Some Americans may want to get a head start on retirement, at least when it comes to where they intend to call home.
A new study by LPL Financial ranks the top most desirable states for pre-retirees, those aged 45 to 64 years old.
The 2017 LPL Financial Research Retirement Environment Index ranked states on numerous factors deemed important for 45- to 64-year-olds, including housing affordability, community quality of life, employment, health care, and wellness.
Overall, the study found that Midwest locales had some of the highest averages in many of those categories, while the West had the largest range of scores (see box for more regional differences).
The index is designed “to grade and rank states on their preparedness and desirability for the pre-retiree cohort,” the study notes. “For some individuals, where to reside is already decided, but the index can still help spark conversations.”
The top-ranked states for 2017 are:
- Nebraska (The state dethroned Virginia this year, which had held the top spot for two consecutive years prior. Nebraska improved its scores this year particularly in the financial and community quality of life categories.)
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- South Dakota
- Wyoming
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- Missouri
- Utah
- Iowa
- New Hampshire
- Delaware
Source: “LPL Research Retirement Environment Index,” LPL Financial (2017)
