![\"Aerial](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/colorado-springs-iStock-1294753877.jpg\")
<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\n Jacob Boomsma \/ Getty Images\/iStockphoto <\/p>\n
Commitment to Our Readers<\/p>\n
GOBankingRates’ editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services – our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines<\/a> and our products and services review methodology<\/a>.<\/p>\n 20 Years<\/strong> Trusted by<\/strong> When the topic of retirement<\/a> comes up, most people think of Florida or Texas. While these traditional landings for retirees offer benefits like a low cost of living and tax advantages for seniors, many other states with unique attributes are overlooked. <\/p>\n To gain a different perspective on where retirees can spend their golden years, GOBankingRates asked ChatGPT to recommend the best states for retirement. These five were surprising.\u00a0<\/p>\n Also see what a comfortable retirement costs in each state<\/a>.<\/p>\n 1. Colorado<\/p>\n When asked, ChatGPT noted that the best states for retirement depend on \u201cpersonal priorities.\u201d These may include factors such as taxes, climate, cost of living and access to family. The artificial intelligence (AI) assistant gave recommendations based on these things, unsurprisingly listing Florida in the top spot for retirees. More intriguing, however, was the chatbot\u2019s suggestion of Colorado for hopeful retirees.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Pros to retiring in Colorado, ChatGPT said, include its \u201cstunning scenery, outdoor recreation, good healthcare [and] low property taxes.\u201d It did note that some cons may be its high cost of living and the winter months. It\u2019s true that few people could argue against the breathtaking scenery throughout the state, but the high cost of living may be prohibitive for retirees on a budget<\/a>. According to BestPlaces<\/a>, the cost of living is 20.5% more expensive in the state compared with the average in the U.S.<\/p>\n 2. South Dakota<\/p>\n The second surprising state on the list was South Dakota. According to ChatGPT\u2019s pro-con list, retirees will benefit from the lack of state income tax, low cost of living<\/a>, good healthcare and low crime rate. Cons include harsh winters and less cultural diversity, per ChatGPT.<\/p>\n For retirees, these harsh winters can be brutal, particularly as they age. The National Institute on Aging<\/a> cautioned seniors residing in cold weather to be cautious of fall hazards, medical conditions like diabetes that may be affected by low temperatures and the potential for hypothermia.<\/p>\n 3. Iowa<\/p>\n The Hawkeye State is known for its vibrant college towns, but less so for its senior communities. ChatGPT, however, said the state may appeal to retirees because of its \u201clow cost of living, great healthcare [and] safe communities.\u201d Like many of its northern neighbors, Iowa has harsh, long-lasting winters. It is also predominantly rural, which may not be ideal for retirement, depending on personal preference.\u00a0<\/p>\n Having gone to college in Iowa, I can attest to the ice-cold winters. While my four years in Cedar Rapids were idyllic, scraping ice off my windshield as a senior citizen seems much less charming. Temperatures begin to drop in November and stay freezing into February, most winters. For instance, the average temperature in Des Moines in January is 33 degrees Fahrenheit, with lows in the teens, as reported by Weather Spark<\/a>.<\/p>\n 4. Maine<\/p>\n One of the more pricey states to make the list was Maine. Pros for retirees, ChatGPT noted, were the \u201cbeautiful coastal and forest areas,\u201d along with a low crime rate and good healthcare. Cons, on the other hand, include high property taxes<\/a> and cold winters, per ChatGPT.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.gobankingrates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icon-20.svg?webp=1&quality=75\"){kind=icon}
<\/p>\n
Helping You Live Richer<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.gobankingrates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icon-experts-review.svg?webp=1&quality=75\"){kind=icon}
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.gobankingrates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icon__trusted.svg?webp=1&quality=75\"){kind=icon}
<\/p>\n
Millions of Readers<\/p>\n