Best and worst states to retire in 2026 based on affordability and quality of life

A growing number of Americans are entering retirement age, reshaping trends of where and how people spend their golden years.

The population of Americans age 65 and older reached about 61.2 million in 2024, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

Those entering retirement are also living longer than previous generations. Someone turning 65 today can expect to live nearly two more decades, based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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