Some states are better than others when it comes to how they rank as retirement destinations, based on critical financial factors. But where you ultimately choose to retire doesn't always come down to dollars and cents. Indeed, the top reason people move in retirement is to be closer to family, according to a survey by Merrill Lynch and Age Wave, a research firm focused on the aging population. Or, rather than move maybe you just want to stay put in retirement in a place that's comfortable and familiar.

Luckily, no matter which state you land on for retirement, there's a promising place to settle down. We pinpointed one great retirement destination in each state that offers attractive advantages for retirees, taking into account living costs, safety, median incomes and poverty rates for retirement-age residents, as well as residents' sense of well-being and the availability of recreational and health care facilities. Take a look at our 50 picks for the best places to retire to see which ones fit your dreams for retirement.

Huntsville, Ala.

Courtesy Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Population: 440,230

Share of population 65+: 13.7% (U.S.: 14.5%)

Cost of Living: 4.7% below the national average

Average Income for Households 65+: $52,469 (U.S.: $53,799)

Community Score: 63.3 (U.S.: 61.9)

State's Tax Rating for Retirees: Tax Friendly

As one of the 10 Cheapest States Where You'll Want to Retire, the Heart of Dixie boasts many great spots for affordable living. And Huntsville, in northern Alabama, is one of the best. It offers all the low-cost, low-tax advantages as the rest of the state, but adds more generous incomes among retirement-age residents. The average household income for 65+ households in Alabama is $44,934.

Home to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, the Redstone Arsenal and the Huntsville campus of the University of Alabama, the city offers a robust economy and a highly educated population. There are plenty of cultural attractions, from a sculpture trail to a symphony orchestra, as well as opportunities for outdoor recreation (think bass fishing).

Anchorage, Alaska

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Population: 398,000

Share of population 65+: 9.1%

Cost of Living: 28.4% above the national average

Average Income for Households 65+: $62,651

Community Score: 62.1

State's Tax Rating for Retirees: Most Tax Friendly

Older folks don't seem too interested in facing the Last Frontier in retirement. Only 9.1% of the entire state's population is age 65 and up compared with 14.5% of the whole U.S. But if you crave adventure--and don't mind long winters and vast swaths of wilderness--it pays to live in Alaska. Literally. A state fund fueled by oil wealth gives all permanent residents an annual dividend. In 2017, the payment was $1,100 per person.

And residents could certainly use the extra cash. Living costs throughout Alaska are significantly higher than is typical across the continental U.S. But Anchorage is the least expensive metro area in the state. Plus, being the largest city in Alaska, it offers more amenities including numerous theaters, museums and shopping centers, on top of all the outdoor recreation you'd expect. It also has an abundance of health care facilities, more than 43 establishments per 1,000 seniors in the metro area compared with just 19 per 1,000 seniors in the U.S.

Phoenix, Ariz.

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Population: 4.5 million

Share of population 65+: 14.2%

Cost of Living: 5% below the national average

Average Income for Households 65+: $52,414

Community Score: 62.5

State's Tax Rating for Retirees: Mixed

Undoubtedly, many of you have considered the Grand Canyon State for its retiree-friendly climate and beautiful natural scenery. Unfortunately, the financial setting is not quite as picturesque: Average living costs in Arizona are above the national average while median incomes for seniors are 10.8% below average at $47,973. Phoenix, though, offers a pocket of affordability, plus typically higher incomes.

And being the capital city, you can find plenty of attractions to keep you busy--world-class restaurants, professional sports teams and an array of museums, theaters and other cultural attractions. Of course, outdoor enthusiasts have more than enough to enjoy, too, with many hiking and biking trails within the city limits and even more to explore in nearby Scottsdale, Glendale and Tempe.

Fayetteville, Ark.

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Population: 503,642

Share of population 65+: 12.1%

Cost of Living: 10.6% below the national average

Average Income for Households 65+: $49,168

Community Score: 66.3

State's Tax Rating for Retirees: Not Tax Friendly

The metro area of Fayetteville, which includes Springdale, Rogers and Bentonville, offers low costs but plenty of attractions. The surrounding Ozark Mountains afford residents outdoor recreation and natural wonder to enjoy while the downtown area, home to the University of Arkansas, provides restaurants, shops and a lively music and arts scene, including the Walton Arts Center.

Locals seem happy with what they have at their fingertips. Fayetteville ranks 11th for community well-being on the Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index with residents reporting high levels of liking where they live, feeling safe and having pride in their community.

Carlsbad, Calif.

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Population: 3.3 million

Share of population 65+: 12.7%

Cost of Living: 46.1% above the national average

Average Income for Households 65+: $62,681

Community Score: 64.3

State's Tax Rating for Retirees: Mixed

Part of the San Diego metro

*Provided by Sperling's Best Places.