Maine Absent from Best Places to Retire List

The 2027 U.S. News & World Report ranking of 250 retirement locations features no entries from Maine.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Retirement Planning

Maine Absent from Best Places to Retire List

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Maine was excluded from the 2027 list of 250 Best Places to Retire in the U.S. released by U.S. News & World Report. The state also failed to secure a spot on the 2026 iteration of the same ranking.

Why it matters

The list relies on demographic and geographic data across six categories weighted by a public survey of 3,500 people. Its findings highlight regional shifts in which states are currently viewed as the most desirable for retirees.

The list evaluates 250 total locations based on six weighted categories determined by a public survey of 3,500 people. Texas leads the ranking with 44 entries, followed by Florida with 42.

The players

U.S. News & World Report

This media organization publishes annual rankings and consumer advice reports across various sectors including education, health, and finance.

The details

Newton, Massachusetts, stands as the only municipality from the New England region to appear on the 2027 list. Other states with significant representation include Michigan with 20 entries, Indiana with 12, and North Carolina and Georgia with nine each.

The 2027 list was released on October 27, 2026.
Maine did not make the list in 2026.
Newton, Massachusetts, held a spot on the list in 2025.

Market Dynamics

The current ranking follows a pattern established by the 2026 Best Places to Retire in the U.S. list regarding Maine. This persistence underscores a sustained shift in how the state is evaluated relative to other national retirement destinations.

Retirees planning their move may need to rely on alternative data sources to evaluate Maine, as it does not align with the criteria used for this national ranking. Prospective residents should consider how these specific metrics affect their own financial and lifestyle priorities.

The takeaway

When choosing a place to retire, consider that broad rankings use weighted metrics that may not reflect your personal needs. It is often more effective to prioritize individual factors like cost of living and healthcare access over aggregate list placement.