10 Worst States for Retirement article

[NW-Bound]

I have already claimed my spot at 7000 ft. Most of the land up there is national forest, or BLM land. There isn't a whole lot left.

When it gets that hot, I might make some money on the side by letting people camp out on my lot. Or not.

 

[W2R]

Louisiana is listed as one of the 10 worst states for retirement, but I do love it here despite everything, and we plan to stay for a while.

I think that maybe I have finally come to terms with the hurricanes to some extent, although the memories will never die. The crime just seems to get worse and worse, though, no matter how valiantly our law enforcement battles against it.

But until crime drives us away, I am loving it here. I love my home, and the other seniors here are such treasures. I love the culture and attitudes here. And, the tax structure is wonderful for retirees IMO. I even love the much-maligned climate here. If nothing changes and crime is held back, I would stay here for the duration. We shall see.

 

[HFWR]

Would it change your opinion if I added Governor Rick Perry to the list?

Just another varmint...

 

[Midpack]

FWIW. I would have thought there were other states with nominal population lost, evidently only MI in the 10 years ending 2010. Though it's clear movement is mostly southeast, TX and west (but not coastal). Note the national average was 9.7% so it can be argued that only the green states (and yellow above 9.7%) are netting real population increases. And northeast as a region continues to fall behind, largely thanks to COL and weather presumably. And who knows, 2020 may look different. I'm convinced that water shortages will eventually change the picture - time will tell...

 

[haha]

I live in NYC but I have considered relocating to Las Vegas. I am not into gambling, but the casinos come with some great entertainment and shows not to mention great restaurants such as those found in NYC and other places.

Also, LV is a reasonable distance to some of the best national parks in the country, especially in southern Utah and Arizona. For that matter, southern Cal is only a few hours away by car.

The COL is low, and the airport will connect you easily to virtually anywhere else you want to go.

I would be interested in hearing others chime in on Vegas as an early retirement locale.

I don't remember for sure, but I think that you are someone who mentioned that you are able to live pretty cheaply in NYC.

If so, the only reason to leave is if you are a professional poker player or a successful sports bettor. For anyone else, IMO Las Vegas is a cesspool. For years I considered moving there, but everytime I visited I decided, great sports action, love the bars, but a truly horrible place to live unless you are a casino exec or a professional gambler. Not many places can depress me in 2 weeks, but LV can. And crime?

OTOH NYC has the most impressive cultural lineup in the US, and it is a beautiful city. You even get to see the NY skyline full size, unlike in Las Vegas.

Ha

 

[NW-Bound]

While I do not think of myself as picky, most large cities depress me, here or abroad. I enjoy visiting many, but to live in one, not really. I do not even need 2 weeks. A couple of days to visit, and I have enough. But then, I never like crowded places. The larger the city, the worse for me because it means even the suburbs are crowded. Life is too short to be caught in traffic jams, in my view.

About LV, I do not think its suburbs or adjacent towns are that bad. Henderson was the one that I mentioned, but of course it is boring to some, just like any other suburb. The last time we drove by LV with our RV, we did not even stop because we had seen it quite a few times, and we are not gamblers.

 

[Tyro]

FWIW, Another list... Worst-Rated States for Retirement 2012 - Cost of Living, Crime - AARP

Tyro

 

[NW-Bound]

Regarding the looming shortage of water in Nevada, the Colorado river water is also used by Arizona and Southern California. I do not know how the water is negotiated between the western states, but this problem with water is nothing new. Yet, people keep arriving.

Many years ago (25?), the LA area had a severe water shortage, but it seems to go away. Perhaps the aquaduct and pumping projects that brought water down south from the Sacramento River played a big part.

Phoenix has another source of water from the Salt River. However, the water from the Colorado River is used for agriculture down in Yuma. This area provides 90% of the green veggie consumed in the US in the winter. Yet, some say that agriculture water use is higher than residential use. So, what to do? Shower or eat? It's tough!

 

[Free To Canoe]

Link to an earlier thread on the subject.
http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/the-10-worst-states-to-retire-in-etc-59552.html

 

[obgyn65]

+1

Different criteria, different results. IMHO the top 10 best places to retire should be based on your own criteria.

