Hitting retirement is the start of a brand new chapter for many of us. The best bit? We are greeted with a social security retirement check each month to help us pay the bills and enjoy our free time. It turns out that some states have it better than others. That’s all thanks to the amount they can expect to receive at the end of each month.

Louisiana: $1,311.72

If you want to retire in Louisiana, then it looks as though you’ll be getting an average of $1,311.72 a month. That’s according to the Social Security Administration and the figures they released in April 2018. It’s thought there are around 523,800 retired people living in the state, and many believe that it’s the best place to spend your twilight years.

There are many festivals throughout the year, as well as a diverse community. That means there is plenty of food on the menu. To top it off, the weather is relatively warm all year long, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy. Be sure to grab your binoculars from some of the best bird-watching across the nation.

Maine: $1,314.22

You might be surprised to learn that not many people choose to retire in the state of Maine. According to the Social Security Administration, only 227,434 retired people lived in Maine in 2018. However, there are plenty of reasons that you might want to put this state on your list of possibilities when deciding where you want to put your feet up.

There are thousands of miles of coastline as well as almost 100 mountains, millions of acres of forest, and thousands of lakes. As if that wasn’t enough and you prefer to stay inside, then you’re in luck. Maine has become famous for its food scene thanks to the diverse cuisine on the menu as well as having a rich art collection.

Mississippi: $1,319.06

If you retire in the state of Mississippi, then you’ll be joining approximately 404,850 other people who call the state their retirement home. Many people love that the state is so affordable compared to many others across the nation. Although that means your retirement social security check will go a little further each month, there might not be much to spend your money on.

That’s because it ranks as one of the worst states when it comes to access to health care. That’s not all. It’s thought there are fewer theaters and museums across the state than many others. That might not be the best news if you want to get out and about, but good news if you prefer a more sedate lifestyle.

New Mexico: $1,323.16

Did you know that New Mexico is just one of 13 states across the nation that taxes people’s social security benefits? While you might, on average, get a little more compared to other states thanks to the average $1,323.16 check each month, you may have to say “goodbye” to some of it before it’s even yours.

Although just 286,641 retirees lived in New Mexico in 2018, according to the Social Security Administration, more and more people are flocking to the state for their golden years each year. The cost of living is a lot lower than the national average, but that’s not all. New Mexico also has a temperate climate all year round. Those outdoor activities never looked so great.

Montana: $1,331.30

It seems as though even fewer retirees live in Montana than any other state so far as the Social Security Administration reported there were just 165,558 in 2018. However, this is another of the 13 states that tax people on their social security check, so be prepared to take that into account. That doesn’t stop thousands of people from settling in the state.

Unlike some of the more popular states, Montana is greeted to a varied climate all around the year, meaning the landscape changes with each new season. There are plenty of retirement towns and communities dotted amongst the landscape, so there is always plenty of other people around. A retirement here means you’ll be greeted to some pretty impressive views.

Arkansas: $1,333.93

Arkansas is one of the more popular states on the list so far as the Social Security Administration reported that 429,232 retirees lived here in 2018. Amazingly, it is one of the most affordable states across the nation. That means your average $1,333.93 monthly check might go a little further. Sadly, that’s where many think the positives come to an end.

Arkansas doesn’t usually come out too great on the list of best states to retire thanks to the fact that there are very few theaters and museums, as well as having a high property crime rate. That doesn’t stop many people from flocking to the state to enjoy the weather and many outdoor activities on offer.

South Dakota: $1,336.28

Many people think they need to head somewhere warm with lots of water to see out their later years. That might no longer be the case. Apparently, more and more people are heading to the Midwest as South Dakota has been voted as the best place to retire by many leading professionals. You’ll have to get used to the mixed weather and snowy winters, but you’ll have an average of $1,336.28 a month to help get you by.

If you can deal with the cooler temperature of the state, then you’ll get to enjoy some of the best health care, cultural diversity, crime rates, and cost of living compared to anywhere else across the nation. We don’t all need sunshine, after all.

