Best and Worst States to Retire

FRESNO, Calif. -- It's the American dream -- you work hard and save for the perfect retirement. Now there's a new report with a list of the best... and worst... states for those looking to retire. The new report from Bankrate.com says Americans want more than just sunshine. Bankrate looked at the whole picture -- cost of living, taxes, quality of health care, crime rate, overall well being, and of course, the all-important weather.

The best state to retire is Wyoming, followed by Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and Virginia. And then the worst. According to the report, Arkansas is at the bottom of the list, under New York, Alaska, West Virginia, and Louisiana. California ranked somewhere in the middle, 31st. Click here for a complete list.

The study found that while 25% of people prefer to live near the beach 40% prefer access to mountains, rivers, or other outside recreation. And 24% of those surveyed said that being close to family is the most important factor in deciding where to retire.