For those of you that are still trying to decide where the best place is to retire, take a look at this article published by Moneyrates.com.
Instead of a subjective approach to their ranking, they took an objective approach with quantifiable factors—economics (considering cost of living, unemployment, average state and local tax burden), climate, crime rate, and life expectancy.
So, here’s the top 10:
- New Hampshire
- Hawaii
- South Dakota
- North Dakota
- Iowa
- Virginia
- Utah
- Connecticut
- Vermont
- Idaho
Hawaii ranked as #2 in this top 10! Of course, it’s well known that gorgeous weather always yields high ratings, but life expectancy was highest of any state at 80.0 years. This number may be attributed to the many positive health benefits of living in Hawaii compared to other states.
Waikiki Beach aerial view
So, if you decide to join us here to live this Hawaii life, let me help you in finding the retirement home of your dreams in paradise!
Contact me with any questions that you may have about real estate here on Oahu in such beautiful areas as Waikiki, Hawaii Kai, Kahala, Kailua, Honolulu, or any other areas of interest on the island.
David Buck, R, BIC
May 16, 2011
Great find Cheryl. Hawaii isn’t too bad a place to live and work before retirement either 🙂
David Buck, R, BIC
May 16, 2011
Great find Cheryl. Hawaii isn’t too bad a place to live and work before retirement either 🙂
Cost Of Living In Hawaii – Worldwide Vacation Destinations
May 17, 2011
[…] Hawaii Ranks #2 in 10 Best States For Retirement | Hawaii LifeDescription : Instead of a subjective approach to their ranking, they took an objective approach with quantifiable factorseconomics (considering cost of living, unemployment, average state and local tax burden), climate, crime rate, and life …http://www.hawaiilife.com/arti .. […]
Cost Of Living In Hawaii – Worldwide Vacation Destinations
May 17, 2011
[…] Hawaii Ranks #2 in 10 Best States For Retirement | Hawaii LifeDescription : Instead of a subjective approach to their ranking, they took an objective approach with quantifiable factorseconomics (considering cost of living, unemployment, average state and local tax burden), climate, crime rate, and life …http://www.hawaiilife.com/arti .. […]
Jeri
May 30, 2011
My husband and I are in our early 50’s and want to move to a tropical location for our retirement. We have thought of many locations, but in the end realized we want to stay in the U.S. so it will be easy for our children to come visit. so, we came up with Hawaii. We’ve been to Maui and liked it. My question is which island would be the cheapest in all aspects, ie; housing, food etc…We would like a view of the water if possible. perfurably not out so far that we have to drive a way’s to get to modern convienences. Thanks, Jeri
Jeri
May 30, 2011
My husband and I are in our early 50’s and want to move to a tropical location for our retirement. We have thought of many locations, but in the end realized we want to stay in the U.S. so it will be easy for our children to come visit. so, we came up with Hawaii. We’ve been to Maui and liked it. My question is which island would be the cheapest in all aspects, ie; housing, food etc…We would like a view of the water if possible. perfurably not out so far that we have to drive a way’s to get to modern convienences. Thanks, Jeri
John Thompson
December 2, 2011
Jeri- I have lived in Hawaii 30 years.
Oahu ( Honolulu ) has about 80% of the state’s population with the best shopping, entertainment and medical facilities. More direct flights come into Honolulu than anywhere else in Hawaii. Real Estate prices for homes is very high. For people wanting living similar to the mainland yet with a tropical flavor this is the best island.
Maui is probably considered the best island for vacations, beaches and not such a big city so it’s more relaxed. They do have Costco and good shopping but no where near the choices you get in Honolulu. Real Estate is quite expensive here as well. My favorite island but not for people expecting city living.
Kauai is a beautiful island but much quieter than Oahu or Maui. Like living in aa National park. Shopping is limited compared to the other islands. Real estate somewhat less expensive than Oahu and Maui.
The BIG ISLAND is huge compared to the other islands. One side is like a lava moonscape while the other is a wet green area with beautiful cattle ranches. Shopping is OK but limited like Kauai. Real Estate goes from very cheap in the volcanic areas to very expensive in the popular areas of the island. A wide range of prices on this island.
Molokai is VERY QUIET ( old Hawaii ). It is like living in Hawaii 50 years ago. The main town street looks about the same it did in 1950 except the cars are newer.
Shopping is VERY LIMITED and medical is limited too. Real Estate is less than other islands because most people are looking for more activities and shopping than the island offers. If you live here you need to expect a few trips a year “to town” ( Honolulu) for a little shopping. No movie theaters in Molokai anymore. Very little fast food either.
Lanai ( the private island ) has even less shopping and medical services. Real estate goes from old plantation homes ( old house, small lot & moderate prices ) to high end very, very expensive developments.
If you like city living Oahu / Honolulu is your best bet. If you like a slower life the Maui, Kauai or The Big Island are your choices. If you want to sit on the porch and read most of the time Molokai and Lanai would be good bets.
John Thompson
December 2, 2011
Jeri- I have lived in Hawaii 30 years.
Oahu ( Honolulu ) has about 80% of the state’s population with the best shopping, entertainment and medical facilities. More direct flights come into Honolulu than anywhere else in Hawaii. Real Estate prices for homes is very high. For people wanting living similar to the mainland yet with a tropical flavor this is the best island.
Maui is probably considered the best island for vacations, beaches and not such a big city so it’s more relaxed. They do have Costco and good shopping but no where near the choices you get in Honolulu. Real Estate is quite expensive here as well. My favorite island but not for people expecting city living.
Kauai is a beautiful island but much quieter than Oahu or Maui. Like living in aa National park. Shopping is limited compared to the other islands. Real estate somewhat less expensive than Oahu and Maui.
The BIG ISLAND is huge compared to the other islands. One side is like a lava moonscape while the other is a wet green area with beautiful cattle ranches. Shopping is OK but limited like Kauai. Real Estate goes from very cheap in the volcanic areas to very expensive in the popular areas of the island. A wide range of prices on this island.
Molokai is VERY QUIET ( old Hawaii ). It is like living in Hawaii 50 years ago. The main town street looks about the same it did in 1950 except the cars are newer.
Shopping is VERY LIMITED and medical is limited too. Real Estate is less than other islands because most people are looking for more activities and shopping than the island offers. If you live here you need to expect a few trips a year “to town” ( Honolulu) for a little shopping. No movie theaters in Molokai anymore. Very little fast food either.
Lanai ( the private island ) has even less shopping and medical services. Real estate goes from old plantation homes ( old house, small lot & moderate prices ) to high end very, very expensive developments.
If you like city living Oahu / Honolulu is your best bet. If you like a slower life the Maui, Kauai or The Big Island are your choices. If you want to sit on the porch and read most of the time Molokai and Lanai would be good bets.
Mike
September 3, 2016
I lived Hawaii close to 20 years, 7 years on Oahu, 13 plus on the Big Island, yes Hawaii is a great place to live. Some of the greatest weather, and the best beaches in world. The most, I like is the people are the nicest, that lived here a long time. It takes some getting used too, food cost more,so you just eat less. Aloha
Mike
September 3, 2016
I lived Hawaii close to 20 years, 7 years on Oahu, 13 plus on the Big Island, yes Hawaii is a great place to live. Some of the greatest weather, and the best beaches in world. The most, I like is the people are the nicest, that lived here a long time. It takes some getting used too, food cost more,so you just eat less. Aloha