Kentucky the worst place to retire in the Nation?

[John Anthony]

Study ranks Kentucky worst place to retire in the nation

 

For affordability, Kentucky ranked 32nd. The commonwealth ranked 46th for quality of life and 48th for health care.

 

In all, Kentucky scored 41.89 points. That's compared with Florida's 63.02.

[Kentucky Windage]

Thanks a lot Louisville!

 

 

Just kidding.

[TheDeuce]

That's no surprise.

 

Highly unlikely that once I retire I'll be living in Kentucky.

[John Anthony]

48th for healthcare?

[Getslow]

The bottom of this article is where they outline the methodology. It's no surprise that the poorest states in the country fared very poorly in the healthcare sections. It's basically all about ease and affordability of access for people over 65, in addition to using numerous metrics of healthcare outcomes. Tough ask for Old Kentucky.

 

2

[4 Quarters]

48th for healthcare?

 

If this is really true, who would live long enough to retire?

[tcjkbt]

It wasn't too long ago that I read in a reputable publication that the Murray/Lakes area was one of the best places to retire to. I guess it depends on what a person is looking for in retirement and where you get your information.

[John Anthony]

If this is really true, who would live long enough to retire?

 

Good question, I thought between UK and UL healthcare would be decent.

[Bluegrasscard]

Its funny - I know some people who moved TO Kentucky to retire after they did their own research and math.

 

Some positive factors for Kentucky:

 

- Pension income exemption up to $31K.

- Social Security is not taxed.

- Relatively low property taxes.

 

Here is an interesting state-by-state comparison on taxes for retirees.

 

State-by-State Guide to Taxes on Retirees

 

 

The downside is that we still do have an income tax and pension income above $31K does get hit. This was recently reduced from around $41K as part of the tax reform.

 

Here is some commentary on the pension exemption.

 

Kentucky's Pension Exclusion Doesn't Work

 

Not sure how they measure medical care. But there seems no issues in the two major metros. Once you get away from "The Triangle" it may be more challenging. But that would seem to an issue for any rural state.

 

One thing they ignore is the central location. You can get to a lot of the country from Kentucky within a 1 day drive. I know of at least two retiree couples where this was factor since their kids are 'scattered' but all in the midwest.

 

I think the ranking is well off. Kentucky may not be retiree paradise, but its not last - by a long shot.