Top 10 Cheapest States to Retire In 2024

[@freggo6604]

Sold my waterfront house in Fort Lauderdale and moved to Columbia, SC a year ago. Best decision I made in years! Got a larger, newer House (for less money mind you), 3x the waterfront at 1/3rd the cost for Property Tax, Insurance and HOA. And the best part... After one year in SC I still have not met a single unfriendly person or driver! Ah yes, and no more hurricanes. Lived thru 7 (yes, SEVEN) in FL :-)

[@mrbutch308]

I'm confused. Do you mean the South American country of Colombia???

[@freggo6604]

@@mrbutch308 Columbia, SC. Who in his right mind would want to move to Colombia? 🙂

[@twostop6895]

@@mrbutch308 Columbia is a town in South Carolina next to the Army base of Fort Jackson or used to be Fort Jackson not sure if they changed the name

[@anthonyfisher5936]

I'm from Greenville Columbia is really shity

[@freggo6604]

@@anthonyfisher5936 Every city has a few dark spots. I live NE of downtown on Lake Carolina. Very clean and quiet area.

[@Ogden1]

As directors of our farm business, my wife and I, aged 55 and 52, are starting our retirement savings journey, aiming to rely on rental income. I'd appreciate a live session to discuss online passive income strategies and achieving a comfortable retirement with a target goal of $3million.

[@ericmendels]

Well, that's not so difficult. If you're not who understands strategies to invest in the market, why not seek a financial advisor to help you grow your portfolio? They could discuss your situation with you personally.

[@stephenpotter21]

I agree. Having an investment advisor is the best way to go about retirement right now. I’ve been in touch with a coach for a while and so far, I can say my retirement has been super comfortable.

[@victorlaranjahal]

I could really use the expertise of your advisor. Could you recommend who you work with, please?

[@stephenpotter21]

I'm personally assisted by Sharon Louise Count. Her returns have been phenomenal. You could check her out.

[@RobinWebster-k4t]

Annuities. 😊

[@هذاأنا-ذ3ث]

If a retiree is on a budget, then state income tax does not matter much. The taxes that matter to them are PROPERTY TAXES and then sales tax.

[@CSMtnBabe]

YES!!!!

[@libbyjensen1858]

I don't necessarily agree with that. In MN state taxes were high and after this year's legislative action they are expanding greatly. For several of us retirees, those taxes do mean a lot because taxes/fees are really digging into our budgets

[@thomasmacdiarmid8251]

@@libbyjensen1858 But he was specifying income taxes. Most states have a substantial exemption for the first $X of income, so if you are on modest income, the income taxes are not a big deal - of course, compare the rates and exemption to your own income. Most retirees have a considerably reduced income from their working years, so the income taxes also reduce in significance. Also, as Briggs noted for most of these states, SS, IRA and 401k income may be excluded, so you want to look into that to see where you stand. Property taxes matter if you own property; if you move somewhere and rent (prefering an apartment and/or wanting to let the landlord handle maintenance), then the property tax rates will be built into the rent and you can just look at the comparative rents. That leaves sales taxes, and I would suggest looking primarily at the exemptions - if you do little shopping but food and meds, then an exemption for those takes away most concern over those.

[@billturner8377]

Retired moved to Pinebelt and doing good😮 you just gotta beat the System😮😮

[@karentyler4117]

So where is best state to retire??? I moved to South Florida i love it here my property taxes in NJ WERE 14000 A YEAR 4 3BEDROOM HOUSE

[@robertstanton1668]

I am happily retired on the Mississippi Coast. I pay no state income tax and my property taxes are laughably low. Add a mild climate with coastal scenery and culture, and I'm happy to be here the rest of my life.

[@chnalvr]

Are there a few towns on the Mississippi Coast that you can recommend? I'd like to visit and check it out.

[@robertstanton1668]

@@chnalvr I live in Long Beach and like it very much. Bay St Louis, Pass Christian and Ocean Springs are all wonderful and well worth taking some time to visit. If you haven't been to this part of the Coast, I think you'll be very pleasantly surprised.

[@davecasey4341]

@@robertstanton1668 As long as you don't mind the odd hurricane coming through once or twice a year.

[@chiper4572]

I live in Diamondhead which is pretty close to the bay, only about 15 min drive. Remember, you don't have to live directly on the water to enjoy it.

[@dirtwhisperer658]

@@chnalvr Ocean Springs MS. We lived there back in the late 90's. It's an awesome area and I wish I would have retired there. It's very family oriented and just has an all around good vibe. The Mardi Gras festivities from New Orleans carries over to that area of the coast and there are parades and a lot of Mardi Gras celebrations. Fishing is abundant. I used to get live shrimp in the fall from the docks and piers. I could get 1/2 of a 5 gallon bucket in one night with a cast net. We loved the MS gulf coast and that's also where our daughter was born.

[@tyronemarcucci8395]

Huntsville, Alabama is a jewel in this state. I have lived here over 28 years now, and love it. I am from Nevada originally and can't afford to live in my home state. Cost of living here in Alabama is low. Medical care in Huntsville is great.

[@Wolf-o8f]

If i may ask, how is the schooling in Huntsville? Would it be a good place for a family with 3 kids to move to?

[@kimbroekemeier786]

Moving from Nevada to Huntsville. Transit?

[@nicole-uo9cd]

1:09 Alabama, 2:22 Tennessee, 3:54 Arkansas, 5:24 Mississippi, 6:31 Georgia, 7:19 Kentucky, 8:26 Missouri, 10:22 Arizona, 12:16 Iowa, 14:04 South Carolina.😊

[@bernadofelix]

I’ve been diligently working, saving and contributing towards financial freedom and early retirement, but the economy so far since the pandemic has eaten away most of my portfolio, what I want to know is this: Do I keep contributing to my portfolio in these unstable markets or do I look into alternative sectors.

[@erickaegi629]

Look into precious metals , gold & silver. The ROI has been steady for years.

