The Best States For Seniors Who Like A Good Time

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Some seniors just want to have fun. 

After working their whole life, now is their chance to indulge in hobbies and relax. Many seniors retire in other states, offering them a chance to switch to one better suited to their new stage of life.

Vegas Insider hit the data to find which states offer seniors the right environment to thrive in retirement, taking into consideration cost of living, hobby availability, chances of friends, weather, and other factors seniors hope for.

The results? While popular retirement destination Florida tops the list, seniors may want to give the midwest serious consideration.

Several overlooked Midwestern states offer amenities and hobbies seniors love, at a price they can actually afford.

Key Findings

• Florida ranks #1 as the best state for fun seniors.
• Behind Florida is South Dakota, boosted by low costs and strong recreational activities. 
• South Dakota is joined in the top 5 by Montana and Iowa- all 3 are subtle, often overlooked states with a lot to offer seniors.
• The worst state for seniors looking for a good time? Rhode Island.
• Nevada has 288 casinos, the most in the country.

“The Midwest and West often fly under the radar when it comes to retirement destinations, but they’re hidden gems for active seniors,” says Lifestyle & Leisure Expert at Vegas Insider. “States like South Dakota, Iowa, and Montana combine affordability, natural beauty, and strong community ties- offering retirees the chance to stay socially active without sacrificing their savings.”

First, we’ll look at the states where seniors are thriving. You can scroll to the bottom to see where all 50 states rank.

Top 5 States for Fun Seniors

1. Florida - “The Sunshine Standard”

Score (1–10): 6.25
% of Seniors: 21.75%
Median Home Price: $433,200

Recreation Highlights:
1,262 golf courses – the most in the U.S.
1,965 senior living communities – highest national count.
Warmest average annual temperature (72.7 °F).
Strong pickleball and recreation culture supported by high senior population.

It’s no wonder Florida tops the list. From the palm-lined streets of Naples to the lively retirement villages around The Villages community, life here feels like an endless vacation. Golf carts hum along shaded paths, and pickleball courts are busy from sunrise to sunset.

The Sunshine State offers both energy and ease — a place where morning walks happen along the beach and evenings are for social clubs or a friendly game under the lights. Florida sets the gold standard for what “fun retirement” looks like.

2. South Dakota - “The Great Plains Playground"

Score (1–10): 5.84
% of Seniors: 17.99%
Median Home Price: $325,700

Recreation Highlights:
5.05 bowling alleys per 100,000 residents – the highest in the nation.
$32 RV spending per capita – top five nationally.
126 golf courses across the state.
Very tax-friendly, with no state income tax.

Retirement in South Dakota means open skies, friendly towns, and space to roam. Around Rapid City and Sioux Falls, seniors find a close-knit community atmosphere where weekends might mean a round of golf followed by an evening at the local bowling alley.

With no state income tax and affordable living, South Dakota quietly ranks as one of the most cost-effective places to enjoy an active lifestyle. It’s ideal for retirees who want wide horizons, accessible recreation, and financial peace of mind.

“South Dakota’s showing proves that affordability and recreation can coexist,” explains the lead researcher on the study. “It’s one of the few states where seniors can stretch their dollars and still enjoy a high quality of life, from golf to RV travel.”

3. Nevada- “The Silver State of Leisure”

Score (1–10): 5.65
% of Seniors: 17.07%
Median Home Price: $467,700

Recreation Highlights:
288 casinos – the most in the U.S.
108 golf courses statewide.
High RV spending and warm, dry climate.
No state income tax, supporting a leisure-friendly lifestyle.

While some seniors content themselves with a Golden Nugget Promo Code to bring Vegas right to their living room, others move their living room to Vegas. Seniors in Las Vegas or Reno enjoy world-class entertainment, sunny weather, and an endless calendar of activities. Casinos like the Bellagio or the Peppermill are as much social hubs as they are gaming centers, offering dining, shows, and community events. 

