Retirement is a time to relax, kick back, and enjoy the finer things in life. But where should you retire? With so many options, it can be hard to choose. That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide to the top 10 states to retire in. We'll cover everything from climate to cost of living to nightlife, and we'll do it all with a side of laughs.
Florida: The Sunshine State
Pros: Warm weather year-round, plenty of golf courses, and a strong senior citizen community.
Cons: Alligators, hurricanes, and enough humidity to make your hair look like a chia pet.
Arizona: The Grand Canyon State
Pros: Gorgeous scenery, a dry climate that's great for those with arthritis, and affordable cost of living.
Cons: Scorpions, rattlesnakes, and a state motto that sounds like it was written by a stoned teenager ("Ditat Deus" means "God enriches" in Latin, in case you were wondering).
Hawaii: The Aloha State
Pros: Beautiful beaches, perfect weather, and a laid-back culture.
Cons: Volcanoes, tsunamis, and the cost of living is so high that you'll have to sell a kidney just to afford a cup of coffee.
Texas: The Lone Star State
Pros: No state income tax, great barbecue, and plenty of wide-open spaces.
Cons: Tornadoes, a love of guns that borders on obsession, and a governor who thinks climate change is a myth.
South Carolina: The Palmetto State
Pros: Warm weather, beautiful beaches, and a low cost of living.
Cons: Mosquitoes, humidity that makes Florida look like a desert, and a state flag that looks suspiciously like the Confederate flag.
Colorado: The Centennial State
Pros: Gorgeous scenery, great skiing, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Cons: Altitude sickness, a love of craft beer that borders on pretentious, and a strange obsession with legalizing marijuana.
Tennessee: The Volunteer State
Pros: Low cost of living, friendly people, and plenty of southern charm.
Cons: Tornadoes, a love of country music that borders on painful, and a state motto that sounds like it was written by a cult ("Agriculture and Commerce").
Maine: The Pine Tree State
Pros: Beautiful scenery, great lobster, and a low crime rate.
Cons: Cold weather, a population that's 99% white, and a governor who thinks that the NAACP should "kiss my butt."
Nevada: The Silver State
Pros: No state income tax, plenty of casinos, and legalized prostitution.
Cons: Hot weather, a love of gambling that borders on addiction, and a state flag that looks like it was designed by a child.
North Carolina: The Tar Heel State
Pros: Gorgeous beaches, a low cost of living, and a booming craft beer scene.
Cons: Hurricanes, a governor who thinks that transgender people are "a threat to women and girls," and a state that's still fighting to keep the Confederate flag on its license plates.
And there you have it, folks. The top 10 states to retire in, complete with pros, cons, and plenty of laughs. Whether you're looking for warm weather, beautiful scenery, or a low cost of living, there's something for everyone on this list. Just don't forget your mosquito repellent, your shotgun, and your sense of humor.