[@Marshakb26]

Look into cannabis.

[@KarenLavia]

Due to my demanding job, I lack the time to thoroughly assess my investments and analyze individual stocks. Consequently, for the past seven years, I have enlisted the services of a fiduciary who actively manages my portfolio to adapt to the current market conditions. This strategy has allowed me to navigate the financial landscape successfully, making informed decisions on when to buy and sell. Perhaps you should consider a similar approach.

[@Miakate-f3l]

I’ve been looking to switch to an advisor for a while now. Any help pointing me to who your advisor is?

[@KarenLavia]

Finding financial advisors like Margaret Johnson Arndt who can assist you shape your portfolio would be a very creative option. There will be difficult times ahead, and prudent personal money management will be essential to navigating them.

[@georgiancrossroads]

Briggs, you ought to make a retirement list for slightly more adventurous people who hate broiling weather and don't need golf courses. This might be a northern towns list. I lived in Haines Alaska for 22 years till I was 64, loved the cold weather. But as my moniker reveals, I now live in Georgia with my SS check. But not THAT Georgia, I mean the antique European one where they invented wine.

[@mjpottertx]

Would like a retirement list based on mid-sized cities between 400K-600K metro population.

[@mikezylstra7514]

South Dakota is OK for taxes. Winter gets brutal but the chinooks quickly reverse that. It is a very sunny place. Alaska has a lot of crime in its cities.

[@mikezylstra7514]

Columbus OH, Phoenix, Des Moines, Lincoln, Neb. @@mjpottertx

[@georgiancrossroads]

@@mikezylstra7514 Only Anchorage and vicinity. But anyone who would move to Anchorage is a fool who did no research whatsoever. In Haines where I lived there was almost no crime, a very community oriented place. Spectacular nature and wildliife. Plenty of outdoor activities, even in the winter. And a nice variety of types of people. The only hang up is that you need a source of income, or you can find work if you have a creative approach. There is plenty of summer work though. Haines is pretty much better than any place Briggs mentioned. And the housing prices aren't bad. Even the winters are much better than the plains and northern Midwest. But Alaska isn't for everyone. What we say about Anchorage is that it is the only city in America from which you can see Alaska. Anchorage is NOT Alaska.

[@Relatedonthate]

Yep! Gotta get the heck out of the US where being over 65 isn’t a punishment

[@wisikahn]

Being priced out of SoCal, great info thank you, Briggs. 10. Alabama 9. Tennessee 8. Arkansas 7. Mississippi 6. Georgia 5. Kenturcky 4. Missouri 3. Arizona 2. Iowa 1. South Carolina.(typo corrected)

[@email5023]

*Carolina

[@wisikahn]

@@email5023 oh ok

[@annjames1837]

You can take Tennessee off your list. The California invaders have made sure the cost of living is no longer affordable here

[@potatozinc]

then he made another video saying worst places to retire and among them was Arkansas, Mississippi, and Kentucky…lol! Gonna avoid these 3.

[@smiley8881239]

Almost all are southern states…

[@ChristopherAbelman]

Lately, I've been contemplating retirement, uncertain whether my 401(k) and IRA will ensure a secure future. I've also invested $800K in the stock market, experiencing fluctuations without substantial gains.

[@PennyBergeron-os4ch]

Using a 401(k) or IRA is a valuable strategy for retirement planning, providing potential savings growth and tax advantages. While the stock market is promising, expert guidance is essential for effective portfOlio management

[@HildaBennet]

Market behavior can be complex and unpredictable. Mind if I ask you to recommend this particular coach to whom you have used their services?

[@HildaBennet]

I searched for her name on the internet, found her page, and reached out via email to schedule a conversation. Thank you.

[@lechatbotte.]

I live in Virginia my social security isn’t taxed, the rents are low where I live housing costs are as well. It’s rural so yes tractors on the road but I’m in no hurry. Note I’m NOT in the northern part of the state that’s ridiculous the closer you get to DC the more it sucks

[@KG-xt4oq]

I would imagine Virginia is probably just outside of this list at #11 or #12. Virginia (outside of DC's influence) is a beautiful state...

[@BLaw707]

NW part of Virginia is nice too.

[@dltree1234]

Also in Virginia

[@Ajaxxgopw]

you mean, rich men north of Richmond suck???

[@stevebanks1640]

We left Virginia and 2022 and retired to Texas. I miss Virginia but I like the weather and health care here in the Houston area

[@marknelson9615]

Lived in Alabama all my life and the heat and humidity SUCKS!! It was 85 degrees this morning at 7am. Read than again, 85 degrees at 7am! The local weatherman says "air you can wear." I hate that guy. As soon as I retire I'm moving to the mountains.

[@djack915]

Lololol 😅

[@mikejones7708]

I'm in south Alabama and yeah the heat and humidity are unreal. I am also looking to the mountains or northern Arizona. I really like the low humidity. 11:25 am its 89 here and feels like 102.

[@marknelson9615]

@@mikejones7708 I'm in Mobile, The Armpit of Hell.

[@franwebb7756]

I'm in TN and it's the same . I can step out on my balcony and it feels like a sauna some days. I don't mind the heat and on a positive note for women, the humidity keeps our skin nice. Messes with our hair though.

[@zeroturn7091]

In MS the local weatherman has been calling 80 degree weather a cold front😆

[@trailrvs]

Staying here in Wisconsin where my Social Security and my military retirement pay are not taxed. Twenty-five states have state income taxes, but they don't tax military retirement benefits: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

[@markfennell1604]

im not retired but i am 100% disabled vet and i live here in Georgia the good thing is my property tax are exempt.

[@Barracuda24-f3w]

Very interested in WI. Can you elaborate a little?

[@trailrvs]

@@Barracuda24-f3w sure! They don’t have an income tax on social security and military retirement is also tax exempt.

