Texas beats Florida as the best state to retire in 2023

Retirees looking for white sandy beaches, affordable real estate and accessible healthcare have traditionally flocked to Florida, but a new state is taking the top spot as an appealing place to spend your golden years. 

A new ranking by banking and credit union library Bank Locations listed Texas as the best state for retirees in 2023. Michigan also beat out Florida as a more appealing locale for older Americans, based on factors like cost of living, quality of life and access to healthcare. 

Texas flaunts a variety of benefits for seniors, including a high number of hospitals and senior living communities throughout the state. Nice weather, as well as cultural amenities like national parks and museums, gave the Lone Star state a stellar reputation among the senior set. 

Read more: Stay flexible, dream big, plan ahead: How to retire right

The number two spot was nabbed by Michigan, which boasts a low cost of living and high access to healthcare, appealing for seniors on a set budget. Florida landed at number three, ranking highly in quality of life, but lower for affordability. The state has become increasingly expensive, with the average home price $407,000 in 2022, up from $145,000 a decade before. 

Taking the bottom spot on the list for the worst state for seniors was Delaware, according to the survey. High healthcare costs, along with a high crime rate, gave the state a low score for quality of life. Delaware does not have ample affordable housing, and also lacks appropriate activities for seniors. 

Read more: A starter guide to retirement: 5 steps toward a secure future

Check out the full rankings by Bank Locations, and see the 10 best and worst states for retirees: