America’s seniors are happiest living in these 5 US states, study says — do you live in one of them?

1. Utah

Utah tops the list as a retirement haven for older adults. According to Caring.com, the state with a score of 7.69 out of 10 on the Senior Happiness Index.

This score is based primarily on the state’s supportive environment for people in this age cohort. Seniors are more healthy, less isolated and more likely to be engaged in community volunteer work here, which makes retirement much more satisfying.

Unfortunately, these advantages come at a cost. According to ElderLife Financial, senior care in Utah tends to cost more than the national average, with a typical assisted living facility costing $4,150 per month, as of 2024.

Nevertheless, if you’re wealthier or more financially secure than the average retiree, this might be an ideal state to retire in

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2. Idaho

Idaho is second on Caring.com’s index, scoring 7.38 out of 10. Again, this is based on the density of seniors in the state and the access to senior services and support resources.

Fortunately, Idaho is also considered a tax-friendly state for older Americans, according to SmartAsset, which means you can expect no taxes on your Social Security benefits and relatively lower sales and property taxes, saving you money.

3. Connecticut

Connecticut ranks third on the Senior Happiness Index, scoring 7.01 out of 10. The state has the third-highest life expectancy and is in the top 10 for overall health. So if you’re trying to live long and stay fit in retirement, this could be an ideal destination.

Unfortunately, according to SmartAsset, the state is a relatively unfriendly tax jurisdiction for seniors. This means you may have little to no tax benefits for retirement income and could be exposed to relatively high property and inheritance taxes.

The cost of living is noticeably higher here. According to Senior Living, a typical retiree can expect to spend $4,661 to live independently in Connecticut, 52% higher than the national average, according to Senior Living.

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4. Delaware

Delaware ties with Connecticut with a score of 7.01 out of 10, and ranks ninth for health outcomes. It is in the top five states with the lowest ratio of older adults living alone, which means you’re less vulnerable to social isolation here.

Delaware is also tax-friendly to seniors, according to SmartAsset. The average monthly cost of living independently here is $3,862, which Senior Living reports is just 26% above the national average. Overall, Delaware could be an excellent choice for your golden years.

5. Nebraska

Home to billionaire Warren Buffett — one of the most famous recent retirees in America — Nebraska ranks fifth on Caring.com’s Senior Happiness Index.

Fortunately, if you’re looking to join the Oracle of Omaha and retire in the Cornhusker state, it won’t cost you much.

The average monthly cost of living for an independent senior is just $1,917, 37% lower than the national average, according to Senior Living.

If saving money in retirement is a top priority, Nebraska should be on your list for relocation.