[@Barracuda24-f3w]

I am a totally disabled Veteran also. I read that the rural towns near Madison are pretty safe. Do you use the VAMC? Any good? Am near Vegas and have had no care since 2017. Really want to leave. Thanks for the help.

[@davefranklyn7730]

Alabama doesn't tax ANY retirement benefits.

[@ragnarock4379]

21 years away from retirement but glad to hear about some of these places!

[@jamilaharmstrong9677]

Wow, I'm 21 years away too, lol

[@mikezylstra7514]

21 years? I'd shoot myself.

[@zeroturn7091]

13 years away, and I’d rather hear about colder climate areas.

[@TomBTerrific]

It will all change by then. Save your money and max out IRA contributions.

[@n0nitwitz]

Thank you so much for doing this. Low property taxes and protection from creditors is important. Too many seniors losing homes to credit card debt! And health care costs!

[@WorldAccordingToBriggs]

Very true.

[@larryorr3571]

😂😂

[@jackjohnsen8506]

I saw this happeneing when I neared retirement, and picked a place that was not a one horse state, in the middle of the Nation. IT is 280 miles from My old home in Irvine california, two miles from the ocean, and I love it more, Many people are moving here, and it is now the #1 destination for places people are moving to... sorry, I can't tell you where it is, as It is alresdy getting over crowded.

[@jessicagrecco5813]

Seniors are definitely struggling

[@jessicagrecco5813]

Senior citizens are struggling very much

[@pattyolson3842]

Thanks a lot Briggs. That was very helpful.

[@WorldAccordingToBriggs]

Glad it helped

[@TN2ID]

Tennessee is one of four states that have no limit on property tax increases. In my area property taxes went up 54%. They will keep going up. They also tax groceries and overall sales tax is high. Prices are skyrocketing in TN.

[@intuitionz1198]

not only that they have a really high tourist tax. (I forget the name of it but that's what I call it} so say you go to Dollywood. they had a 9 and a quarter sales tax and an 11% sales tax on any items that we could be considered entertainment. this was in 2012, but I'm sure if anything it's only gotten worse. not only are they racist pigs there, it's also really expensive to live there.

[@deborahlozano7134]

I looked for the 4 states and found no states have no limit on increasing property tax.

[@TN2ID]

@@deborahlozano7134 you must have not tried very hard because TN is without a cap on property tax increases. It’s very easy to find if you look it up.

[@deborahlozano7134]

Using Microsoft Bing I typed in which 4 states have no limit. Answer was no states.@@TN2ID

[@LPepper-tv8sp]

Correct! They are TN, NH, VT, and HI. Easy to find the details.

[@stevecurran5206]

if you could, I would like to see a list of 10 best 55+ communities in the US.

[@WorldAccordingToBriggs]

That is actually in the works

[@RebeccaSpence-e6l]

@@WorldAccordingToBriggs Thank you, I too am interested in the best 55+ communities in the USA

[@brucewallace3860]

CORRECTION: “Iowa was made for retirees…..who own a snowblower.”

[@freggo6604]

LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@swazi5]

​as a Minnesotan, IA's snow burden ain't bad

[@TS-rd7oy]

I like Iowa

[@mattcollins7939]

I live in iowa. Have my whole life. I was not expecting for it to be on this list.

[@mikezylstra7514]

I do too. Pretty place, lots of good storms.@@TS-rd7oy

[@adventureisuncertainty1061]

Love your retiring videos!! They are so good and informative!!

[@karladoesstuff]

What you don't realize is that retirees in the Chicago area discovered Arkansas back in the '60s. It started here in Hot Springs, when so many people moved into one particular neighborhood that it's been known ever since as Little Chicago. At the beginning of the '70s, Cooper Communities took notice. They built gated communities Bella Vista north of Bentonville, Fairfield Bay near Heber Springs, and Hot Springs Village north of Hot Springs. I can't speak for the other two, but HSV immediately filled up with retiring Chicagoans. It still attracts retirees. Hot Springs has 3 golf courses. Hot Springs Village has 9.

[@mikezylstra7514]

My cousin retired to the Fayetteville area 25 years ago. One week in he got bit by a recluse spider (in bed) that left a half dollar-sized hole in his hip. He was sick and in excruciating pain for several weeks. Very common around there, especially in new builds.

[@Cheekiemoney]

Y'all have made Tennessee too expensive for everyone living here. Thanks 👍

[@paranoidandroid6711]

That's the free market in action that conservatives are always crowing about.

[@Cheekiemoney]

@@paranoidandroid6711 🤦🤦

[@stacistein702]

Facts😢

[@zski1]

@@paranoidandroid6711Trust me, you’d rather be free.

[@leeb.7188]

My priorities: low taxes and housing prices, low crime; good healthcare; moderate weather - no extremes of hot or cold. Probably too much to ask, lol.

[@weswest8666]

Form your list pick 2, else look outside of the US…

[@zeroturn7091]

You’d hate Mississippi then.

[@Just.Another.Number]

You are looking for the mythical Shangri-La then. 😅

[@JamesCorkrum]

Remember the places you are looking at are probably the same others are looking at. I moved to a city, state most people wouldn't move to and it has worked out for me

[@stacistein702]

San Diego and Honolulu have everything you desire aside from affordability.

[@kevinjohnson1139]

④ Missouri My plan is to work long hours, make and invest as much money as I can, live cheap, and retire at 62. Then buy an affordable property in Missouri and continue to live cheap. As long as I can pay my bills and feed myself, and my dog, I’ll be happy. The fact that next year, Social Security and pensions are no longer taxed is just a plus. Although my pension is too small to really matter.

[@lindamerrifield6285]

OK Briggs, you did good, HOWEVER, people also need to know about property tax, homeowners insurance (which cost a king’s ransom if you live on or near the coast), utilities (my family in Texas just paid $500 to run the AC at 78° on a 2000 sq ft house), sales tax and if it has to be paid on Rx meds or food. Also, car insurance cost a LOT more if you live in a large city (more people, more chance of accident). I know how important all of this is because I have been doing research for a move next summer. I will put my house in Spokane, Washington on the market in May and move to a place where I don’t have to deal with the snow and cold in the winter.

