The 2025 list names New Jersey as the worst state to retire due to the high cost of living, subpar access to arts and recreation, and an unhealthy senior population, where two-thirds have three or more chronic conditions.

There is one list that New Jersey didn't make, and when you find out what it is, you won't be happy about it. There are very few things that New Jersey residents are more proud of than the gorgeous beach towns in the Garden State. We would put these towns up against any beach towns worldwide for beauty, family fun, and great beaches and boardwalks.

The U-Haul index, like Census interstate migration data, shows the states attracting the most new residents tend to be those with lower taxes, greater worker freedom.