As we travelled on our 17-day journey along the East Coast in search of the best states to retire in 2025 last year, we uncovered some states that we hadn’t thought of. Among the bustling urban landscapes and tourist hotspots, our quest led us back to the quiet charm and tranquility of rural living.
Today, I will share with you the five best rural states to retire in 2025 and beyond after our road trip and more research. However, it changed since we took that road trip.
Picture yourself waking up to the sound of chirping birds and the gentle rustling of leaves, far from the fast-paced world you once knew. These states offer more than just a place to settle down; they provide peace and natural beauty that is truly unparalleled.
In this post, I will unveil the top rural states that not only cater to your retirement needs but also promise a fulfilling lifestyle with a lower cost of living.
Join us as we explore the hidden treasures of rural America and discover where your next chapter could begin.
Importance of Choosing the Right Rural State for Retirement
Choosing the perfect rural state for retirement is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your quality of life in your golden years. It’s not just about finding a place to settle down; it’s about creating a lifestyle that fulfills your needs and desires.
Let’s explore the factors to consider when selecting a rural state for retirement and the benefits that come with retiring in rural areas.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Which States Are The Best To Retire in 2025
Cost of Living
One of the primary factors to consider when choosing a rural state for retirement is the cost of living. Typically, rural areas have a lower cost of living compared to urban areas, allowing retirees to stretch their retirement savings further.
That was the case when we first moved to rural Maine, but it has undergone significant changes over the past five years.
Quality of Healthcare
Access to quality healthcare is essential as we age. Before choosing one of the best states to retire to in 2025, ensure that there are healthcare facilities and services available in the area to cater to your medical needs.
Currently, we have to travel an hour to a pharmacy and a hospital. Some specialty doctors are a 2-hour drive away.
Even finding a vet for our pet nearby was a challenge, and we had to travel at least an hour away when our old dog got sick. Today we have a new puppy and still drive that our to the vet for checks.
Weather Conditions
Consider the climate and environment of the best states to retire in 2025 if you are eyeing retirement. Do you prefer a warmer climate or four seasons?
Do you prefer to be near the beach or the mountains? These factors can significantly influence your happiness and well-being today and in your retirement.
After spending most of our lives near the ocean in Rhode Island, we decided that we preferred the mountains, with fewer people, less traffic, and less bustle.
However, in the western mountains of Maine, the weather is harsh, and the cost of heating your home is much higher. Even in hot summers, air conditioning is still necessary to breathe comfortably.
Not only that, but snow removal is something that becomes a daily thing up here. Do we want to do that as we age?
We originally came here for snowmobiling, but there is less snow this winter, making it harder to enjoy. And with a bad back, it may not be the best sport for me anymore.
Community and Social Life
Retiring in a rural state means being part of a smaller community. Think about whether you prefer a close-knit community where everyone knows each other or a more private setting.
Consider the social activities and events available in the area to ensure you can lead a fulfilling and active retirement lifestyle.
That was our biggest disappointment living in rural Maine: the lack of community. We were always treated as outsiders by many in rural Maine even after living there fulltime to five years.
Benefits of The Best Rural States To Retire In
- Peace and Tranquility: Rural areas provide a peaceful and serene environment, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. The tranquility of rural living can provide a sense of calm and relaxation, allowing you to enjoy your retirement years fully.
- Affordable Housing Options: Rural areas often offer more affordable housing options compared to urban areas. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cottage or a spacious farmhouse, rural states have a diverse range of housing choices to suit your preferences and budget.
- Connection with Nature: Retiring in a rural state allows you to connect with nature daily. Enjoy scenic views, fresh air, and outdoor recreational activities right in your backyard. Living close to nature can have a positive impact on your physical and mental well-being in retirement.
- Strong Sense of Community: Rural communities are known for their strong sense of community and neighborly spirit. By retiring in a rural area, you can build meaningful relationships with your neighbors, participate in local events, and be part of a supportive community that looks out for one another. Of course, you may not know until you have been living there how it will be like.
Our 17-Day Journey on the East Coast
After embarking on our 17-day adventure along the East Coast in search of the perfect retirement location, we were happy to see the charm and beauty of the East Coast towns that were on our path.
The journey unfolded, with each stop offering new experiences and insights into what makes a rural state an ideal place for retirement.
Scenic Rural Landscapes and Communities
As we reached the midway point of our journey, the landscape transitioned from coastal views to rolling hills and expansive farmlands. Scenic drives through rural communities revealed a sense of peace and tranquility that we liked.
Quaint farmhouses with their inviting front porches and fields of corn swaying in the gentle breeze painted a picture of rural life at its finest. We loved the old barns along our ride as well, to the point that my husband is considering building a barndominium for our next rural home.
Top 5 Rural Best States To Retire In 2025 and Beyond
After our 17-day exploration along the East Coast in search of the perfect retirement destination, I compiled a list of the top 5 rural states for retirement in 2024 and beyond.
We thought West Virginia would be on that list, but it ranked very low for healthcare, and the areas we explored were quite remote (with tough driving conditions in wintertime) and had no cell service.