Kentucky: $1,340.30

More than half a million people are living out their retirement in Kentucky. They are greeted to an average monthly social security check of $1,340.30, according to the Social Security Administration. However, you might want to rethink your plans to move to the state if the WalletHubs’s 2018 study is anything to go by.

Researchers looked at all the factors that go into making the perfect quality of living, and it seems as though Kentucky has a few areas to improve. It ranked low on the list when it comes to the cost of healthcare, the security of food, and a handful of other aspects. That still doesn’t stop thousands of people calling the state their home as they settle into retirement.

Washington, DC: $1,342.98

While it might not be at the top of everyone’s list of places to retire, Washington DC can be perfect for people looking to enjoy a quieter life. It’s one of the healthiest cities across the nation and has some of the best airports, meaning it’s easy to fly in and out to see the rest of your family and friends.

From museums to parks and recreation facilities to cultural events, there is always so much going on in Washington DC. There are also plenty of opportunities for people to volunteer. To top it off, the city is greeted to four distinct seasons throughout the year while still having a mild climate. The average monthly check of $1,341.98 isn’t bad either.

Alaska: $1,343.39

Alaska has one of the lowest number of retired people living in the state as there were just 68,478 in 2018, according to the Social Security Administration. It turns out that colder states are often more financially stable options for people looking to retire. As if that wasn’t enough, every retired person living in the state is entitled to an annual payment from Alaska’s oil-wealth fund.

In 2019, everyone received a check for $1,606. That’s only the beginning. While it might be cold, there is so much to see and do across Alaska. There are no less than 3,000 lakes and three million rivers, making it the perfect place for people that love to get outdoors or head fishing.

North Dakota: $1,344.48

While many people base their plans for retirement on the temperature, there is something that can often stand in the way: finances. If you head to North Dakota, then you will be one of 93,384 people who receive an average of $1,344.48 each month, according to the Social Security Administration. It turns out that North Dakota is one of the best places for people looking for affordable living in their twilight years.

However, the state is also one of the 13 that taxes people’s social security checks. Thankfully, the income tax is pretty low. North Dakota is also greeted to a thriving economy thanks to the oil industry. Just be prepared for some long, cold winters as the temperature can dip to two degrees Fahrenheit.

Oklahoma: $1,368.52

There are so many reasons to head to Oklahoma, and there are even more as to why we should think about retiring in the state. Although sales tax is pretty high, the rest of the taxes are some of the lowest across the nation. Things only get better from there. People, on average, earn $1,368.52 a month, according to the Social Security Administration.

If you want to work in your retirement, then you can rest easy knowing that Oklahoma has an unemployment rate that’s well below the national average. Oklahoma boasts more than 200 man-made lakes that sit dotted amongst the mountain ranges as well as over 200 days of sunshine each year. Could things get any better?

Idaho: $1,370.97

Some retired people rely solely on their social security checks each month. If that’s the case, then people living in Idaho can expect to earn an average of $1,370.97 a month, according to the Social Security Administration. However, some are lucky enough to have an employer-based pension that helps to boost their income.

While it was once common to have this offered as a part of your job, it seems as though they are becoming more and more uncommon. As well as low medical costs and a low cost of living, people in Idaho are also greeted by an impressive number of national parks and plenty of places to walk and bike around the state. It’s easier to keep fit here than many other states.

Texas: $1,375.08

Finally, we have a state that draws plenty of people looking to retire. When we say plenty, we’re talking about the 2,723,111 retired people living there in 2018, according to the Social Security Administration. That’s far more than any other state so far. It’s believed that in the next few decades, there will be more retired people living across the nation than children.

That means more people are looking for a state to settle down in and make their home. Texas is a popular choice for many thanks to wellness and weather. The cost of living and tax rates are pretty low compared to other states while Texas is often filled with fairs, meaning there is plenty to see and do.

