Best and worst U.S. states for retirement

When it comes to deciding where to put down roots for retirement, Americans have an embarrassment of riches within their own borders. From Florida to Arizona to Hawaii, figuring out where to call home is limited only by your desires and your budget.

But how to decide?

In its latest survey, Bankrate.com used six criteria to determine which states are the best and worst for retirees: cost of living, taxes, health care, weather, crime and residents' overall well-being. And the results produced some surprises.

Traditional retirement spots didn't fare as well as those generally not considered retirement meccas. For example, while many people think of beaches when they think about retirement, only one of Bankrate's 10 best states for retirement touches the Atlantic or Pacific oceans or the Gulf of Mexico -- and nine of the 12 worst are coastal states.

Some popular states also ranked poorly primarily because densely populated areas tend to be expensive places to live, and that can put a lot of financial pressure on those with a fixed income.

But Many Western states did do well in the rankings, mirroring the demographic trend that has prompted many Americans to move West in droves in recent decades, drawn by majestic vistas, sunny skies and easy access to outdoor activities the region has to offer.

Here are Bankrate's top 10 and bottom five states for retirement in 2016, with a final list of those that ranked from No. 11 through No. 24.

1. Wyoming

Low taxes are the chief reason the Cowboy State is riding high in this year's rankings, aided by strong scores in the well-being of its residents, low cost of living and a low crime rate. Nature-lovers will feel right at home in Wyoming, which features seven national parks, including famous Yellowstone National Park. There's also plenty of room to roam: Wyoming is the least populated state in the nation.

Best Feature: Low taxes

Worst Feature: Health care

2. South Dakota

Like its neighbor, Wyoming, South Dakota benefits from low taxes, living costs and crime rates, but it comes up short on the well-being of its residents. Bitter winters and hot summers may play a role. The state has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, and it's sparsely populated -- with less than 1 million residents. South Dakota's chief tourist attractions include the Black Hills, Badlands and Mount Rushmore.

Best Feature: Low taxes

Worst Feature: Happiness

3. Colorado

Few states conjure up images of snow-capped mountain peaks reaching high into bright blue skies as well as Colorado. Gorgeous scenery aside, the state benefits from many of the same advantages as its regional neighbors, including low taxes and living costs. Those crystalline skies are the result of a fairly arid climate that helps to keep rain-soaked days to a minimum. New arrivals will find the weather is conducive to all manner of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, rock climbing and, of course, skiing.

Best Feature: Weather

Worst Feature: Crime

4. Utah

One of the nation's most conservative states, Utah holds no shortage of attractions for retirees no matter their political stripe. Agreeable weather combined with abundance of natural attractions ensure lovers of the outdoors always have something to do. Housing costs, whether renting or purchasing, are higher in Utah than the national average, a consideration for retirees, as is the state's high overall tax rate.

Best Feature: Weather

Worst Feature: Taxes

5. Virginia

Rounding out the top five, Virginia is the highest-rated state east of the Mississippi on Bankrate's list. As one of the 13 original colonies founded in the 16th and 17th centuries, history buffs will find no shortage of historic destinations to while away the hours and make new discoveries. The state also has a vibrant economy, driven by the federal government in the north and shipping in the south. Taxes in this top-performing state could be a concern for some retirees. But overall rate of taxation remains well below many other Eastern states.

Best Feature: Crime

Worst Feature: Taxes

6. Montana

Heading back out West, Montana's rank near the top of Bankrate's list is attributable to many of the same factors that make other Western states desirable places to retire: a low crime rate and cost of living, combined with a high overall sense of well-being among its residents. The fourth-largest U.S. state, Big Sky Country offers outdoor enthusiasts no shortage of activities from skiing to fly-fishing. Those seeking more urban adventures may find the energetic downtowns of Bozeman and Missoula offer plenty of distractions.

Best Feature: Happiness

Worst Feature: Health care

7. Idaho

Yet another Rocky Mountain State to appear high on Bankrate's list, Idaho is also known as a destination for avid outdoors enthusiast (well, that and potatoes). Idaho home prices, while rising, are in line with the overall U.S. median of $188,000, though overall costs of owning a home are higher than average. Boise, the state capital, is also Idaho's largest city and has appeared on numerous "best city" lists, including those geared toward retirees.