 

[Ronstar]

We are going to retire in our main home (Illinois far south suburbs of Chicago) and vacation condo (Arizona Phoenix northeast valley ). For us - both have good and bad points.

Illinois (good)
1. summers are decent
2. Chicago & suburbs are great for things to do

Illinois (bad)
1. State is essentially bankrupt and dragging it's residents with it
2. Nasty winters
3. Taxes

Arizona (good)
1. fantastic weather October through April
2. Never rains (I hate rain)
3. baseball spring training
4. great hiking

Arizona (bad)
1. Beyond extreme heat May through September
2. Critters that can kill you (rattlesnakes, scorpions, bobcats, javelinas,etc) and I always seem to find them

So it looks like we need to do Illinois in summers and Arizona in winters hoping that Illinois pulls itself together.

 

[Purron]

My hometown would be on few top ten lists, if any. Don't care. Like it here, live within my means, and have lots of friends and family nearby.

Disclaimer: my position might change depending on how bad this winter is. Have a feeling it will be a bad one based on the unbelievable output of acorns from the oak trees around here.

 

[NW-Bound]

Arizona (bad)
1. Beyond extreme heat May through September
2. Critters that can kill you (rattlesnakes, scorpions, bobcats, javelinas,etc) and I always seem to find them

Now, here's someone else who can attest to the oven-like heat in the summer in Phoenix. But I have some minor corrections to make.

The highest temperature in the world is indeed in the Sahara, but it was up to 136F (58C). Only Death Valley in CA even comes close at 134F. The highest temp in Phoenix was indeed 122F (50C), but in Havasu City, it was 128F (53C). The difference is about the same as cooking steak rare or medium rare.

However, the highest temps are the extremes. What is more important is the average temperature throughout 24 hrs. Sahara's daily high is usually in the 90s, while the average temperature in Phoenix in July is 95F (35C).

That's 95F average between day and night! And it happens every summer. You can count on it. Yet, people keep coming.

 

[Ronstar]

Now, here's someone else who can attest to the oven-like heat in the summer in Phoenix. But I have some minor corrections to make.

The highest temperature in the world is indeed in the Sahara, but it was up to 136F (58C). Only Death Valley in CA even comes close at 134F. The highest temp in Phoenix was indeed 122F (50C), but in Havasu City, it was 128F (53C). The difference is about the same as cooking steak rare or medium rare.

However, the highest temps are the extremes. What is more important is the average temperature throughout 24 hrs. Sahara's daily high is usually in the 90s, while the average temperature in Phoenix in July is 95F (35C).

That's 95F average between day and night! And it happens every summer. You can count on it. Yet, people keep coming.

I remember coming into town several times past 10 pm when the temp was over 100. And it amazes me how many people are eating dinner outside at restaurants when its 110+.

 

[Mulligan]

I remember coming into town several times past 10 pm when the temp was over 100. And it amazes me how many people are eating dinner outside at restaurants when its 110+.

That is the one good thing about PHX or LAS, or maybe I am getting old and thin skinned. Once the sun goes down I thought the weather is great out there whether is it's 95 or 105. Felt great to me with the low humidity, and no flying bugs to swat while eating outside.

 

[NW-Bound]

Fine!

Since "foreigners" seem to like this heat, and I never do, I will just sell my main home here and move full-time to my boonies home. It's a bit colder in the winter, but I guess I will learn to live with it. At least there will be no scorpions there.

 

[Mulligan]

Fine!

Since "foreigners" seem to like this heat, and I never do, I will just sell my main home here and move full-time to my boonies home. It's a bit colder in the winter, but I guess I will learn to live with it. At least there will be no scorpions there.

I could certainly understand your feelings. Although I liked the 100 degree weather when the sun went down, I don't think I could stand the relentless daytime heat with blazing sun day after day living there in the summer.

 

[NW-Bound]

I could certainly understand your feelings. Although I liked the 100 degree weather when the sun went down, I don't think I could stand the relentless daytime heat with blazing sun day after day living there in the summer.

Maybe I just want to abandon my home to the invading "foreigners".

Just joking. You are all welcome. Just watch out for the scorpions! And bring as much water as you can.

