If you plan on spending your golden years in the Peach State, you might want to think twice, according to a new report from WalletHub. Georgia ranks No. 32 among the 50 states — landing it in the bottom half of the list.
The finance company’s 2025 “Best and Worst States to Retire” report evaluated states based on affordability, quality of life and health care, using 46 key metrics such as tax rates, food security and life expectancy. Each state received a score on a 100-point scale, with 100 representing the most retirement-friendly conditions.
Georgia’s biggest drawback is its health care system, ranking No. 40 nationwide. A previous WalletHub report also found the state struggling with access to doctors and hospital beds, placing No. 43 and No. 46 in those categories. And if you think it couldn’t get any worse, Georgia has the third-highest rate of uninsured adults in the country — an alarming statistic for retirees who may need frequent medical care.
“Health care has two crucial components, cost and quality,” WalletHub analyst Cassandra Happe said. “The best health care in the nation isn’t helpful if it bankrupts the people who try to get it, and cheap health care isn’t worth paying for if it provides subpar or ineffective treatment.”
Florida claimed the top retirement spot overall, followed by Minnesota and Colorado. These states, according to the report, excelled in ranking categories. The Sunshine State stands out for having the second-most shoreline miles and no estate, inheritance or income taxes.
For Georgians, this report highlights the significance of considering health care, among other factors, when retiring. Although the state provides advantages such as a mild climate and relatively low cost of living, its struggling health care system may affect long-term well-being.
WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo notes, “Access to excellent medical care and homemaking services is essential, particularly for those planning to retire away from family support systems.”
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