California: $1,377.54

If you want to enjoy your retirement living by the beach and enjoying the warmer weather, then you might have to get in line as 4,178,940 retired people also lived in California in 2018, according to the Social Security Administration. Here, they are greeted to an average of$1,377.54 a month. Believe it or not, but there are more people claiming social security in California than there are people living in half the states.

That’s a lot of retirees. It’s a great place to retire when it comes to the weather and the number of things to see and do. However, it’s quite expensive when it comes to living costs. Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities for part-time jobs.

Nevada: $1,378.14

It looks as though Nevada never catches a break when it comes to the list of the best states to retire as it often ends up near the bottom of the list. Amazingly, it’s one of the best states in the nation when it comes to affordable taxes, and retired people can expect to earn a monthly check of $1,378.14, according to the Social Security Administration.

This is great as officials in charge of social security payments say that this monthly payment typically represents one-third of an older person’s income. That’s where the great things seem to end. One of the many things that drag it down is the level of healthcare – something that’s been an ongoing issue for Nevada.

Alabama: $1,379.92

If you want all of the perks of living in Florida without the added costs, then why not think about retiring in Alabama instead? You’ll get a lot more each month than other states as people earn an average of $1,379.92 each month. The state is filled with golf courses, warm weather, and beaches that many people crave in Florida. If you want to live in a nursing home or assisted living, then you can expect to pay a lot less than people living in other states.

Alabama is also home to some leading research hospitals, meaning you’ll be getting top-quality care. Retiring in Alabama is looking more attractive each day. Perhaps it’s time to consider the state as a home?

Georgia: $1,382.27

It appears that Georgia is another state on the list that has people lining up out the door to get a home. That’s all thanks to research from the Social Security Administration that say 1,198,814 retired people were living in the state in 2018. That means that around one-tenth of the population living across the state are retired people, meaning there is usually a large selection of people to meet.

Georgia is greeted to relatively warm weather all year – perfect for those that like to get outside. You should also have plenty left from you average $1,382.27 monthly social security check as the cost of living is lower than surrounding states, and there are pretty low taxes.

Missouri: $1,384.10

While Missouri is one of the 13 states that taxes some people’s social security payments, not everyone has to fork out. That’s right; military pensions are no longer taxed in the state. That’s not the only benefit for veterans in the state. The air force base has a special office that’s dedicated to helping veterans claim benefits as well as offering housing to retired people.

Other exceptional aspects that come with retiring in Missouri is the average monthly social security check of $1,284.10, the fact that it has more coastline than California, and how people can enjoy the benefits that come with living in a city while still being close enough to nature to enjoy freedom. Perfect.

West Virginia: $1,384.50

Brace yourself as West Virginia is another one of the 13 states that tax people on their social security checks. Still, people earn an average of $1,384.50, according to the Social Security Administration. Believe it or not, but nearly four-fifths of the state is covered in mountains, rivers, and lakes. There is a good reason that it’s often referred to as The Mountain State.

Having so much outdoor space to explore and enjoy means there are always many opportunities to get up and active. There is a lack of huge cities, too. Instead, the mountains and forests are typically filled with smaller villages and towns, helping to create a real sense of community. How do we sign up for a place?

Ohio: $1,385.60

If you decide to retire in Ohio, then you will be joined by approximately 1.5 million other people who have retired in the state as well as an average monthly social security check of $1,385.60, according to the Social Security Administration. You get plenty for your money in Ohio, as it has all the benefits of a large state without the price tag.

The cost of living is pretty low compared to others. The state is also in the heart of the nation, meaning it’s easy to get to most places for day trips or vacations. Some of the hospitals have such great reputations that they are known all around the world. Just be prepared for the variety in the seasons.

Hawaii: $1,391.79

Stunning beaches? Check. Amazing food? Check. A laid-back lifestyle? Check. There are so many aspects that draw people to these magical islands, especially when it comes to choosing somewhere to retire. People that want to live out their golden years in Hawaii can expect to get an average social security check of $1,391.79 each month, according to the Social Security Administration.