FWIW. I would have thought there were other states with nominal population lost, evidently only MI in the 10 years ending 2010. Though it's clear movement is mostly southeast, TX and west (but not coastal). Note the national average was 9.7% so it can be argued that only the green states (and yellow above 9.7%) are netting real population increases. And northeast as a region continues to fall behind, largely thanks to COL and weather presumably. And who knows, 2020 may look different. I'm convinced that water shortages will eventually change the picture - time will tell...

I have never paid much attention to other states' economics, but the above info about different growth rates of different states made me very curious. For example, who knew Idaho's population was growing that fast? It's not hot like AZ, nor has the "interesting" critters of Texas, so what's special?

So, I did a bit of surfing and found this. FWIW.

 

[mh]

I live in NYC but I have considered relocating to Las Vegas. I am not into gambling, but the casinos come with some great entertainment and shows not to mention great restaurants such as those found in NYC and other places.

Also, LV is a reasonable distance to some of the best national parks in the country, especially in southern Utah and Arizona. For that matter, southern Cal is only a few hours away by car.

The COL is low, and the airport will connect you easily to virtually anywhere else you want to go.

I would be interested in hearing others chime in on Vegas as an early retirement locale.

It's almost 5 hrs from LV to Los Angeles. That's more than a few hrs at least by my reckoning. There are some good restaurants but both food and entertainment are a couple tiers down from the bigger cities. On The other hand the cost of living is pretty good. Personally I would consider LV as a decent choice as a home base if i was doing a lot of traveling. I have a couple friends in their late 70's that live there and they are happy with health facilties etc. they find themselves making regular trips to la to fulfill their cultural entertainent needs though. Not a problem for them cause they combine that with visits to their kids.

 

[audreyh1]

In case anybody missed out, here are the dangers facing a newcomer to Texas: Peril in Texas.

Reading that list it sounds surprising that anyone could survive in Texas, let alone live an enjoyable life.

I think you're just exaggerating so no more people move there and you can have it all to yourself.

Hmmmmm - maybe not!

We had to "escort" a small rattler from our back yard this morning.

Fortunately, the little fellow was very docile, and didn't at all mind being picked up several times with trash pickers to get put into a bag, and then dumped unceremoniously near a ravine. Totally cool the whole time. Didn't realize he was in danger, I think.

Next time we'll get better snake handling equipment...

And continue to keep our eyes sharp!

 

[HFWR]

Never did see the thing, but for several years a snake was using one of the holly bushes in my front yard to moult. At first it was relatively small, maybe two feet, but the last time I noticed, the skin was maybe five feet long.

Glad he/she took up residence somewhere else...

 

[HFWR]

What was the topic again?

As for where to retire, for now I plan to stay put in Stepfordville, here in the Dallas burbs. Hope to travel a bit, and visit friends and places around the country. I'm okay with city life, though it definitely has drawbacks. But I personally find small town or rural living too parochial. Not that there aren't plenty of opinionated people in the city, but it's easier to blend in, and go about your business unmolested. Harder to go against the grain in Smallville.

But that does bring up a point about not wanting to live in certain places for, shall we call it, "compatability" reasons. Just about anywhere one can live, there are places where you wouldn't want to make a wrong turn and end up there, whether it's a bad neighborhood in the hood, or up a holler somewhere wherein they "don't take kindly to strangers". But that covers a lot of territory, i.e. much of the planet...

 

[NW-Bound]

Tough luck on trying to scare people away with snake stories!

I do not remember how often I complained about the heat where I live. It was so disheartening to hear that people actually love the heat. Can you imagine that?

My last ditch effort was in trying to point out that Idaho is also a desirable spot, according to the map posted by Midpack. It is nicer, without the heat of AZ and critters of TX. Other than that, I am at my wit's end.

 

[REWahoo]

...I will just sell my main home here and move full-time to my boonies home. It's a bit colder in the winter, but I guess I will learn to live with it. At least there will be no scorpions there.

Don't be so sure. I'm hearing not only stories of the rampant growth of bed bugs, but also the appearance of cold-tolerant "snow scorpions" showing up in some western states.

 

[audreyh1]

You know, I was just realizing that the State Park 1/2 mile down the road has it made. We often see Indigo Snakes around their headquarters buildings and gardens - a shy species that loves to eat rattlesnakes. Their Nature Center building a little further on is surrounded by Roadrunners - another skilled rattlesnake predator. Now where can I hire me such a guard?