20 States Boomers No Longer Want To Live In
In the grand game of musical chairs that is retirement, Baby Boomers are shuffling their seats—and some states are being left standing.
What was once a no-brainer retirement haven is now losing its luster faster than a snowbird booking a one-way ticket out of town. Rising living costs, unpredictable weather, and the growing appeal of a slower, more affordable lifestyle are causing Boomers to rethink where they want to spend their golden years.
The dream of palm trees and ocean views is being swapped for something more practical, as retirees prioritize lower taxes, better healthcare access, and a community vibe that suits their newfound freedom. Some states that once boasted massive retiree populations are now watching them pack up and head elsewhere.
So, which states are losing their appeal the fastest? Buckle up as we dive into the 20 states that Boomers are waving goodbye to—and why.
1. California
California, once the golden dream, now tarnished by taxes that could reach the moon.
The traffic jams are longer than the Great Wall of China, making their commute from the living room to the kitchen a nightmare. The cost of living? Well, that’s skyrocketing faster than a SpaceX launch.
Boomers find themselves digging deep into their retirement savings just to pay for avocado toast. Even the Pacific sunsets aren’t enough to make up for the financial squeeze. Is it time to pack up and head to greener, or at least cheaper, pastures?
2. New York
New York, the city that never sleeps, is keeping Boomers awake for all the wrong reasons.
Broadway’s allure is dimmed by property taxes that hit harder than a Broadway musical finale.
The joy of paying $20 for a sandwich is wearing thin. The Big Apple may have lost its flavor for those seeking a peaceful, budget-friendly retirement. Perhaps it’s time to trade in the concrete jungle for a real jungle, or at least a quieter suburb where sandwiches are affordable.
3. Illinois
Illinois is a state where the winters chill not just the bones, but also the wallets. The financial mess of the state is like a storm cloud that never clears.
Even the most hardened Chicagoans are feeling the financial freeze. Rising costs push Boomers to seek warmer, more financially stable climates. Is it time for a Windy City exodus towards sunnier, less taxing shores?
4. Oregon
Oregon’s scenic beauty is overshadowed by costs rising faster than a Portlandia episode’s satire. The dream of an eclectic, nature-filled lifestyle faces the harsh reality of new policies and living expenses.
Boomers are reconsidering their “Portlandia” phase, as nostalgia isn’t enough to balance the budget. Perhaps a move to the less trendy, but more affordable, backdrops is on the horizon.
5. Washington
Washington might boast no state income tax, but the housing market’s heat is harder to handle than their famous coffee. A modest home costs as much as an entire town in the Midwest.
Boomers are wondering if it’s time to trade the evergreen state for greener financial pastures. The question remains: is it worth staying when your retirement home resembles a millennial’s starter condo?
6. Massachusetts
Massachusetts offers history and charm, but even Paul Revere would balk at the taxes. Boomers find their pensions dwindling faster than a midnight ride.
The allure of keeping more of their hard-earned savings is tempting them to say goodbye to the Bay State. Perhaps a tax-friendly state will allow them to enjoy their golden years without constant fiscal alarms.
7. New Jersey
New Jersey’s high property taxes and endless toll roads are turning the Garden State into a thorny issue for Boomers. The idea of a mobile home has never seemed so tempting.
As they ponder the costs, building a house on wheels to keep moving feels like a viable option. A state where they can plant roots without pulling up financial weeds might just be the answer.
8. Connecticut
Connecticut’s beauty and charm are undeniable, but nostalgia has a price tag. The cost of living creeps up like ivy, entangling even the fondest memories.
At some point, Boomers realize that even the most beautiful autumn can’t justify financial strain. Relocating to a place where memories can be made without breaking the bank is on the table.
9. Rhode Island
Rhode Island may be small and quaint, but it’s also pricey. It’s like a boutique retirement they can’t afford anymore.
Boomers are finding that the cost of living doesn’t match the size of the state. They are considering trading their compact retirement for something more expansive and economical.
10. Minnesota
Minnesota’s winters are colder than a Viking’s handshake, and Boomers find themselves shoveling snow they once played in. The thought of another frigid season sends shivers down their spines.
Retirement should be about warmth and relaxation, not frostbite and snow shovels. A milder climate where the only ice seen is in a drink becomes more appealing.
11. Colorado
Colorado, once a peaceful retirement haven, is now a bustling hotspot for young remote workers. Housing prices rise as fast as a ski lift, leaving Boomers feeling priced out.
The tranquility they once cherished is replaced by the hustle and bustle of a youthful crowd. They contemplate moving to where the pace is slower and the homes are more affordable.
12. Hawaii
Hawaii is paradise, but unless Boomers hit the jackpot, retiring there is a pipe dream. The cost of living makes even the most idyllic beach seem like a mirage.
The idea of swaying palms is overshadowed by swaying bank balances. Finding a paradise without the price tag becomes a tropical ambition.
13. Vermont
Vermont’s fall beauty is undeniable, but winter’s chill is less welcoming. Property taxes rise, making Boomers question their Green Mountain State dreams.
Even the most scenic autumn can’t outweigh financial burdens. Relocating to a place where beauty and affordability coexist becomes a pressing thought.
14. Maine
Maine offers delicious lobster rolls, but the winters are long and dark. Boomers question if the culinary delight is worth the seasonal gloom.
The desire for sunshine and warmth grows stronger with each snowstorm. A southern state with seafood and sun seems like a tasty alternative.
15. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania was once the perfect retirement spot, but increasing taxes and costs are rewriting that narrative. Boomers are rethinking their Keystone State dreams.
The state’s charm can’t outweigh the fiscal pressures anymore. Seeking a state where their golden years truly shine becomes more appealing.
16. Virginia
Virginia, once affordable, is seeing prices rise like the morning sun. Housing markets resemble mini-California, prompting Boomers to reconsider their options.
The state’s appeal is dulled by financial reality. They ponder moving to where the costs align with their retirement dreams.
17. South Carolina
South Carolina was supposed to be Florida without the frenzy, but rising costs and transplants are causing second thoughts. The influx is more than expected.
Boomers find the quieter lifestyle slipping away. A state with serenity and savings on the horizon seems like an ideal choice.
18. Arizona
Arizona’s dry heat was a welcome change, but the relentless sun and 115-degree summers are swelteringly real. Dust storms add to the fiery mix.
Boomers seek refuge from the scorching climate. A cooler, less arid environment starts to look inviting.
19. Texas
Texas offers no state income tax, yet property taxes and traffic are tougher than a cowboy’s steak. Summer heatwaves add to the discomfort.
Boomers question if the Lone Star State is their star after all. Finding a state with fewer financial and climate challenges becomes a priority.
20. Florida
Florida, once the ultimate boomer paradise, is struggling with soaring insurance rates, hurricanes, and traffic that rivals a theme park.
Boomers are finding their dreams of paradise challenged by reality. A move to a state with more stability and less stormy weather seems appealing.