Best Feature: Crime

Worst Feature: Happiness

8. Iowa

Beyond the pivotal role its political caucuses play every presidential election year, Iowa's attractions include ample access to health care and a relatively low tax burden. It's Midwest location, however, makes weather an issue. Hot, humid summers and cold, frequently snowy winters can be a turn-off for many retirees, but the upside is four distinct seasons. Des Moines, the state capital and largest city, is host to many cultural attractions, including the Des Moines Art Center, botanical gardens and State Historical Museum.

Best Feature: Health care

Worst Feature: Weather

9. Arizona

Long known as a prized retirement destination, Southern Arizona delivers what many Americans seek in their golden years: sunshine and warmth. Home to the Grand Canyon, Arizona -- like much of the Western U.S. -- has much to offer lovers of the outdoors, while the state's bigger cities of Phoenix and Tucson feature many of the amenities city-dwellers require. In this vast state, native Americans hold rights to more land than in any other.

Best Feature: Weather

Worst Feature: Crime

10. Nebraska

Many Americans know Nebraska simply as the home of Warren Buffett, the billionaire investor who calls Omaha home. Nebraska's low cost of living is one of its best attributes, though that stands in seeming contradiction to the state's relatively high tax rate, according to Bankrate's calculations.

Situated in nation's vast flat middle, Nebraska's weather is no high point for those seeking warmth in winter. Snow and near single-digit temperatures are typical in December and January, but the state does enjoy more days of sunshine than the U.S. average.

Best Feature: Cost of living

Worst Feature: Taxes

Worst: Louisiana (No. 46)

One of several Southern states to finish near the bottom of Bankrate's list, Louisiana's rank was hampered by low scores for well-being, access to health care and crime. Still, it remains an attractive retirement destination for those who prize a moderate climate and enjoy outdoor activities such as bird watching and fishing. What's more, home prices are exceedingly affordable, with an average sales price of $136,000 in November, compared to a national average of $188,000.

Best Feature: Taxes

Worst Feature: Happiness

Worst: Arkansas (No. 47)

Home to Walmart Stores, Arkansas' best feature is its low cost of living, according to Bankrate. A relatively rural state, Arkansas offers nature lovers a host of options with four distinct but moderate seasons. The state's diverse topography features the Ozark Mountains in the north, Mississippi deltas to the east and grassy lowlands to the south. Little Rock, the state capital, offers museums and sight-seeing opportunities, including the vibrant River Market shopping district and the William J. Clinton Presidential Library. And home prices are well below the national average.

Best Feature: Cost of living

Worst Feature: Happiness

Worst: Oregon (No. 48)

Oregon is currently a hot destination for many young people, drawn by green forests and bike-friendly cities, among other amenities. It was a top destination for people moving to a new state in 2014, according to United Van Lines. Oregon's largest city, Portland, has been lauded for its progressive stance on urban planning. And the state was the first in the nation to automatically register all eligible voters when they obtain a driver's license. State law instead requires citizens to opt out of the automatic registration.

But all of Oregon's amenities come at a cost, which is why the state finished near the bottom of Bankrate's rankings. Housing stands out as particularly expensive, with sales prices rising nearly 10 percent in the last year alone, to a median $246,000.

Best Feature: Happiness

Worst Feature: Cost of living

Worst: West Virginia (No. 49)

John Denver may have viewed it as almost heaven, but retirees may find West Virginia isn't the best place to settle in retirement. In fact, it's next to dead last. Though relatively free of crime, many of the state's residents age 65-plus have little positive to say about their well-being.

Nature-lovers will find lots to love, however. Despite deforestation attributable to strip mining, the state remains a tree-lover's paradise, with ample forests and plenty of outdoor activities, including fishing, bird watching, rafting and kayaking. Homes are downright cheap, with a median selling price of $115,000 as of November.

Best Feature: Crime

Worst Feature: Happiness

Worst: New York (No. 50)

New York typically enjoys lots of superlatives, but when it comes to retirement living, the state has a long way to go. Like other Northeast states, tax rates are high. The tax burden combined with high home prices result in an overall high cost of living, which prompts many to opt for more affordable alternatives in retirement.

Still, a low crime rate and four distinct seasons (which include fantastic fall color worthy of song) are reasons enough for many retirees to still call the state home. And few other cities offer New York City's wealth of arts, culture and entertainment -- that is, if you can afford them.

Best Feature: Crime

Worst Feature: Taxes

And the rest of the best . . .

11. Maine
12. North Dakota
13. Wisconsin
14. Minnesota
15. New Hampshire
16. North Carolina
17. Kansas
18. South Carolina
19. Tennessee
20. Pennsylvania
21. Texas
22. Rhode Island
23. Vermont
24. Mississippi