The 15 best states to live in when you retire

Shutterstock / Sean Pavone

When planning for retirement, many people solely focus on how much they'll need in the bank.

But where you choose to settle down plays a huge role as well. You want a place that's safe, affordable, and full of retiree-friendly amenities.

A recent study by personal-finance site WalletHub ranked the best and worst states to retire in, taking into account cost of living, quality of life, and access to healthcare. 

To determine the best places to retire, WalletHub scored each state across three categories: affordability (40%), quality of life (30%), and healthcare (30%). Each evaluation took 31 metrics into consideration, looking at everything from cost of living to population demographics to healthcare facilities per capita. Read a full breakdown of the methodology here. 

Unsurprisingly, Florida topped the list, likely thanks to its low cost of living, warm weather, and proximity to golf courses and beaches. The Midwest dominated as well, with South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin all claiming spots in the top 10. 

If you're close to retirement — or getting an early start on your research — read on to see the 15 best places to retire. 

15. Michigan

Affordability rank: 28

Quality of life rank: 12

Healthcare rank: 26

14. Missouri

Affordability rank: 22

Quality of life rank: 18

Healthcare rank: 28

13. Arizona

Affordability rank: 21

Quality of life rank: 16

Healthcare rank: 21