The states with the best climates for seniors

Is there a perfect place to retire?

It’s a question that various researchers have tried to answer for years.

SeniorAdvice.com recently ranked the top 10 large cities for seniors.

And WalletHub tried to figure out where military retirees might be most and least comfortable in their golden years.

Bank Rate gave it a shot with its ranking of best and worst states to retire.

These rankings and many others look at factors retirees might want in their community such as access to doctors, nursing homes and VA facilities. The research typically studies local economies to determine where the cost of living is most favorable in terms of property values and taxes.

Recreational and lifestyle opportunities are also often considered when ranking markets for seniors, as are environmental factors such as climate, water quality and air quality.

The various data points are weighted and plugged into algorithms that yield rankings that are meant to be objective. Data in, data out. And yet, much of the feedback received by LifeHealthPro would indicate that the locations listed in these statistical rankings rarely feature a pleasant climate for retirees. 

What might constitute a pleasant climate for retirees?

The answer is subjective and difficult to quantify. Consider this: Software engineer Kelly Norton tried to determine which U.S. locales have the most pleasant climates and came up with an interesting and detailed map. The thing is, all five ‘most pleasant places’ on Norton’s map are located in California.

And there may be other environmental factors that come into play when selecting a place to retire.

Continue reading for climate facts that can be helpful when choosing a pleasant place to retire.

Is a pleasant climate all about the right temperature?

States with the warmest average temperature (in Fahrenheit):

1. Florida: 70.7 degrees

2. Hawaii: 70 degrees

3. Louisiana: 66.4 degrees

4. Texas: 64.8 degrees

5. Georgia: 63.5 degrees

6. Mississippi: 63.4 degrees

7. Alabama: 62.8 degrees

8. South Carolina: 62.4 degrees

9. Arkansas: 59.4 degrees

10. Arizona: 60.3 degrees

Or does too much rain dampen a state’s appeal for the senior set?

States with the most average annual rainfall:

1. Hawaii: 166

2. Vermont: 143