Wyoming and Idaho among the best states to retire
Wyoming and Idaho are ranked as the best and 4th best states in the country to retire. That’s according to a recent bankrate.com survey that looked at several factors seniors said were important to them including weather, cost of living, low crime, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Jennifer Landon of Journey Financial Services in Idaho Falls says she’s not surprised by the twos state’s high rankings. “It’s like an adult playground,” said Landon. We’ve got skiing, we have hiking, we’ve got the best fishing in the world. So anybody who’s a big outdoors man has a lot of opportunities here for them to enjoy.”
Cost of living is another big factor for retiring seniors and Idaho and Wyoming have that covered in spades. South East Idaho’s average cost of living is about 10 percent lower than the national average. Outside of Wyoming’s tourist hubs, most regions in that state cost less than the national average too.
At the Idaho Falls Senior Center, most folks agree that good retirement is staying where they are. “I’ve been to every state in America and to several countries, and Idaho’s the most relaxed,” said Jerry Colvan. “A lot of people are so friendly. We’ve got gorgeous beautiful scenery, and there’s lots of opportunities for people if they’re willing to look and work for them. And you make a lot of friends, and that’s what counts in life, is friends.”
A few seniors did say the state’s a little less desirable if you have mobility problems. “If you’re an active senior citizen, it would be a great place,” said Majory Harris. “But if you have mobility problems, people don’t always shovel their sidewalks. They don’t always salt. It’s slick and you can slip and fall and break something.”
Despite the chilly winter weather, experts believe more people will choose to retire in Idaho and Wyoming in the future. Some may like the change, but others may prefer these rural states keep their rural aspects. “You know we welcome all people, but at the same time, lets be a little quite about it Bankrate,” laughed Landon.
