Quote:
Originally Posted by goatless
Another stupid internet list. What were these rankings based on? :roll eyes:
I don't know where I'll retire, but it sure as sh!t won't be in any of their "top 10"!
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Here is the "criteria":
For the second year in a row, MoneyRates.com has ranked the best and worst U.S. states for retirement. We based our rankings on four factors:
•Economic factors
•Climate
•Life expectancy
•Crime rate
This year, each factor was weighted according to a MoneyRates.com poll that asked readers to rate its importance in the context of retirement. Based on reader responses, economics determined 47 percent of a state's final score, climate accounted for 33 percent, life expectancy determined 12 percent and crime accounted for 8 percent.
Here is there breakdown on bottom ranked Maine:
No. 1: Maine
Why it's the worst state for retirement: Maine's low ranking was a result of having bottom-five scores in the two most heavily weighted categories, economics and climate.
Economic factors: Maine got the fifth-lowest score for economics, with its high cost of living and tax burden as the primary culprits.
Climate: Maine's climate ranked third-worst in the nation.
Life expectancy: At 77.6 years, Maine's life expectancy is about average.
Crime: If personal security is a high priority, you may want to reconsider Maine. Its violent crime rate is the lowest in the nation, and its property crime rate is below average as well.
And here is the breakdown on #1 ranked Texas:
No. 1: Texas
Why it's the best state for retirement: Despite a high property crime rate, Texas outranked all other states with its outstanding scores for economic factors and climate.
Economic factors: Texas scored very well for economics, thanks to a low cost of living and low tax burden.
Climate: The climate for such a big state varies, but overall Texas received strong scores for its generally warm climate.
Life expectancy: At 76.7 years, life expectancy for Texans is a little below median.
Crime: The only real blemish for Texas, the high crime rate--especially the nation's highest rate of property crime--might scare off some retirees.
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Now for me, I would rank crime and life expectancy higher than the supposedly good climate that they refer to here. I've lived in Texas (San Angelo, back in the early 70's) and really am not interested in their climate. I actually enjoy 4 seasons.
Economic factors are important to me - but one thing they don't address here is the standard of living. Higher tax burdens often have better roads, schools, etc. Some things I'm willing to pay extra for.
They also don't take into account leisure time activities or medical care - things that are important to retirees.