Southern Living magazine, the Kiplinger Letter and Money magazine have all highlighted Chattanooga and Tennessee as among the best places to retire, citing the region's relatively low cost of living and tax rates, its moderate climate and its scenic beauty.
But a new study by Wallethub released Monday rated Tennessee among the worst states for retirees because of relatively poor health care and qualify of life for seniors.
To determine the best states to retire, WalletHub compared the 50 states across 47 key indicators of affordability, health-related factors and overall quality of life.
While Tennessee ranked No. 14 in its overall cost of living for retirees, it ranked third worst for the quality of life and fifth worst for health care. Tennessee has a higher rate of poverty, food insecurity and fewer theaters, museums, golf courses and shoreline than most states and above average rates for crime and persons with disabilities and other health ailments.
Best states to spend retirement in
1. Florida
2. Colorado
3. New Hampshire
4. Utah
5. Wyoming
6. Delaware
7. Virginia
8. Wisconsin
9. Idaho
10. Iowa
Worst states to spend retirement in
1. Kentucky
2. New Mexico
3. Rhode Island
4. New Jersey
5. West Virginia
6. Tennessee
7. Arkansas
8. Mississippi
9. New York
10. Louisiana
Source: Wallethub, based upon 47 measurements of affordability, health-related factors and overall quality of life.