35. Virginia
Cost of living: 7 percent above U.S. average
Population: 8.3 million
Best city: Roanoke
PRO: Although the cost of living in Virginia is not cheap, incomes are generally high in this state too. A major financial concern for seniors is healthcare, which in this state is generally not too expensive. Additionally, there is no tax on Social Security, and residents over 65 can deduct $12K of their income.
35. Virginia
CON: Seniors with less dispensable incomes may find living in Virginia too expensive. Although there are cool cities to check out in Virginia, like Lexington, Roanoke, and Richmond, it is no ‘big city life’ in the way of L.A. or New York City.
NEXT: This states’ official food is Jell-O
34. Utah
Cost of living: 4 percent above U.S. average
Population: 2.9 million
Best city: Salt Lake City
PRO: According to the United Health Foundation, Utah comes in second for senior’s healthcare. There is also lots to do in terms of outdoor activities and for the nature-lovers among us, with 43 state parks, five national forests, and five national parks to explore and enjoy.
34. Utah
CON: Utah is not overly tax-friendly for retirees. Social Security is taxed, and the income levels are around average for the U.S. However, the Beehive State also has the third-lowest seniors’ poverty rate in the country.
NEXT: This state’s name means “snow-capped” in Spanish.
