Iowa has taken first place in Retirement Living’s 2026 retirement rankings, moving up from 16th last year. The study compares states on quality of life, affordability, and economic strength—a combination that put Iowa ahead of several familiar retirement destinations.

For anyone considering a move after retirement, the result raises an interesting question: how much should warm weather matter compared with the practical details of everyday life?

Iowa’s appeal includes relatively low property crime and plentiful golf courses, although cold winters remain a drawback. Wyoming, last year’s winner, takes second place, with safety and outdoor recreation among its strengths.

The report’s top five are:

Iowa

Wyoming

West Virginia

Delaware

Pennsylvania

West Virginia leads the affordability category. The report cites a median monthly rent of $643 for a one-bedroom apartment, but also identifies weaknesses in healthcare access and social well-being. Its results illustrate why a low housing bill alone cannot tell the whole retirement story.

Florida falls from third to 22nd. At the bottom, New Mexico finishes last, followed by California in 49th place. Washington, Nevada, and Texas complete the lowest-ranked five.

A ranking can help start a conversation about where to live, but imagining an ordinary week in a potential new home makes the decision more personal. Would visiting friends require a long drive? Would winter weather interfere with favorite activities? Would the neighborhood feel welcoming outside the holiday season?

Iowa’s first-place finish gives prospective retirees a reason to look more closely. The next step is to look beyond the state’s position on a list and consider whether a particular community fits the life they want.

Source: Retirement Living’s full 2026 report.