Maine Excluded From 2027 Best Places to Retire List
The state misses the list of 250 top retirement spots as Texas and Florida capture the most entries this year.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Retirement Planning
Live Poll
Do you trust national rankings that exclude your state as a top destination for retirees?
U.S. News & World Report has released its 2027 list of 250 best places to retire, with Maine receiving no mentions for the second consecutive year. The rankings reflect data-driven analysis across six categories.
Why it matters
For retirees planning a relocation, the list highlights significant geographic shifts in preferred retirement destinations based on demographic and economic factors. The absence of Maine from these rankings may influence how households prioritize long-term living expenses and quality-of-life amenities.
The 250-location list features 44 entries in Texas and 42 in Florida, compared to zero spots for Maine. Rankings were informed by a public survey of 3,500 people.
The players
U.S. News & World Report
An organization that produces annual rankings and reports on consumer services and quality of life metrics.
The details
The rankings were determined by applying demographic and geographic data to six categories weighted by public input. While Texas and Florida dominate the list, Newton, Massachusetts, stands as the sole representative for all of New England. These results offer a benchmark for those weighing living costs and regional amenities when mapping out a retirement strategy.
Timeline
October 27, 2026: The 2027 best places to retire list was released.
2026: Maine was excluded from the list for the first time in that cycle.
2025: Newton, Massachusetts, secured a spot on the list.
Money Landscape
The 2027 rankings follow a clear trend established in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report best places to retire list. The shift highlights how regional popularity fluctuates in response to the weighted factors chosen by participants.
Retirees evaluating a move should look past top-line rankings and weigh how specific local tax burdens and living costs impact their personal retirement budget. Speak with a financial professional to model how a change in state or city impacts your overall financial health.
The takeaway
When choosing a place to retire, the metrics that matter most are those that directly impact your personal household cash flow. Use these lists as a starting point for conversation rather than a definitive recommendation for your own financial path.
Further reading
To evaluate your own relocation strategy, visit Retirement Planning for guidance on factoring location into your budget.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bangor Daily News.
Live Poll
Do you trust national rankings that exclude your state as a top destination for retirees?
