The Worst Decision of My Life Avoid These Retirement Destinations at All Costs

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Retirement is meant to be a time of relaxation, contemplation, and exploration.

But if you’re looking for the perfect spot to spend your golden years, it’s important to do some research, otherwise you could find yourself in an unexpected paradise, or rather, a retirement destination nightmare.

From sky-high housing expenses to poor healthcare access, there are some places that should be avoided at all costs when planning out your retirement.

Keep reading this article for the ultimate guide on which destinations should stay off-limits as you make crucial decisions about your future.

#1. West Virginia

West Virginia is home to many museums rich in civil-war history. 

It’s also filled with nature, nestled in the Appalachians. 

But while there is plenty to do and see, West Virginia falls towards the bottom of our list because it ranks among the lowest when it comes to cost of living, access to healthcare, and overall quality of life, all of which are important to retirees who want to live out their years comfortably. 

Once you’ve settled down, it may be a spot to visit, but it should be at the bottom of your list of states to live in. 

#2. Wyoming

Wyoming is a great state for natural attractions, boasting many gorgeous sites to visit for seniors who love the outdoors and wish to see all it has to offer. 

It also has an overall low cost of living.

However, that’s about all Wyoming has to offer for retirees. 

Wyoming ranks relatively low regarding access to healthcare, which is among the lowest in the United States.

This can be a significant issue for seniors who need high-quality and reliable health services.

#3. Delaware

Delaware came at the bottom of our list, and for good reason. 

Delaware is the least desirable state for any retiree to settle down in. 

Its irredeemable qualities include a high cost of living, low access to healthcare, poor overall quality of life, weather that is not inviting, and above-average crime rates. 

True, there are many restaurants, museums, and natural attractions, and no sales tax. 

However, even these are not enough to bump up Delaware’s ranking and make it a state where seniors consider living out their retirement. 

If you live in Delaware, consider another state! 

#4. New Jersey

New Jersey has a low quality of life and is among one of the most expensive states to retire in. 

These two reasons are enough to keep prospective retirees out of the state. 

But unlike other states on this list, New Jersey has better access to healthcare, meaning there are plenty of hospitals, assisted living centers, and dentists nearby. 

If you find yourself here for some reason, you will have the resources to keep yourself in good health. 

#5. Connecticut

Connecticut is a small state rich with history and filled with coastal cities, quaint small towns, and rural areas. 

But as you’ll find with most of New England, states like Connecticut are not the best place to retire. 

Connecticut is the most expensive state to retire in, so it’s automatically out for most people looking for a place to retire comfortably. 

It’s also very low in quality of life and access to healthcare, which only compounds the issues one might face when they retire in the state. 

Overall, it might seem charming, but it’s not suitable for those who wish to retire easily and confidently. 

#6. Maine

Maine is known for many things: seaside views, delicious seafood, and stunning natural landscapes. 

But is it a good place to retire? Not necessarily. 

Maine has a high cost of living, making it inaccessible to many seniors who want to enjoy the amenities it offers. 

Access to healthcare is also low, preventing some from getting the quality care they need throughout retirement. 

However, one area where they shine is quality of life, which ranks among the highest in the U.S.

#7. Rhode Island

This small, unassuming seaside state is stunning and offers a ton for those fans of history and the sea. 

But while it is a fantastic place to visit, you may not wish to call it home. 

It is one of the most expensive states to retire in and has extremely limited access to healthcare, which isn’t surprising given its size and reputation. 

Its quality of life could be better, too, giving it a much lower ranking than other states you could retire in. 

#8. Alaska

Alaska is a beautiful state, but it’s easy to see why many would not want to retire there. 

Its extremely cold weather and unforgiving environment are challenging to navigate. 

Its often remote living areas mean it ranks very low in access to healthcare. It also has a low overall quality of life and is not a very affordable state to call home. 

Unless you already live there and wish to stay there throughout your golden years, you’d be much better off looking into another state to retire in that ranks higher in all the above areas.

#9. Vermont

Vermont is another gorgeous New England state that embodies everything New England offers. 

But if you wonder why you rarely hear about it, you’ll understand when you discover it’s unsuitable for retirement. 

Vermont is among the more expensive states to retire, limiting the ability to stretch your income and truly enjoy yourself. 

Vermont also has the worst access to healthcare, which is problematic for those who need good health support throughout retirement. 

With all this in mind, Vermont does boast stellar quality of life, which might be something to consider if you’re in excellent health and have extensive funding. 

#10. New Mexico

New Mexico is a state where seniors are guaranteed not to get bored. 

There are plenty of tourist attractions and shopping experiences to enjoy. 

Like in Wyoming, the cost of living is relatively affordable.

However, New Mexico’s quality of life is worse than Wyoming, and access to health care could be better, which doesn’t bode well for retirees in the state. 

Even if New Mexico does have a lot to do, that doesn’t make up for the critical problem areas that make it a poor place to retire.

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