Bankrate has released its annual list of the best and worst states for retirement, using a methodology that weighs factors based on what Americans say they value most. Affordability carried the most weight (28%), followed by weather (18%), neighborhood safety (17%), and health care access and quality (16%). Other considerations included local taxes (9%), arts, entertainment and recreation (7%), people of a similar age (3%), and miscellaneous/other, including walkability, community well-being, air pollution and water quality (2%).
This year, New Hampshire claimed the top spot, followed by Maine in second place and Wyoming in third. Notably, four of the top 10 retirement destinations are in New England: New Hampshire (1), Maine (2), Vermont (4), and Rhode Island (6). The bottom 3 spots went to Oklahoma (48), Texas (49), and Louisiana (50).
Since the 2023 study, Rhode Island has moved up from the 24th spot to the 6th best state for retirement. Here is how Rhode Island ranked in each category:
Local taxes: 39 Affordability: 38 – Rhode Island’s housing market Weather: 34 Safety: 4 Health care: 7 – A July study by WalletHub ranked Rhode Island 2nd best for health care. People of similar age: 12 Arts: 12 Other: 5
A full breakdown of the methodology and weighting:
Affordability (28%)
Cost of living index from the Council for Community and Economic Research (2024)
Average annual home insurance premiums from Bankrate’s Quadrant data (May 2025)
Weather (18%)
Frequency of hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes (NOAA 2013–2022; USGS 2000–2015)
Heating and cooling degree days, measuring days above/below 65°F (National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, 2025)
Average annual sunlight exposure (CDC National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network, 2020)
Neighborhood Safety (17%)
Violent and property crimes per 1,000 residents (Neighborhood Scout, 2023)
Health Care (16%) Access to Care (HHS, 2024):
Percentage of adults avoiding care due to cost
Number of dental, mental health, and primary care providers per 100,000 residents
Percentage of uninsured residents
Quality of Care (HHS, 2024):
Percentage of adults with a personal doctor or provider
Hospital discharge rates for ambulatory care-sensitive conditions
Local Taxes (9%)
State tax competitiveness index (Tax Foundation, 2025)
Arts, Entertainment & Recreation (7%)
Number of arts, entertainment, and recreation establishments per 100,000 residents (U.S. Census, 2023)
People of a Similar Age (3%)
Adults age 65 and older per 100,000 residents (U.S. Census, 2023)
Miscellaneous/Other (2%)
Walk Score (Walkscore.com, 2025)
Community Well-Being Index (Sharecare, 2023)
Air pollution levels (American Health Ranking, 2023)
Percentage of state public water systems with violations (EPA, 2024)
ContributorSeptember 23, 20251 Mins read117 
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