Best States for Retirement - from Bankrate

Bankrate has just released their list of the 10 best States for retirement, . . . based upon cost of living, taxes, access to healthcare, crime rates and climate.

#10. North Dakota [in spite of climate!]
#9. Nebraska [in spite of, . . . well, . . . it's Nebraska!]
#8. Alabama
#7. West Virginia ["Almost Heaven, West Virginia, . . . Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River, . . ."]
#6. Virginia [aka West Virginia Lite]
#5. Mississippi [in spite of crime rate.]
#4. Kentucky ["The Bluegrass State is one of many Appalachian States to dominate Bankrate's top 10."]
#3. South Dakota
#2. Louisiana
#1. Tennessee

Ref: CNN Money

Well, . . . dogies! Appalachia done right well 'cordin' ta them folks at Bankrate.

Discuss.

::EDITED TO ADD::

Here's the data: Retirement Rank Data

all the northern and california transplants need to stay out!

I see those lists on the internets all the time. The northern plains states are always on there...Dakotas, Idaho, Wyoming. It always makes me scratch my head. Note to the authors - most old folks dont like living in the arctic circle...its kinda bad for the arthritus.

They also dont seem to take into account quality of life - things like recreation, arts, festivals, theatre, ethnic restaurants etc. I'm sure taxes are low in North Dakota but the Thai Food sucks.

I am familiar with South Dakota. My in-laws retired there where father-in-law grew up.

I wholeheartedly disagree with the article regarding South Dakota. While the overall tax burden may be below the median, that is largely because there is no state income tax, meaning property taxes carry the day. That's a good environment to be making six-digit salaries, but not as favorable to retirees with low income. My in-laws pay heavy taxes on their home.

There are some advantages to emphasis on property taxes, I.e. more stable economy with less of a roller coaster during struggling times. But not advantageous to a retiree. Plus there are the reasons P.J. mentions, plus muggy summers.

Remember folks, It's all in HOW you do it. I myself am actually retired and living in Tennessee. Got me a small little place in Memphis a drivers liscense, registered to vote, pay my taxes there and everything.....Haven't been there in three years. We're enjoying our extended visit to Southern California.

PJ's right. A lot more should go into these retirement relocation matrixes. That's why I'm creating the AlanLeroyII retirement relocation modifier factor. The ARRMF takes into consideration additional criteria and provides a quotient that can be used to adjust the standard rankings with more relevant factors....

Factors like douchebag density, availability of medical marijuana, strip clubs per capita, video poker payback, and ACD (Average Cost to Drunk) are all part of the calculation. I may have to buy a motorhome to complete this magnum opus.

Remember to factor in the cost of a lucky hat.

Is a greater douchebag density a positive or a negative in the ARRMF?

Or, . . . in other words, . . . does a greater douchebag density indicate better Thai Food?

<DBD := >QTF

Q.E.D.

#1 is some 3,000 miles to Vegas.