indiana boasts over 1.1 million residents over age 65, which equates to 17.2% of the population.

The cold climate is the first hurdle this state faces in attracting retirees. When no longer forced to go out into the cold for work, many retirees would prefer to skip areas prone to ice and snow.

Additionally, residents face a 2.05% individual income tax rate and a sales tax rate is 7%. Each of these can make a huge dent into a retiree’s nest egg.

Nebraska is home to around 340,000 residents over 65, which represents 17.2% of the population.

In terms of weather, the cold winters are harsh enough to drive some retirees somewhere warmer. Plus, the threat of tornados may also make some think twice about moving to the state.

Then there’s the state income tax, which ranges from 2.4% to 5.84%. That burden is compounded by the state’s average state and local sales tax rate of 6.97%, which makes it more difficult to stretch out your retirement savings.

Virginia boasts around 1.5 million residents over 65, which equates to 17.2% of the population.

State residents pay an income tax ranging from 2% to 5.75%, which hurts those living on a fixed income. Additionally, the state has an average combined state and local sales tax rate of 5.77%.

For homeowners, the 0.72% effective property tax rate on owner-occupied housing is on the higher end. All of these costs make staying in Virginia an expensive choice.

The Evergreen State offers residents beautiful coastlines and rugged forests. But with around 1.3 million residents over 65, that represents just 17.1% of the population.

While the state doesn’t have an individual income tax — which is a blessing for many retirees — it does have a 7% tax on capital gains income. Since many retirees fund their lifestyle in retirement by selling assets, like stocks, this can cut into a significant portion of their nest egg.

Beyond the potential tax burden, Washington is known for being a rainy place to live. If you are a retiree who wants to get outside more, living in this rainy state might not make sense.

With around 133,000 residents over 65, this represents around 17.1% of North Dakota’s population.

In terms of taxes, residents face an income tax ranging from 1.95% to 2.50%. Additionally, the average combined state and local sales tax rate is 7.04% and the effective property tax rate on owner-occupied housing is a relatively high 0.97%.

Beyond the strain on income due to taxes, residents also face harsh winters.

The Sooner State is home to around 676,000 residents over 65, which represents 16.7% of the population.

In terms of taxes, retirees on a fixed income are hit from multiple angles. Not only is there a state income tax of 0.25% to 4.75%, but the average combined state and local sales tax rate is 8.99%.

It’s also one of the worst states in terms of health care.

6.3 million residents over 65 call California home. But that only represents 16.2% of the population.

Taxes are one reason retirees might choose to move elsewhere. The state’s individual income tax ranges from 1% to 13.30%. It also has an average combined state and local sales tax rate of 8.85%.

Good weather does draw people to the state, but the high cost of living often makes it untenable to live in the Golden State.

The Centennial State is home to almost 1 million residents over 65, which represents 16.1% of the population.

Retirees might choose to leave based on relatively high taxes, including a 4.40% individual income tax and an average combined state and local sales tax rate of 7.81%.

Extreme winter weather and a relatively high cost of living may also encourage retirees to move elsewhere.

The Peach State is home to around 1.7 million residents over 65, which represents 15.4% of the state’s population.

Georgia retirees face an individual income tax of 5.49%. Additionally, the average combined state and local sales tax rate is 7.38%.

Hot summers, the potential for natural disasters, and limited public transportation could also be keeping retirees away.

Just over 100,000 people over 65 call Alaska home, which represents 14% of the state’s population.

Extreme weather and a poorly rated health care system might be some of the reasons why retirees don’t move to Alaska. Plus, the increased distance from the lower 48 could put too much distance between retirees and their loved ones.

That being said, the lack of an income tax and low sales taxes may be enough to encourage some to stay.

4.1 million people over 65 call the Lone Star State home, which represents just 13.8% of the state’s population.

While the lack of an income tax could be a draw, the state is ranked as one of the worst for health care, which is usually important for retirees. Additionally, hot weather and the potential for natural disasters, like hurricanes, could make retirees think twice about moving here.

Utah boasts around 415,000 residents over 65, which represents just 12.2% of the population.

Utah’s individual income tax of 4.55% cuts into retirement incomes. Plus, the state has a combined state and local tax rate of 7.25%.

Extreme weather is a threat to residents, especially in the winter. Although the state boasts many beautiful national parks, the remoteness could be a negative feature for retirees.

As you prepare for retirement, you might decide you want to open a new chapter in a different state. Before you commit to setting up in a new area, you may want to do more research to confirm it's a good fit before making this major change.