Sadly, there are some drawbacks that come with living here. According to MoneyWise, the cost of living is 87% above the national average. If you have any money left over, then you might need to pay twice as much for basic items, groceries, and clothing as everything needs to be flown over from mainland America. Gas can also be pretty expensive.

Tennessee: $1,393.61

Almost one million people have decided to retire in Tennessee, according to the Social Security Administration. Here, they earn an average of $1,393.61 each month. So what are the benefits of retiring in Tennessee? Many people think that Tennessee is near the top of the list when it comes to retirement states. One of the most significant aspects of living here is the fact that the cost of living is so much lower than many other states.

Tennessee is also economically healthy without taxing people’s social security checks. As if that wasn’t enough, health costs are usually pretty easy to afford, making Tennessee a great place for budget-conscious retired people. It sounds like the state ticks plenty of boxes.

Florida: $1,395.31

Florida is often thought of as the retirement capital of the world. So how can the state end up in the middle of the list when it comes to how much people earn, on average, from their social security check each month? The Social Security Administration says that 3,285,889 retired people were living in the state in 2018, where they received an average of $1,395.31 each month from their social security check.

Of course, one of the main things that draw people to the Sunshine State is the year-round warm weather. Just make sure that you’re a fan of wildlife before you head to Florida as the state is filled with alligators, crocodiles, and Burmese pythons, to name just a few animals.

North Carolina: $1,404.91

Almost 1.5 million retired people now live in North Carolina, according to the Social Security Administration. They get an average social security check of $1,404.92 each month. The state has a fast-growing population, helped by the fact that so many people are moving to the state for their golden years.

North Carolina is great for people who love to stay active as there are plenty of outdoor activities and so many options. If you want to live in a bustling city, then there is plenty on offer. On the other hand, if you prefer the peace and quiet of the countryside, then you’ll be welcomed to miles and miles of stretching landscape. The best bit? There are plenty of retirement communities, too.

Oregon: $1,406.20

Heading over to the West Coast means that you could be about to enjoy the average $1,406.20 monthly social security check that retired people get in Oregon. It’s quickly becoming a popular choice for many as the Social Security Administration reports that 619,159 retired people now live in the state. One of the best things about the state is the fact that there’s no sales tax.

That means that what you see if the price that you pay – end of. There are hundreds of miles of coastline and even more places to take your bike as Oregon is thought to be one of the most bike-friendly states across the nation. Oregon sure does sound like a good option.

Nebraska: $1,406.96

Once again, we find ourselves at one of the 13 states that charge tax on people’s social security checks. Perhaps that’s why the Social Security Administration reports that only 243,248 retirees were living in the state in 2018? Even so, Nebraska has previously found itself at the top of the list when it comes to the best states for retiring.

People here are greeted with slightly more than other retired people thanks to their average $1,406.96 monthly social security check. Not all of us picture the cornfields of Nebraska as the perfect place to unwind, but it might be time to change that image. The cheaper living costs and retirement communities are just two things that draw people to the state.

Colorado: $1,407.59

More than half a million people call Colorado their retirement home. While they are greeted with an average social security check of $1,407.59 each month, people in Colorado are one of the few that are taxed on their social security payments. That might be a small price to pay thanks to the incredible benefits you could enjoy from the state.

Medicine and food are exempt from sales tax, while housing taxes are also pretty low. Would you believe that Colorado also has one of the lowest obesity ratings across the nation? That’s good news for those of us that love to get up and active. The best bit? There are plenty of activities on offer to help encourage us to move.

Iowa: $1,408.79

If there’s one thing that’s kept many people talking over the years, it’s the best states to retire. Iowa is one of the few that has landed itself a spot at the top of the list. Iowa is known for its many farms that spread across the state. Although there is a lack of beaches compared to some of the more popular states that people usually head to for retirement, there is still plenty of offer.

The cost of living is pretty low, while house prices are at the lower end of the scale. While people can save some of their average $1,408.79 monthly social security checks on housing, they can enjoy spending it at some of the many attractions in the state.

