I recently read about the worst states to live in during retirement, and relayed the results in a recent blog. Just this past week, I read an article written by the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys addressing those states that ranked in the top 10 as being the best states to call home during the golden years. The analysis was computed by Bankrate.com.

1. Virginia - relatively low taxes, cost of living, and crime and a moderate climate.
2. Iowa – exceptional health care and low costs.
3. Idaho - low cost of living, low crime, and plenty of sunshine.
4. Montana – lots of sunshine, good health care, low taxes, and low crime.
5. Nebraska - low costs, low crime, good health care, and a lot of sunshine.
6. Wyoming - lowest taxes in the country (according to Tax Foundation and considering taxes at all levels), low crime, and lots of sunshine.
7. North Dakota - low cost of living, low crime, low taxes, good health care, and ranked high on a study for happiness.
8. Utah - ranked well in every measure, including the study for happiness.
9. Colorado - low costs, low crime, good health care, low taxes, and good performance on the study for happiness.
10. South Dakota - did exceptionally well in almost every category, including good health care, good performance on the study for happiness, extremely low taxes, low cost of living, and low crime.

Taxes are only part of the analysis. It appears that colder climates faired better than the typical warmer climate states like California or Florida.

What the Attorneys of Morris Hall Can Do For You:
The attorneys at Morris Hall have 100’s of years of combined experience ensuring that families’ assets are protected from probate, unnecessary taxes, creditors, ex-spouses and Medicaid spend-down.  The attorneys also help those in Arizona and New Mexico to apply for and receive Medicaid assistance and Veterans Benefits.  Our Arizona offices are located in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Tucson, Prescott, Flagstaff and Arrowhead.  Our New Mexico offices are located in Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Santa Fe.  Contact us today at 888.222.1328 to schedule an appointment!

 This blog should be used for informational purposes only.  It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice.  If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney in your community who can assess the specifics of your situation.