[@USA__WILL]

Why are people leaving Washington? Seen so many moving here to Arizona.

[@lindamerrifield6285]

@@USA__WILL For me it’s the snow/cold during November, December, January and February, plus we have very little sunshine during those months. Other than that, you would NEVER get me out of this place. It’s beautiful up here, and the summers are to die for. My back patio is shaded and I have dinner out there every evening and don’t have to worry about bugs or humidity. It’s about 78° and I stay out there until dark.

[@twostop6895]

Washington is not cold, the midwest is much colder than Washington in the winter, I'm talking Iowa South Dakota and Minnesota all way colder

[@lindamerrifield6285]

@@twostop6895 You are right that it’s not as cold as the states you mentioned. However, Washington is very cold to ME in November, December, January and February.

[@zeroturn7091]

No bugs… take my money!!!

[@danielalexander799]

Florida & Arizona are both great if you enjoy heat stroke.

[@r.pres.4121]

And rents well above the national average.

[@USA__WILL]

Keeps healthcare workers employed

[@jerrybraggs2489]

I used to live in Blythe CA. Believe me at 120" sometimes, I am acclimated 😅😅😅

[@ctbadger]

We are thinking about Flagstaff. Great little city!

[@mikeb3709]

Why are we the fifth largest city in

[@iRDope]

I love this channel, good work!

[@lynnferreira5000]

I live in Kentucky. I have an inexpensive house. I live in the city of Louisville. Healthcare is good. The county side is pretty too. The city has a lot of culture which I really enjoy. Thanks for your video.

[@annthatsallshewrote]

Healthcare isn't cheap here for anyone under 65. Also, the Dr's aren't that great bc they refuse to recognize unusual diseases and always run tests for things to cover their butts. An thyroid Ultrasound with my insurance cost me $435.

[@kevinthec]

I would definitely be interested in a video on the best Arizona towns for retirees. Thanks!

[@chrissprague4025]

Can you do a video on the best affordable lake towns/cities? Love the videos!!

[@GreggBB]

great video! love so many states not taking money from SS and pensions

[@WorldAccordingToBriggs]

Same here!

[@richardb9419]

Bear in mind that when a state doesn’t tax these things, they have to make up their funding somewhere - might be more tolls, more fees (for visiting state parks, for instance), higher property or sales tax. The costs don’t disappear, they just get redirected to you or others through other means

[@joeuser2360]

So many of these rankings are skewed by states that have a high cost major metro area. Lots of these state would probably come in costing much less if the metro areas were excluded. It would be interesting to see a ranking that excluded the largest metro area of each state (MA/Boston, NY/NYC, VA/NOVA, GA/Atlanta, etc.). Because a lot of people want to retire in the country or smaller towns away from the big city life.

[@1yehny]

But state income tax is bad in NY, even if you live outside of the nyc market. Healthcare in the rest of the state is rather dismal in access…

[@joeuser2360]

@@1yehny NY income tax isn't necessarily as bad as you think. People always look at the highest tax bracket for comparisons. NY's highest bracket is 10.9%. But that is the marginal bracket for earnings over $25M. What really matters is the effective tax rate. Every state has their own bracket scheme. I'm doing a lot of retirement research and compared a bunch of East Coast states using a simple filing as married filing jointly at $100k payroll income. Just to do a ball park comparison. State tax: NY-$4.5K, ME-$3.8K, VA-$4.4K, NC-$3.7K, SC-$4.0K. So yes, NY is the highest. But it's not the killer that people think its. Of course I'm skipping the no income tax states. But you end up paying in other ways.

[@mrg09211976]

@@1yehny health care in almost every state except Arizona is beyond dismal. I would rather pay state taxes and have good overall quality of life than live in a third world level state. Which, NY really isn't that bad for the average person.

[@stevenlatus6936]

@@1yehny New York has some retiree-friendly provisions in its income tax laws. First, Social Security benefits are not taxed-at all. And second, each person gets a $20,000 exclusion on their IRA and pension distributions (pensions from federal, state or local governments, including that of NY teachers and former employees of certain NY public authorities, are not taxed at all). So unless you are still working at a higher-paying job or have large sources of other income, you may very well end up with a state income tax bill of zero.

[@paulfleblanc]

While Massachusetts is great place to live, it is the most expensive state in the union after Hawaii. We moved from there 15 years ago and can't afford to return, not anywhere in the state. We could sell our house in WV and come away with enough cash to purchase a new build ranch in some of the states on the list ... in Massachusetts maybe an old trailer in park, with lot dues exceeding our current $325 month mortgage payment on a 12 year old colonial home we bought brand new in WV

[@prairiemark4084]

We moved to Iowa to retire ten days ago. We had visited before to check it out. So far we like it. Low taxes on retirement income. People where we are are very friendly. My wife got a nice job working for University of Northern Iowa right away. The first place she put an application in.

[@granddad-mv5ef]

I have been retired for ten years now, and did change locations at that time. I kind of wish I had seen this upload about fifteen years ago, I might have been better off. Kudos Briggs, your channel is informative and helpful.

[@donnawalker3910]

Aren't there any states that are retirement friendly that the weather doesn't make you want to cry? I'm in Texas and this summer has been the last straw.

[@lindamatus4429]

Kentucky

[@tinahenderson9833]

I left Texas. Gained health issues when I relocated there. Dropping weight since I left. Around nicer people. ❤

[@59BigWalt]

Briggs, thank you for this. My local station (Dayton, OH), blasted out a poll from apparently generated by a group of 20 something’s because they didn’t include senior healthcare data. YEAH! 👍🏾

[@maddiejohnson4688]

I loved this video!! I'm searching now. I really thought Delaware was going to show up on this list because of low property taxes and no sales tax. Thank you for doing this one!!