South Carolina: $1,416.91

It looks as though plenty of people have already found some benefits from retiring in South Carolina. The Social Security Administration says that in 2018, 765,602 retired people were living in the state. Something that many people consider when looking for a permanent retirement home is the weather. South Carolina is greeted by some impressive sunshine throughout the year, making it perfect for those that love golf or other outdoor activities.

You don’t have to go it alone if you decide to retire in the state. People in South Carolina earn an average of $1,416.91 from their social security check each month. This can be used to live among one of the many retirement communities found throughout the area.

Vermont: $1,419.44

You might want to rethink your plans of retiring in Vermont if you don’t have additional income to help support you throughout your golden years. Although retired people here can expect to earn an average $1,419.44 each month from their social security check, they might not get to hold onto it for long, Vermont is another of the 13 states that tax people on these incomes.

Another point to add to the list is the fact that in-home care and nursing homes in Vermont are some of the most expensive across the nation. That’s not all. Studies show that Vermont has one of the highest rates of working people aged over 65 years old. It might be time to weigh up the pros and cons.

Wyoming: $1,426.58

You won’t struggle for space when it comes to retiring in Wyoming as the state has around 79,000 retired people living there, according to the Social Security Administration. Several towns and cities have been transformed into retirement communities. However, having so few people living in the state to begin with means that even fewer people retire here.

If you do decide to move on over to Wyoming, then you’ll be greeted with $1,426.58, on average, each month. The state is an excellent choice for anyone that loves to keep active and enjoys outdoor activities. Of course, Yellowstone National Park is one of the biggest draws to the state, but there are plenty of other chances to keep active, too.

Rhode Island: $1,430.63

Some of us long to live by the water. If you retire in Rhode Island, then you can enjoy a waterside home without having to fork out high living costs. People earn an average of $1,430.63 each month from their social security check. However, Rhode Island is another state to tax on this income.

Some people believe that the smaller states offer the best places to live thanks to the close-knit communities and fewer people. There is plenty of coastline and a lot of diversity all packed within the small state, but not everyone is impressed. Some people think that Rhode Island is one of the worst states for retirees when compared to others, thanks to the lack of activities and the cost of living.

Arizona: $1,432.72

There is a good reason that almost one million people have chosen to retire in Arizona. The state has one of the highest rates of people moving to the area, falling behind fan-favorite, Florida. To start, retired people are entitled to an average of $1,432.72 a month from social security checks alone. Some people choose to travel here for the winter while others like to take advantage of the warmth all year long.

There are more than 100 retirement-only communities that have opened up across the state, meaning you can enjoy plenty of privacy while surrounded by new friends. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the Grand Canyon or learn new outdoor skills, then it could be time to head to Arizona.

Illinois: $1,434.34

Retiring in Illinois means that you’ll join around 1.5 million other people, according to the Social Security Administration. However, some studies have shown that it’s one of the worst states for retirement. So why are so many people flocking to the state? To start, people living in Illinois are entitled to an average of $1,434.43 a month thanks to their social security check.

Sadly, a lot of that money may end up going toward high local taxes as it’s thought these fees hit retirees harder than working adults. Other people feel that the money isn’t used to benefit people in their golden years that are living in the community. There might be too many negatives to overlook when it comes to this state.

Utah: $1,437.30

Utah is continually rated as one of the best places to live in the US. Sadly, certain people have to pay taxes on their social security payments. However, people do get an average of $1,437.30 each month. It might cost a little more, but there are plenty of reasons that so many people want to spend their golden years living in Utah.

The state offers some of the highest-quality healthcare that comes at affordable prices. Even though Utah is one of the larger states across the nation, there are less than three million people living here. This means that a large portion of the land has been left untouched. All of those state parks are just waiting to be explored.