However, we did love the landscape and beauty of both Virginia and West Virginia.
Each of these rural states offers unique benefits that cater to different retirement preferences.
Let’s look at my findings.
1. Pennsylvania: It Was The Best Rural State for Affordable Living
Are you looking to stretch your retirement savings without compromising on quality of life? Head to this rural state known for its low cost of living, affordable housing options, and reasonable healthcare expenses.
Enjoy a relaxed lifestyle without breaking the bank. You can embrace tranquility while keeping your finances in check. It was on Forbes list of best places to retire in 2023.
It was one we didn’t look at seriously until our return home. We did more research and found it to be an ideal location as we would be closer to our grandchildren.
Today, we are about 6 hours away, and it would cut an hour or 90 minutes from that trip. However after we purchased land and tried to sell our home we found out the area of PA we were going to move to changed their taxation on proprety and so we sold it recently.
2. Georgia: Ideal Rural State for Outdoor Enthusiasts
For retirees who thrive in the great outdoors, this state is a nature lover’s paradise. With vast expanses of national parks, hiking trails, fishing spots, and more, outdoor adventures await at every corner.
Breathe in the fresh air, soak in the scenic views, and embrace an active lifestyle surrounded by nature’s beauty.
We were amazed by northern Georgia. If it weren’t so far from the grandchildren, it might have been our 1st choice.
3. Maine: Top Rural State for Healthcare Facilities
Health is wealth, especially in retirement. This state boasts top-notch healthcare facilities, ensuring retirees have access to quality medical services when needed. From renowned hospitals to specialized care centers, your health and well-being are in good hands here.
However, that is where we live and we are an hour away from a hospital and pharmacy. The better hospitals are a 3 hour ride away.
We also felt like we loved Maine more when we returned to see the majestic trees and mountains. It really is one of the the most picturesque places on the East Coast.
But as the bills arrived, we began to think more about the cost of living if we stayed. Since we did not sell our home that was on the market for a year we decided to stay put for now. It appears everywhere property taxes are going up and up.
4. Tennessee: Charming Rural State with Vibrant Cultural Scene
Immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of culture and arts in this charming rural state. Experience local traditions, art exhibitions, live performances, and community events that showcase the vibrant cultural scene.
Embrace new experiences, connect with fellow retirees, and enrich your retirement years with creativity and purpose.
We liked Tennessee, but its distance was an issue, and we learned that healthcare is not an excellent choice in that state.
However, we also learned many people from California are moving there and wondered if that would jack up the prices in the coming years. Since last year there have been many floods and we are glad not to have moved down there.
5. Florida: Scenic Rural State with Active Retiree Community
Join a thriving community of active retirees in this scenic rural state. Stay socially engaged with like-minded individuals through clubs, recreational activities, and community gatherings.
Whether you’re seeking companionship, volunteer opportunities, or simply a sense of belonging, this state offers a welcoming environment for retirees looking to stay active and connected.
We have several friends in Florida and stopped to see them on our journey. I even had a meeting with someone who works for my online business while I was in Florida.
We were amazed by the large farms and ranches along our road trip. I never imagined Florida would be so rural.
However, not only is it further from the grandchildren, but the costs have increased significantly in that state over the past five years, as in our state of Maine. We also are not a fan of heat and humidity. Maybe as we get older it may be an option still.
Conclusion: Best States To Retire In 2025 and Beyond
After exploring the top 5 rural states to retire in 2025 and beyond, it’s evident that each state offers a unique blend of charm and natural beauty that can cater to an extensive range of our desires.
With their welcoming communities, outdoor recreation opportunities, and lower cost of living compared to urban areas, these states offer promising options for those seeking a peaceful and fulfilling retirement.
We were looking in the state of Pennsylvania, as it’s closer to our grandchildren, closer to medical facilities, and the cost of living is much lower than the state of Maine and the other states that we visited. (But a year later it got much more expensive with taxes and a high gas tax.)
We are reevaulating our best state to retire to in the coming years as the housing market has slowed down making it harder to move anywhere if you can’t sell your current home.
What do you believe is the best states to retire in 2025?
Pennsylvania really surprises me, Lisa but there are many beautiful areas. I lived in Oxford for awhile. Small town and outskirts were rural. My bestfriend still lives there. During my younger years, we partied alot in South Philly, Glen Mills area. Of course, these are on the southern end of the state. Many moons ago, I had a friend that lived out north of Pittsburgh. Beautiful area, small town, lots of snow. I can see the attraction and compared to cost of living in Maine, even taxes, Pennsylvania would be a good choice. I look forward to reading more about your transition! Oh, and I know I dream to be in West Virginia but I do agree on the lack of Healthcare system there and the more isolated areas in the state.
Good luck, Lisa!
Hi Bren, it surprised me too. It was not on the radar at first at all. It is beautiful especially in the mountains. I didn’t realize you had been there. It will be interesting to see how it all goes if we sell our home in Maine. I did like West Virginia but once there found a few things not so good. Plus further away from the grandchildren and PA is closer to them than Maine, believe it or not! Thanks for coming by on this one Bren. Have a great weekend.