[@stickerlady1774]

Pennsylvania is excluded, too!

[@1artapley]

I live in Columbus, Ga. and he's not wrong. Don't retire here. Moved here for a job 9 years ago. Can't wait to move out next year.

[@jmkoehn6799]

I have to stand up for Arizona's gardeners! I can garden all year round - although in summer, it's mostly eggplant and squash. And this weird year, I still have my spring strawberries.

[@margaretames6522]

Note for Tennessee: groceries are taxed

[@patriotpreacher43]

Live and shop near the border.

[@contentwatcher1629]

Wow that sucks.

[@jackiemeyers3857]

Which border states are the best?

[@patriotpreacher43]

@@jackiemeyers3857 Kentucky. On the TN border.

[@annjames1837]

Note for Tennessee. Sky rocketing housing and property taxes

[@pamelamays4186]

My NYPD uncle retired to Florida and did a lot of golfing. He and his retired NYPD buddies who also lived there traveled throughout Florida to golf at different courses

[@phillygrunt2154]

Good for you

[@sandrabeck8788]

Florida is so hot and humid all summer it is awful. Hurricane Ian destroyed my town, and Gov DeSatan did nothing to make insurance companies pay. I’m looking to move.

[@marion_king]

I retired to Alabama property taxes are really low and when you turn 65 they go down even further and if your get a pension from certain companies or state or federal agencies there not taxed gotta love it 😍

[@libbyjensen1858]

I like hearing about the states with no SS, pension & 401K taxes. That's the most important thing my husband, sister/BIL and friends are looking into. MN is way too expensive and after the last legislative session it is about to get a LOT worse. They went taxation crazy and raised all sorts of taxes through the roof. No more doubt about it. A lot of us retirees are now getting out.

[@Chris_at_Home]

We don’t have those taxes in Alaska and being over 65 we get a $258,000 property tax exemption on our primary residence where we live. Everything is expensive here.

[@signalfire6691]

Areas with hard winters will be more expensive - the cities have to pay for snow removal, and heating costs are going to be sky high. I don't want to live somewhere, where if the power goes out I'm going to freeze to death.

[@whitebeardInn]

You need to start talking about the humidity. When I'm exploring my retirement location, humidity is the first thing I look up followed by the summer temp. I want low humidity and moderate temps year round. No since in saving money if I can't go out and enjoy it!

[@amylee9]

Can’t find that except the coast of California and that’s very expensive.

[@whitebeardInn]

I went to grad school in LA county, about the only good thing about it was the weather, I'd never go back to live there, for sure. I'm looking at high altitude cities, they generally have what I'm looking for. Boquete, Panama and Arequipa, Peru have good weather and low cost of living (according to what I read). @@amylee9

[@stacistein702]

People are so different! Native southerner here and weather is my #1 priority. If it's not 85 degrees and humid year round, I'm not interested.

[@dennisud]

I'm a retired teacher with a small pension. I grew up, worked, and retired in Florida. I want a list of The best and safe States with Manufactured homes. Can you do that?

[@jaycasado5029]

Good thing Florida is not on this list.EXPENSIVE AS HELL smh 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@MichaelForte-jn5pn]

I've lived in Orlando the past 50 years and the quality of life has gone to hell....traffic is utter hell and it's getting worse....rents insurance costs are extremely high...u don't buy houses u over bid on them...when I vacation I leave the state and go somewhere less crowded and more relaxing...every where u want to go for a good time is crowded and u have to put up with traffic and lousy drivers....I'd rather stay home by the pool and listen to the sirens about all of the daily accidents and fatalities....there's no hell only Orlando

[@HoosierInUtah]

Would be great to see a “final” map with all of the states highlighted at the end. 😊

[@mjpottertx]

Cheap does not necessarily mean desirable. BTW, property taxes around Nashville and Knoxville are getting ridiculous, almost as bad as the big Texas cities.

[@binksterb]

Housing cost from the influx of California's and New Yorkers is driving up prices. Memphis needs to get a handle on crime. Lot of good people there.

[@mjpottertx]

@@binksterb I hear Franklin is getting crazy expensive. Too bad, it’s on my retirement list.

[@annjames1837]

California dreaming in Tennessee. Making life expensive for the locals

[@annjames1837]

​@@mjpottertxgetting? Its done got😅 it's now called little LA . The infestation has ruined Tennessee

[@mjpottertx]

@@annjames1837 My parents initially retired to Tennessee (Fairfield Glade) and loved it. Poor and too few doctors drove them back to Ohio. They got tired of driving into Oak Ridge for decent medical care.

[@traveldreamer4616]

Nice video. Some of us want to retire in cold climates. Well, I guess that is where South Dakota comes in. Thank you.

[@janetdierker5700]

I always appreciate hearing these stats, so thanks! But maybe you could get some new photos of the various places? I'm not from MS but I sure do recognize the same pix of that old church🙂!

[@r.b.5618]

Pleas do a video on best cities in these states. Really enjoy your videos, Thank you

[@angelcastro3129]

The no vinyl rule is the same in Puerto Rico, LOL my step father left his pleather clad seat pickup truck out in the sun in Puerto Rico, the seats melted and windows exploded from the heat LOL

[@rosemoore5364]

Thank you. I love your videos. They are all fun and informative. This one happens to apply to me. Have a nice day.

[@vextract4662]

SC getting a bit pricey in North Augusta, we were able to build a home on a huge lake north on the Savanah River. IRA is not taxed on any amount under 30k filing joint married. Still have to pay peskky federal tax. Mountains, ocean lakes, it s good. Greenville is pretty cool to. Thanks Briggs!

[@alicepaul6276]

Alabama, TN, AK, MS, GA, KY, MO, AZ, IA, SC

[@brianwhite1189]

I think you meant AR, not AK.