Wisconsin: $1,443.26

While it might come with a cooler climate than other states across the nation, Wisconsin does come with some warm neighbors. In fact, many people say that it’s people’s kind nature across the state that makes them want to retire there in the first place. If you do decide to put your feet up in the state, then you can enjoy one of the more than 500 golf courses on offer as well as thousands of lakes and rivers.

It’s an outdoor-lover’s dream. You will also get a pretty hefty paycheck to enjoy your time in Wisconsin as people earn an average $1,443.26 social security check each month. You just have to compromise with the cold temperatures each winter.

Virginia: $1,444.06

Over one million people have retired in Virginia. The average monthly social security check of $1,444.06 is just one of the draws to the state for the golden years. Sometimes, it can feel as though we blink, and entire chunks of our lives pass by without warning. However, retiring in Virginia means there are plenty of ways to enjoy the later years of our lives.

The cost of living is often higher than in other states across the nation. However, entire retirement communities are built to suit people at all financial levels to make sure that everyone is comfortable. The state is a great way to blend living with the benefits that come in cities while enjoying the space of the countryside.

Massachusetts: $1,444.36

It might come with some cold winters, but Massachusetts is one of the best states for people looking to retire according to many reports. The Social Security Administration reports that people earn an average of $1,444.36 each month from their social security checks – a figure that’s considerably higher than some of the other states.

Sure, you might have to fork out a little more for living and deal with some congested traffic if you plan on heading to the cities, but there are plenty of benefits to living in Massachusetts. The state is filled with a long and complex history that’s all waiting to be explored. There is also a vast selection of healthcare options available to people that is pretty affordable.

Kansas: $1,450.99

You don’t have to click your ruby slippers and wish your way back to Kansas. In fact, there are plenty of ways that you could enjoy your retirement in the state. Just because you could be entitled to an average of $1,450.99 every month through your social security check, doesn’t mean that you can hang onto it all.

Kansas is yet another of the 13 states that tax people on this income. There’s good news if you want to work in your golden years as Kansas has a low rate of unemployment. Just because you can work doesn’t mean that you have to. There are hundreds of lakes across the state for those that love water sports or exploring Mother Nature’s finest work.

Pennsylvania: $1,454.99

Just missing out on a spot in the top ten of the highest average social security check is Pennsylvania. Retired people in this state earn an average of $1,454.99 each month, which is still pretty impressive when comparing it to the rest of the nation. According to the Social Security Administration, almost two million retirees were living in Pennsylvania in 2018.

Pennsylvania doesn’t always come to mind when thinking of places to retire, but why not? The state is one of the largest in the nation that is greeted to four distinct seasons each year. There is easy access to some of the best healthcare centers, as well as low taxes on most aspects of life. The state also prides itself in helping retired veterans.

Minnesota: $1,457.22

At last, we are in the top ten highest-paying states when it comes to social security. Almost three-quarters of a million people are retired in Minnesota, and it could be a number that’s only set to rise thanks to the average $1,457.22 these people earn each month. It’s not all great as Minnesota is one of the 13 states that charges people on their income tax.

It’s a great state for those of us that love the colder weather as the winters can often feel long as Minnesota gets an average 44.3 inches of snow each year. That’s well above the national average. Of course, this is great for people that love snow activities while the warmer weather brings new ways to have fun.

New York: $1,458.19

Would you believe that almost 2.5 million retired people live in The Empire State? Many people believe that retiring in New York is out of the question as the state has earned a reputation for the high living costs. However, that might not always be the case. Retirees here earn an average of $1,458.19 each month from their social security check.

Plus, the state doesn’t tax people on any of this income, meaning that it’s all yours to keep. There is also a rule that property taxes are reduced for anyone over the age of 65 years old, making life here cheaper than ever. Sometimes, you just need to know where to look to get the most from your money.

Indiana: $1,464.61

Snowbirds are those people that move to warmer homes for the winter before returning to their colder state for the summer. However, not all of us want to get away from the cold stuff. Some of us live for winter, and people in Indiana are no exception. The state has earned a reputation for its friendly nature. It’s also in the heart of the nation, meaning that plenty of people find themselves naturally drawn to the area.