Beyond the bright lights, retirees can explore desert golf courses, take scenic RV trips through Red Rock Canyon, or relax under cloudless blue skies. Nevada combines leisure, independence, and sunshine in a way few states can match.

4. Iowa - “The Heartland Haven

Score (1–10): 5.46
% of Seniors: 18.55%
Median Home Price: $230,600

Recreation Highlights:
393 golf courses – high per capita.
4.1 bowling alleys per 100,000 residents – top ten nationally.
588 senior living communities.
Affordable cost of living and moderate climate.

In Iowa, life moves at a comfortable pace. Towns like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids offer community-driven fun — from neighborhood bowling leagues to expansive green golf courses. The air feels fresh, the cost of living low, and the sense of belonging high.

With the most affordable home prices in the country, seniors here can stretch their retirement savings while still enjoying hobbies and social life. It’s the kind of place where mornings start with coffee on the porch and end with good friends at the local diner.

“Iowa is a reminder that retirement fun doesn’t have to come with coastal prices. Low home costs and accessible recreation make it one of the best-kept secrets for retirees looking for balance,” explains the Lead Researcher.

5. Montana - “The Big Sky Adventure”

Score (1–10): 5.31
% of Seniors: 20.48%
Median Home Price: $447,800

Recreation Highlights:
$37 RV spending per capita – the highest in the nation.
109 golf courses across the state.
High share of seniors and strong outdoor recreation culture.
Moderately tax-friendly with scenic open spaces.

Montana offers retirement with a view. From the mountain backdrops of Bozeman to the open plains near Billings, this is a state for those who crave nature and space. Seniors take to the highways in RVs, explore national parks, and gather around small-town clubs and local fairs.

Life here feels slower- and richer. Montana’s outdoor lifestyle, clean air, and strong community spirit make it a top choice for adventurous retirees who prefer wide horizons over crowded coasts.

There you have it. The states where seniors have plentiful recreational activities- and the financial freedom to enjoy it. Let’s see which states leave seniors with the least options for a good time.

The Worst States for Fun Seniors

1. Rhode Island - “The Ocean State, Out of Reach”

Score (1–10): 2.62
% of Seniors: 19.38%
Median Home Price: $484,800

Recreation Highlights:
Very low recreation density overall.
Only 57 golf courses and minimal casinos near them or RV activity.
Low bowling alley availability (0.71 per 100,000 residents).
Not tax-friendly, which adds to the overall cost burden.

Rhode Island may offer scenic coastlines, but for many seniors, the high prices overshadow the charm. Around Providence or Newport, housing costs climb while recreational options remain limited.

With few affordable leisure activities and higher taxes, retirees may find the Ocean State less about relaxation and more about expenses. It’s beautiful — but not built for affordable fun.

“Rhode Island’s charm doesn’t offset its challenges,” says the Lead Researcher. “High housing prices and limited recreation options make it one of the toughest environments for retirees on a fixed income.”

2. Connecticut - “The Pricey Postcard”

Score (1–10): 3.24
% of Seniors: 19.08%
Median Home Price: $466,000

Recreation Highlights:
191 golf courses and moderate recreation access.
High property and income taxes make affordability a challenge.
Low casino and RV activity compared to peers.
Average climate but high living costs relative to senior income.

Life in Connecticut looks picture-perfect — think charming Mystic Seaport, colonial towns, and leafy suburbs — but it comes at a steep cost. Taxes and home prices cut deep into retirement savings.

While golf courses and cultural activities abound, they’re often expensive. For many seniors, Connecticut’s beauty and sophistication don’t outweigh the financial strain.

3. Washington - “The Rain-Check State”

Score (1–10): 3.29
% of Seniors: 17.14%
Median Home Price: $658,700

Recreation Highlights:
Only 274 golf courses despite the large population.
0.1 bowling alleys per 100,000 residents – among the lowest nationwide.
Rainy, cool climate (average 48.7 °F) limits year-round outdoor recreation.
High home prices and moderate tax friendliness reduce accessibility.