[@trextrextrex]

Be very careful moving to Tennessee. Had some friends that moved down there. They disappeared off the face of the earth. After several years their kids sold their property

[@potatozinc]

more than 1 friend?!? that is scary!

[@zski1]

Were they liberals? Hahahaha

[@brendadrew834]

75 yrs old, live on SS, but get more than the average amount, live near my family/friends, former retired professional NYC fashion illustrator, former floral designer and owner of my own art business, live in beautiful NH, recently named the safest state in the country 2024!! Gorgeous nature here, very tall stately majestic pine trees, beautiful mountains and lakes, near the Atlantic ocean on the coast, more diversified and where the great Academy Award winning "Best Picture of the Year", "On Golden Pond" was filmed, on Squam Lake near Lake Winnepisaukee! A mostly tax free state, no SS tax, no sales tax, no excise tax on cars like Massachusetts! 'Live free or die"...state motto! Good healthcare system...love it here! Have budgeted for over 50 years, live within my means, have very little debt and love the nature here, i.e. a "Butterfly Park", other beautiful parks and great recreation, many great ethnic restaurants, the arts/ and culture, close to beautiful, historic, cultural Boston where I was born! Not too bad here in the summer, and usually hibernate in the winter months busy painting! Will be feeding the birds, red cardinals and chickadees in the Fall/Winter months and planning a English cottage garden and joining the local garden club! Live near great small historic cultural cities! Sat out on our beautiful lawn and watched the fantastic fireworks on July 4th! Have very deep ancestral roots here ever since 1721 when they arrived from Scotland, the UK and Ireland, fought in the Revolutionary War. Had a great great uncle who fought in the Civil War with the NH militia and died at age 20 in the Andersonville prison, also my paternal great grandfather fought in the Civil War with the Pennsylvania militia, on my paternal side they came here in 1738 from Rotterdam on a ship called "The Charming Nancy" farmers who settled eastern PA, the "Pennsylvania Dutch", three of them generals in the Revolutionary War! My roots go too deep in the Northeast to live anywhere else, "home is where the heart is"! Proud Yankee New Englander!! ♥♥♥

[@nottheoneb5854]

Surprised New Mexico isnt on here. We’ve been getting so many retirees because it’s affordable, it’s not hot as Arizona, and there are many benefits

[@TheKmonta]

New Mexico is actually pretty nice.

[@lgDukeCity5018]

Crime in New Mexico is out of control, property taxes and the houseless numbers are skyrocketing, affordable housing is scarce.

[@TheKmonta]

@@lgDukeCity5018 See ya!

[@rosgeall]

People always forget about New Mexico.

[@Jim-wi6np]

I've lived in NM for 56 years. If you like looking at burnt scrub brush in 100plus degree temperature from May to October then the SE NM region is for you. Not a place to retire

[@jdollar5852]

Hey! I live in Columbus GA, actually right outside, and you are correct. It's awful! Iowa was the only surprise to me, because old folks generally want to get to where it's warmer.

[@AHouseDivided1998]

6:07 mark. Talking about Mississippi while airing a stock photo of the exterior sets from “Little House on the Prairie”.

[@ericahoffman1094]

I live in South Carolina and I love it here and it is so beautiful

[@DC-so2cp]

As a life long Tennessean, Tennessee is great except for the heat and humidity and tornadoes.

[@annjames1837]

As a Native Tennessean, the blue state invaders have wrecked havoc on our cost of living! It so sad to see our way of life turn into the same as California and New Yourk

[@jamesage24]

​@annjames1837 I live in the crap, criminal friendly, sky high taxed state of California and know about half a dozen people who've moved to TN. I envy them, and apologize to you.

[@randyprovost8426]

Briggs great video! Can you do a military retirement video with different state benefits? I retire in 85 days!!! I'm in TX currently and might have to stay with the nice benefits TX gives Veterans. However, I want to really move back to home in NC and maybe settle for SC coast.

[@zachratedrll1529]

Im from Mississippi and Alabama is where its at. I lived in Florida but choose Alabama over Florida

[@wandahall4435]

Great value Briggs ❤❤❤😊😊😊

[@bobsmoot8454]

This is another winner, thanks for doing these videos, I really enjoy all your content

[@WorldAccordingToBriggs]

Glad you like them! Thank you

[@johnvowell6348]

Arizona is an interesting one. We spend many months there each year during the winter. It may be the best spot in the Us during the winter months. For year round living I have to wonder how sustainable it is. Losing electricity in AZ in the summer would be a true disaster with daytime temperatures reaching 110 degrees every day. The state also has serious water issues with all of its growth over the past few decades. We love the state, but only for about four to five months out of the year.

[@johnvowell6348]

We really like Sierra Vista. It's also a little less crowded in winter because it's sometimes a bit too cool for the snowbirds. @@sonomacats

[@theblessedunrestproject]

I’d love you to do a video on best Arizona towns/cities to retire to.

[@onrycodger]

I stayed just south of Rock Hill, SC a few short years ago during the Summer. And brother it was HOT!!! That was everyone's biggest gripe about South Carolina. I had a citronella candle on the deck that liquified from the Sun. They all agreed Winters are mild compared to West Virginia. But you cook in the Summer. I think this is important to mention in your videos Briggs. Thumbs up 👍

[@1776SOL]

We lived not far from RH & yes, summers can be brutal at times. But after 16yrs, I've found a way to cope with 3-3.5months of hot & muggy summers in exchange for winters with 1-1.5months of overnight lows between 25°-35°F but day time highs between 45°-68°F & 7-8months of 50°-65°F overnight lows with daytime highs 60°-78°F.

[@thomasmacdiarmid8251]

Briggs, if you choose to update this list at some point, you might want to consider noting for each the humidity and pollen loads. A lot of elderly have some extent of lung issues, like COPD, asthma, etc. This is one of the major factors that has made Arizona a preferred retirement state: EXCEPT, a lot of people who moved there have decided to plant lots of non-native species that produce a lot of pollen and put a big burden on the water systems. It's still dry though, which may be all some people need. I love the South, but I can assure you the humidity and pollen here are breathtaking - literally.

