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OPINION – When it comes to retirement, it’s no secret that location plays a crucial role in determining the quality of our post-career years. A recent study conducted by Bankrate sought to measure the best and worst states for retirement based on various factors like affordability, overall well-being, healthcare quality/cost, weather, and crime rates. Surprisingly, a pattern emerged, indicating that the best places to retire tend to be run by Republicans, while the worst are often associated with Democrat-led administrations. Examining the study’s findings, it becomes clear that a state’s political leadership has a significant impact on retirees’ financial security and overall happiness.
According to the Bankrate study, Iowa – a state with Republican governance – emerged as the top-rated state for retirement. Its success can be attributed to its strong performance in affordability, quality/cost of health care, and crime rates. These factors are of utmost importance to retirees who are looking to optimize their limited savings in the face of soaring inflation and market volatility. Iowa’s Republican-led administration has effectively fostered an environment conducive to a comfortable retirement, wherein retirees can stretch their income and enjoy an affordable cost of living.
In contrast, the study noted that states with Democratic leadership lagged behind. New York, California, Washington, and Massachusetts were among the bottom-ranked states for retirement. These highly populated and Democrat-run states suffered from serious affordability issues, unaffordable healthcare, high crime rates, and unfavorable weather conditions. It is evident that the policies and governance of these states have not prioritized the needs and well-being of retirees.
It is worth noting that the best states for retirement identified by the study were overwhelmingly located in the Midwest and the South, both of which are known for their Republican leanings. This regional pattern further solidifies the notion that Republican-run states tend to provide more favorable conditions for retirees. The Midwestern and Southern states boast low costs of living, affordable healthcare options, and lower crime rates. These factors create an attractive environment for retirees looking to make the most of their retirement savings and enjoy a peaceful and secure post-career life.
On the other hand, the study found that states in the Northeast and the West, typically governed by Democrats, fared poorly in terms of retirement suitability. These regions were plagued by higher costs of living, expensive healthcare systems, and higher crime rates. The policies implemented by Democratic administrations in these states have, unfortunately, failed to address the specific challenges faced by retirees. As a result, retirees residing in these states may find it more difficult to maintain a comfortable standard of living and enjoy a worry-free retirement.
While choosing a retirement destination is deeply personal, the Bankrate study sheds light on an intriguing correlation between a state’s political leadership and its suitability for retirees. Republican-run states, such as Iowa, have demonstrated remarkable success in creating an environment conducive to a happy and secure retirement. Their lower costs of living, affordable healthcare options, and safer communities make them an attractive choice for retirees looking to make the most of their golden years. In contrast, Democrat-led states have struggled to meet retirees’ needs, often burdening them with high expenses and inadequate support systems. As retirees plan their post-career lives, they should consider the political landscape of their potential destinations, as it may play a pivotal role in determining their retirement prosperity and overall well-being.
Craig DeLuz is Director of Communications for CRA, President of 2A News Corp. and a director for the Frederick Douglass Foundation of California. You can follow him on Twitter @CraigDeLuz.
