| Choosing the best retirement state is different for | | | | there are other criteria to examine: |
| everyone. It is usually a mistake to base your choice | | | | 1) Proximity to health care |
| on one criteria. | | | | 2) Proximity to family...could be too far, could be too |
| For example, there are seven states with no income | | | | close |
| tax and five with no state sales tax. Only one state | | | | 3) Cultural activities |
| does not have either tax...Alaska. Sounds like a great | | | | 4) Recreational opportunities |
| place...not so fast. | | | | 5) Security |
| Because Alaska has to truck in most of the | | | | Whatever is the main driver for you there are two |
| consumer goods it is one of the most expensive | | | | things that are important in selecting the best |
| states to live in...It would be a big mistake to move | | | | retirement state. |
| there thinking no taxes would make it a state of | | | | 1) Go slow...what is the hurry, you have worked all |
| cheap living. | | | | your life...take your time in selecting the state you will |
| Having said that if you are fortunate to have a large | | | | retire in |
| retirement income, taxes would be important to you. | | | | 2) Try before you buy...How does a place feel when |
| Texas and Florida are two retirement states you | | | | you are not on vacation. Some places may be great |
| should look at. | | | | to visit but not great to live in. Rent a place for a |
| On the other hand, if you are living solely on Social | | | | few months before you sit down with a realtor. |
| Security...you may want to retire to a state that | | | | Choosing the best retirement state should be a fun, |
| does not tax Social Security. There are 34 of those. | | | | wonderful experience and everyone is different. |
| For those who will not make a choice solely on taxes | | | | Enjoy the process. |