If you have parents nearing retirement age, or you’re getting close to that milestone, here’s a little tip for you. You don’t need to look much farther than North Carolina to find a good landing spot for those golden years.
According to a study from Scholaroo, North Carolina is the fourth best place in the U.S. for retirees to settle down and put up their feet after all their years of hard work. The study included 38 key metrics across five categories: Affordability, Entertainment, Healthcare, Safety, and Wellness.
One of the things North Carolina has going it for it is the lack of a Social Security income tax, meaning that retirees can keep more of their money. On op of that, we have a relatively average affordable home value of $277,265.
The Tar Heel State also offers a variety of stunning scenery, from the mountains to the beaches, as well as a good number of quality public hospitals and low crime rate against seniors. And let’s not forget the mild climate that makes golf, tennis, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities possible nearly every month of the year.
Which states are comparable to North Carolina when it comes to living the good life? Check out the top five below. Surprisingly, they’re all up north!
Best States to Retire 2023 (Scholaroo)
1. Connecticut
Population: 3,626,205
Social security income taxes: Yes
State taxes: 5.5%
In-home healthcare cost: $4,195
Home value: $318,096
Traffic moves through downtown streets on March 14, 2016 in New London, CT. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
2. Pennsylvania
Population: 12,972,008
Social security income taxes: No
State taxes: 3.07%
In-home healthcare cost: $3,993
Home value: $254,612
Spectators watch opening day action between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Pittsburgh Pirates, with the Pittsburgh skyline as a backdrop on April 10, 2006 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
3. Massachusetts
Population: 6,981,974
Social security income taxes: No
State taxes: 5%
In-home healthcare cost: $4,767
Home value: $563,002
A rower passes by the Harvard Boat House on the Charles River in Cambridge, MA. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Newsmakers/Getty Images)
4. North Carolina
Population: 10,698,973
Social security income taxes: No
State taxes: 4.99%
In-home healthcare cost: $3,476
Home value: $277,265
Members of a large family play in the surf on July 3, 2014 in Rodanthe, North Carolina. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
5. New Hampshire
Population: 1,377,529
Social security income taxes: No
State taxes: 5.00%
In-home healthcare cost: $4,576
Home value: $403,094
A scenic view from the harbor is seen August 4, 2007 in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)