[@kristinebailey6554]

YES! I have lived in Florida for 3 years and Texas for 4, grotesque humidity, fire ants, cockroaches never living in another Southern state again! In the Rocky's right now for 3 years and loving it here, except for the blue state politics.

[@alfredbillingsley8733]

Mister.i live in South Carolina it sucks

[@corinnesanches1171]

He is not mentioning the humidity and some of the states he’s talking about and that would absolutely kill me

[@Jerry-up8bk]

HUMIDITY IS LOW IN ARIZONA! COMPARED TO MICHIGAN AND FLORIDA!

[@majorsynthqed7374]

Depending on where you lived in Florida, South Carolina is the halfway point back to New Jersey/New York. From South Jersey to Naples, the halfway point is Manning, SC.

[@1776SOL]

That's how we ended up in SC on vacation in 2007. I didn't want to drive to FL from South Jersey. So we went halfway & went to Myrtle Beach. On that vacation we decided to move to SC, just outside Charlotte, NC, sight unseen. Plenty of halfbacks in the Charlotte Metro on both sides of the border.

[@sandraclark2235]

Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kentucky, Missouri, Arizona, Iowa, and (1) South Carolina.

[@markcole6475]

I live in Michigan and granted it’s a great state to live weather wise! Rarely have severe damaging storms (some but not like other states) and living by the west coast is beautiful! Living expenses are ridiculous , everything is expensive and taxed to death!

[@paulayala4816]

Thanks for posting this Briggs, this another very timely video. - I would definetly like to hear more about some of the towns in Arizona. I am planning on retiring in March of 2024 while my wife and I are also divorcing after 23 years. CA is out of the question to buy or rent. Arizona looks good as Bullhead and/or Kingman has affordable housing (no plans to rent) and is still reasonably close to my kids and family here in CA. I would be carrying over my SS, pension, and other plans to Arizona, so how much Arizona will tax and how that works is a bit worrisome. Registration and car insurance is also an unknown, but I live in CA and it cannot be as bad as what I am paying now. Heat yeah Bullhead and Kingman have it, but the river is close and so are the casinos of Laughlin.

[@paulayala4816]

@@sonomacats I've been out to Mohave Valley and the surrounding desert in the middle of summer many times dirt bike riding, I'm well aware of the heat.

[@AW1Lucky]

Moved to Kingman in June this year from San Diego. Very happy here! As for the heat, elevation is 3,300 + feet, so the heat is never as high as Phoenix, Vegas, Palm Springs, El Centro or any of the lower Colorado River cities.

[@cmh0202]

Note on the golf courses - they may only have 1/5th the courses of California but it is also A MUCH smaller state, so the courses per square mile is probably a little closer. Plus, being a lifelong golfer I can attest to Tennessee having some incredibly beautiful and affordable golf courses. Just a fun note in case someone was letting that hold them back from retiring in TN

[@mikezylstra7514]

AZ has more rattlers and scorpions on its golf courses and elsewhere (which btw, are useless due to heat from April - November.

[@mickehogan3230]

​@@mikezylstra7514Just like texas

[@mickehogan3230]

Fun fact, Arizona is the only state with those segoro cacti.

[@mikezylstra7514]

saguaro@@mickehogan3230

[@signalfire6691]

I live in a golfing community - Fairfield Glade - and I have no idea why anyone likes golfing. Boorrrrinnnggg. What's the appeal besides the 19th hole? I came here because I got a screaming deal on an estate sale house and for the year round swimming. The low taxes and HOA costs were icing on the cake.

[@gazoo7411]

Hot Springs Village, Arkansas..................

[@ababababeebababa]

I think you should potentially consider including the (1) cost of homeowners insurance and (2) property taxes ... as a lot of these states that don't tax have sky high property tax (incl inflated valuations for 2023) and/or homeowners insurance. For example, while Utah taxes social security, the property tax on primary residences is only 55% of the assessed valuation, which annually saves as much or more as I would save from not having social security taxed. And homeowners inaurance? lowest in the nation. Ij colorado my homeowners insurance jumped to 6500 a year ... utah is 2500.

[@graposajr]

When reviewing great places in Mississippi, you really need to look at Madison County, especially Madison (city), Ridgeland, and the state's newest city, Gluckstadt. These areas are exploding in population and growth and rank on top of Mississippi's list of safest and most affluent cities.

[@zeroturn7091]

As someone that lives in the area, it’s overrated (fine by Mississippi standards). If you have a medical emergency I’d suggest having your affairs in order.

[@davecasey4341]

If an area is "exploding in population" that would give me a good reason to look elsewhere.

[@keithfitterer6899]

Great place here in Pittsburgh, everything you need in retirement!! No floods, hurricanes or tornados! Also, great healthcare!👍👍👍👍

[@TomBTerrific]

No straight roads cold winters, snow, ice … Steelers lol

[@keithfitterer6899]

@@TomBTerrific best part!👍👍👍

[@vincentrizzo497]

Good Job but !!! Most people look at property taxes, sales taxes, utility costs, home and car insurance, overall costs are very important. Retirement with Medicare is only 80 % and most retired folks need additional assistance to survive. A more total retirement review with citizens that have only SSI and some good savings to survive would help a lot of American citizens.

[@seeingtheforest9529]

Alabama good? _Mississippi_ good?? *Arkansas good???* I must be watching _Stranger Things,_ because this list is *clearly* from the Upside Down!!!

[@zachratedrll1529]

I'm from Mississippi and Alabama is definitely better than MS and AR in every aspect now.

[@djack915]

Lololol 😅

[@AngelloDelNorte]

You gotta do whatever it takes to fit your retirement budget. Try avoiding the crime ridden cities those states have and is probably a decent place to retire?

[@Custerd1]

Cheap =/= good.