Washington offers postcard-perfect scenery — from the Seattle waterfront to Mount Rainier’s peaks — but daily life can be gray and pricey. The constant drizzle and steep home prices make year-round recreation difficult for retirees on fixed incomes.

Seniors may love the views but struggle with affordability and limited accessible recreation options. It’s stunning, but not necessarily senior-friendly.

4. Massachusetts - “The Historic Hustle”

Score (1–10): 3.36
% of Seniors: 18.47%
Median Home Price: $749,900

Recreation Highlights:
365 golf courses, but among the most expensive housing markets.
Cold climate (49.8 °F average) limits outdoor activity seasons.
High tax burden compared with senior income averages.
Lower access to low-cost recreation or RV options.

In Massachusetts, history and culture meet high costs. From Boston’s cobblestone streets to the beaches of Cape Cod, life here feels refined — but expensive. The short summers and long winters also limit outdoor activity for much of the year.

Retirees looking for value will find the Bay State challenging. The state’s charm is undeniable, but affordability is another story.

“Massachusetts ranks low due to affordability and climate,” states the Lead Researcher. “Even with strong cultural appeal, it’s hard for retirees to enjoy recreation when housing and taxes take up most of the budget.”

5. Virginia - “The Middle-of-the-Road Commonwealth”

Score (1–10): 3.37
% of Seniors: 17.20%
Median Home Price: $457,500

Recreation Highlights:
343 golf courses and moderate pickleball and bowling presence.
Few casinos and low recreation density relative to population.
Mid-range climate (57.2 °F average) and moderately tax-friendly.
Limited senior-focused infrastructure compared to top-performing states.

Virginia blends coastal calm and historic beauty, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to Virginia Beach. But while it looks idyllic, seniors often find that affordability and recreation access don’t quite measure up.

It’s a state of balance- not bad in any category, but not strong in any either. For retirees seeking excitement and savings, Virginia tends to fall just short of the mark.

Methodology

This ranking of the Best States for Fun Seniors was developed using a multi-factor scoring model built on state-level data related to senior living, recreation access, affordability, and livability.

Each state received a composite score (0–1 scale) derived from normalized values across multiple indicators. Higher scores indicate a more favorable environment for active, engaged senior living.

Factors Considered

1. Affordability & Taxes
   
   • Tax friendliness rating (from “Very Tax Friendly” to “Not Tax Friendly”, using data from Smart Asset)
   • Median home price (inverted for affordability from Bankrate)
     
2. Senior Demographics
   
   • Percentage of residents aged 65 and older from Consumer Affairs. The more seniors, the more social opportunities, and thus the better.
   • Number of senior living communities per capita listed on Senior Housing Net.
     
3. Recreation & Lifestyle Access
   
   • Number of golf courses(National Golf Foundation), pickleball facilities (The Action Network), and bowling alleys per capita (Bowling Fandom).
   • RV spending per capita (TitleMax Discovery Center)
   • Total number of casinos, using data from World Casino Directory.
4. Climate & Comfort
   • Average annual temperature (°F), normalized for year-round comfort taken (Source: NOAA)

Population data was taken from the most recent US Census. 

All factors were weighted equally. States were then ranked from 1 (most fun and senior-friendly) to 50 (least). Scores were converted to a 1–10 scale for presentation:

You can see the full data set here.

The Odds of Fun: Where Seniors Hit the Jackpot- and Where They Don’t

Let’s face it, some states simply have less to offer seniors when it comes to taxes and recreational opportunities. 

Whether seniors are chasing sunny days in Florida or exploring wide-open spaces in South Dakota, lifestyle variety and affordability make all the difference.

Now for our full list of all 50 states.

The Best States For Fun Seniors, From Most to Least Fun