The Ten Best States to Retire, and Where Colorado Rests

Most people who move to Colorado are interested in an active lifestyle. And that includes those who come to our fair state to retire. No wonder Colorado did so well in a WalletHub study that names the best and worst states in which to retire. A key factor used to...

By Michael Roberts

February 3, 2016

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Most people who move to Colorado are interested in an active lifestyle.

And that includes those who come to our fair state to retire.

No wonder Colorado did so well in a WalletHub study that names the best and worst states in which to retire.

A key factor used to determine the final roster includes the number of things to do in these parts as gathered under the umbrella term "quality of life."

That factor is rated higher in Colorado than it is in all but a handful of places in the U.S.

Check out the photo-illustrated top ten below — and to check out the complete WalletHub post, with much more information. click here.

Number 10: Virginia

Total Score: 61.06
‘Affordability’ Rank: 15
‘Quality of Life’ Rank: 14
‘Health Care’ Rank: 31

Number 9: Nevada

Total Score: 61.19
‘Affordability’ Rank: 8
‘Quality of Life’ Rank: 12
‘Health Care’ Rank: 43

Number 8: Montana

Total Score: 61.39
‘Affordability’ Rank: 21
‘Quality of Life’ Rank: 22
‘Health Care’ Rank: 10

Number 7: Texas

Total Score: 61.85
‘Affordability’ Rank: 9
‘Quality of Life’ Rank: 16
‘Health Care’ Rank: 40

Number 6: Idaho

Total Score: 62.19
‘Affordability’ Rank: 10
‘Quality of Life’ Rank: 32
‘Health Care’ Rank: 29

Number 5: Colorado

Total Score: 62.23
‘Affordability’ Rank: 27
‘Quality of Life’ Rank: 6
‘Health Care’ Rank: 11

Number 4: South Carolina

Total Score: 62.50
‘Affordability’ Rank: 6
‘Quality of Life’ Rank: 26
‘Health Care’ Rank: 34

Number 3: South Dakota

Total Score: 66.62
‘Affordability’ Rank: 14
‘Quality of Life’ Rank: 29
‘Health Care’ Rank: 1

Number 2: Wyoming

Total Score: 67.09
‘Affordability’ Rank: 1
‘Quality of Life’ Rank: 28
‘Health Care’ Rank: 16

Number 1: Florida

Total Score: 70.75
‘Affordability’ Rank: 2
‘Quality of Life’ Rank: 3
‘Health Care’ Rank: 15

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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