Wyoming Is The #1 Place In The Country To Retire, But You Won’t Want To Wait That Long

The number of those 65 and older has been growing for decades, and by the year 2018, that segment of the population is set to hit landmark heights. Projections estimate that there will be over 50 million people 65 and older by 2020 looking for a place to spend their golden years. Lucky for them, the research has already been done.

We always knew that Wyoming is an awesome place to live no matter what your age, but it's now official: Wyoming is the number one place to retire. An impartial panel took into consideration the factors that are important for retirees when choosing a place to settle down for the next chapter of their lives and the Cowboy State beat out the rest.

Wyoming is a welcoming, friendly place for people of all ages.

Our taxes are comparatively low.

The low tax rate is one of the top reasons Wyoming placed first as the best state to retire in. The total tax rate can vary depending on the local municipalities, but the highest rate is still less than 7 percent. There is no corporate or income tax, and that includes not taxing retirement income even if it was earned in and received from a different state. What's more, sales tax is only 4 percent, and groceries and prescriptions are not taxed.

Wyoming is crazy-safe.

Statistically, we're one of the safest states in the nation. Some attribute it to the fact that Wyoming is an open carry state, and others point to how friendly and supportive neighbors are - we all look out for each other. Whatever the reason, police officers in Wyoming aren't as busy as ones in other states. The upside for them is that they can frequently get in some calisthenics during slow shifts.

The cost of living is low in the Cowboy State.

Cost of living is very important no matter what stage of life you're in. It's nice when you don't have to choose between paying the utility bills or eating, and that's not a problem in Wyoming.

We have more national and state parks, forests, and monuments than you can shake a stick at.

Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Shoshone National Forest, Devil's Tower - with so many places to tour, camp, hike, and simply take in such awesome natural beauty, Wyoming is America's playground.

The art is fabulous.

No matter where you go in Wyoming, from small towns to the larger cities, there is usually at least one art gallery, and often there are several. Whether you're an art collector or simply appreciate beautiful paintings, photographs, and sculptures, we have it all.

The food is out of this world.

From fine dining to mom n' pop cafés to hole-in-the-wall dives, Wyoming has some of the most eclectic and best restaurants in the country.

Wyoming is fisherman's heaven.

Fishing season never ends in the Cowboy State so for those who've spent their time leading up to retirement dreaming of spending every day fishing, you can do it here. Heck, you don't even have to be retired - many of us fish every day and hold down a day job.

Educational opportunities abound.

It's never too late! Continuing education is popular with people past typical college-age, and that includes retirees. With one university and 10 colleges in the state, you'll have the chance to take whatever classes interest you or finally get that degree you started on but didn't finish.

There will always be someone older than you.

OK, joking aside, there is tons of history here, starting way, way back with the dinosaurs. There are museums across the state where you can learn all you ever wanted to know about the Old West, pioneers, mining, the railroad, and so much more. Wyoming is a treasure-trove of antiquity.

There's no need to wait for retirement. Truthfully, all of these elements are reasons for anyone to want to live here.

What do you love about Wyoming?