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49. California

California used to be the dream when it came to living and retiring. The state is still attractive and offers a little something for everybody, whether you're looking for scenic beaches, chic cities, or off-the-grid living. However, it's also the second most expensive state in the U.S. to live in. It can also be pretty crowded in some areas, with a total population of around 39 million people. Of those, 4.29 million residents are over the age of 65.

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California's sales tax is around 7.25% but that's chump change compared to housing and living costs in some areas. Still, it's unlikely the California dream is going to go away anytime soon.