According to the Social Security Administration, almost 900,000 retired people lived in the state in 2018. Even the smallest cities across Indiana are filled with plenty of art galleries and museums as well as music venues that attract some of the top musicians from across the planet.

Washington: $1,472.50

Almost one million retired people live in Washington. It might be less of a surprise when we learn that they earn an average of $1,472.50 a month from their social security checks. However, experts are quick to remind us that we shouldn’t rely on these checks alone as a form of income for our twilight years. Some people are lucky enough to have benefits from other sources.

The same can’t be said for everyone. Saving as early as possible is one way to make sure that we have enough in reserve just in case we need it in the future. Thankfully, Washington state has lower tax rates than many other states and aims to look after retired people as best as it can.

Maryland: $1,482.87

Although Maryland looks as though it has all we need on the outside, there are plenty of reasons that you might want to reconsider moving to the state for your retirement. The benefits are some of the highest across the nation thanks to the average $1,482.87 monthly social security check. Sadly, Maryland has been voted as one of the worst states for retired people.

When the state is full of culture and history, it might take a long time to enjoy it as the roads are some of the most congested in the US. Even though you get to hold onto all of your social security checks, Maryland has some pretty high living costs as well as having above-average medical bills.

Michigan: $1,493.77

Just earning itself a spot in the top five is Michigan. Retired people living in the state earn an average of $1,493.77 each month from their social security check. Perhaps that’s why almost 1.5 million retired people live in the state already? As well as having some high benefits, the state has also been named as one of the best places to retire in the US.

The Great Lake State earned its name thanks to four of the five great lakes that lie within the borders as well as the 11,000 other lakes that are found all across the land. It’s a dream for anyone that loves to get outdoors, stay active, and explore the area.

New Hampshire: $1,498.01

There is a strong sense of community and freedom in New Hampshire. Even the state’s motto is enough to help people realize they should enjoy all the freedom they can. If you want to know what it’s like to live a retirement without rules, then it could be time to head to New Hampshire and enjoy the average $1,498.01 social security check that retired people receive each month.

Sadly, you might have to follow some rules. The cost of homes here is considerably higher than the national average. However, there is no sales tax, and people aren’t taxed on their social security checks, so that’s all yours to enjoy. As if that wasn’t enough, New Hampshire has an incredibly low crime rate.

Delaware: $1,517.11

Some of us spend our years forking out for expensive homes in the city in some of the most costly states across the nation. However, just because you want to save some money and enjoy your free time now that you’re retired doesn’t mean that you need to head to Florida. If you head to Delaware, then you’re close enough to some of the most popular states without having to pay for the privilege.

Plus, you could earn more each month from your social security check, thanks to the average $1,517.11 that retirees get. Did you know that Delaware is the third-smallest state in America? Thankfully, there is a lot in that space with stretches of coastline and plenty of land to ride horses.

Connecticut: $1,546.67

Finally, we have the last of the 13 states that tax people on their social security check. However, Connecticut just misses out on the top spot when it comes to the highest average social security check as people here get around $1,546.67 a month. There are plenty of horse farms for the equestrian lovers of the nation, and the rolling hills turn to a gentle shade of red and orange each fall.

Of course, living next to the water costs more in each state, but in Connecticut, things are taken to a whole new level, the state has pretty high living costs and home prices. Even the high costs of living here haven’t stopped almost half a million retirees from moving to the state.

New Jersey: $1,553.63

With more than one million retirees under its belt, New Jersey takes home the prize for the highest average social security check each month as people can expect to earn around $1,553.63. That hasn’t stopped people moving out of New Jersey faster than any other state across the nation. If you do stick around, then you’ll be greeted with more than one million acres of pinelands.

These are all filled with plenty of hikes and bike rides to help people get up and active. Of course, Atlantic City is famous for its nightlife – a huge draw for people that prefer to spend their nights on the town. With all those benefits, you’ll certainly have enough to fund your fun.