[@lindarollins4998]

Have you ever done a video as to the Best States for a Military person to retire to? Affordable & Military/Veteran Friendly with good military healthcare? Good soil for gardening, clean water sources?

[@larryfromwisconsin9970]

I always thought that a high percentage of the population being above age 60 meant that all the young people fled the State. Not necessarily that more retirees have moved there. We retired to Texas. Note that there's a huge difference in rent and other cost of living between the big cities and small towns. Dallas to San Antonio and on to Houston is all one metropolis with high cost of living. Brownsville / Cameron County Texas has the lowest cost of living in the Nation. And we have great fishing and South Padre Island.

[@danmayes4657]

Better Healthcare....?

[@alansach8437]

This is true in every state. If you aren't picky you can live cheaply in just about any state. You can also blow through a fortune in any state!

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Thank you for the video!

[@tarakristina77]

Missouri gets a lot of negative press but I think it’s a quiet gem! There are LOTS of neat things to do! Branson is fabulous, St Louis has tons of things like Science Center, History Museum, Forrest Park and University City and Central West End have the coolest vibes and feel European. Great, stately homes. Oh! Plus a lot of neat “Route 66” sites worth seeing! I love St Louis and personally prefer it to Chicago.

[@twostop6895]

negative press for what? it's very bizarre

[@boby115]

Quiet, STL & KC is only the big bad Wolf at the front doors ( east & west )accounting for only 10% of their perspective Metropolitan Areas. If people really knew what Missouri was like, they’d be coming here in droves , then we’d have to use the Yogi Berra line “ nobody goes there anymore, it’s too crowded.” 😂

[@chriscosby2459]

Yes - Southern Missouri is great.

[@USA__WILL]

Im definitely interested in this one. Im 34 but might pick up a plot on the cheap and build in the future or drop a motorhome. Arizona semi affordable: Bullhead, Showlow, Yuma, Williams, AshFork, Casa Grande, Wikingberg

[@nmpawel80]

id love to see a video like this but the best states to retire to if you want to live rural like 5 acres to 2 acres

[@juleswins3]

Arkansas for sure.

[@TheThelonelygnome]

Adding healthcare to the mix would have been good too. I hear you added it, my bro. Thanks!

[@elultimo102]

I concur that property tax levels are important. How about a cost / $100K, or some other indication of the taxes, as well as typical house prices in the areas for comparisons?

[@harrynutz4550]

Another great list, I’ll be traveling starting in October to check new places out on your recommendations

[@sheilaholmes996]

I have looked at lists before on AARP and most of the cheaper states are places I wouldn’t be caught dead living in. Yeah, I wouldn’t live in any of these places.

[@javierclyburn5688]

I agree! Especially the deep South states. No thank you!

[@metaltwister2536]

Hi Briggs, another informative video. Just a heads up another channel called Travelpedia with 67 subscribers has plagiarized this video. The only difference is that a robot voice is used to narrate your work word for word. Thank again for all the work that you do and getting it out to us. Take care.

[@mrbutch308]

As a recent retiree I find this list not very helpful. Why do you assume all of seniors are only interested in golf, gardening and fishing? I want to live in a place with lots of cultural amenities like museums, art galleries, live theater, symphony, non credit college courses, cultural diversity. An excellent restaurant and entertainment scene. How about the quality of hospitals? Some of these states have no superb medical institutions of national repute. I think low taxes is a benefit but it is not the only reason I will live in place for the rest of my life!

[@stacistein702]

Move to Mexico City.

[@mrbutch308]

@@stacistein702 actually I'm considering Guadalajara.

[@colleenwehrle6358]

You should consider the west valley outside of Phoenix, AZ (Glendale, Surprise, Sun City, Sun City West). It has everything you mentioned and the Mayo Clinic is nearby in Scottsdale. No gardening but if want more of a 4 season climate, you could consider Flagstaff or Prescott, AZ and then travel to Phoenix for museums and art galleries.

[@praxedes2]

My dad retired to Rankin County, MS about a decade ago and he loves it there.

[@99999myk]

I moved to Tucson from Pennsylvania without ever being there. I really loved it. Wound up living there for 7 years. A lot of great things to do but very car oriented even though I never owned one. Buses run every half hour but I rode a bike. Secret: The snow melts off the mountains around May or so and forms waterfalls and streams in the desert. One of the greatest things I ever did. Downside: Stupid people.

[@phillygrunt2154]

Sounds like you took a massive L

[@roadtrip808]

I brought land in the Arizona desert Im in the DC area I've never been there either. I'm going to build a tiny home 😊

[@99999myk]

@@roadtrip808 I miss AZ. Don't know if I'll be back. I'm in PA right now where the rents are high. We are too close to NYC and Philadelphia to have cheap rent. The sunsets are incredible and if you like the 4 seasons, then go to Flagstaff. Phoenix is big and hot in the summer. Tucson is perfect right now.

[@judyross182]

I am moving from WA state (which I love) to S.C. because of necessity (my husband died, downsizing.) This is encouraging.

[@murraytown4]

There’s a reason why these places are cheap.

[@joeldukes303]

Elementary, Watson…

[@MemphisKennedy-xy5ye]

Yeah, it's called a war.

[@topplacetoLive]

Knowing the cheapest states for retirement planning is helpful. Great insights in a concise format!

[@cathyrawlins702]

The current ongoing heat wave is making 80% of the states on your list almost uninhabitable. Best be a snowbird and only go to the South in the winter.

[@kevinmoore9716]

We do have air conditioning down here in southeast Alabama.

[@mikejones7708]

@@kevinmoore9716 And sometimes we have to run it 12 months of the year... I know. But don't you just pray for the winter, I do.

[@TinaDixonSmith]

Great list! It's always helpful to see affordable retirement options laid out like this. I've found that Las Vegas is another fantastic place for retirees, offering a unique mix of affordability and a lively community. Thanks for sharing this info-definitely a valuable resource for those planning their retirement!