Top 10 Worst States to Retire In. All but 1 are Southern conservative states.

[amandabeech]

73. In the South, I spend half of the year indoors during the summer!

I lived in East Texas, which is part of the Old South. I could not stand the summers. I have nearly as much trouble here in DC.

I want to spend most of the year near my home town, which is 10 miles from beautiful Lake Michigan beaches and right in the middle of a fruit and vegetable growing area. There is an incredible variety of fruits, berries and vegetables--from asparagus in May to late apples in early October. In December, you can get a fresh-cut Christmas tree from the farmer that cut it that morning.

There is a festival or free concert or art fair almost every weekend in some area within an hour's drive. People know how to make the most of nice 75-85 degree weather.

All you need to do is have a cheap place for 2-3 months (or maybe take a long vacation) in a warmer climate. In early retirement years, a lot of people just stay put with plenty of local firewood and a well-stocked pantry.