Deciding on a retirement relocation is a decision that almost everyone faces. Making the right choice is not as difficult as it might seem, if you keep factors such as health services, money, climate, the social network, the size of the community and the distance from your family in mind.
With life spans increasing and retirement lasting longer, the decision is one of the biggest in a person’s life. You might spend a third of your life in your retirement relocation spot! That’s why it’s worth taking the time to plan out your retirement move – it’s better to start early rather than late.
All the below factors are important when choosing a spot to make a retirement relocation. However, we start with the most important one.
Health Services
If you have limited mobility, you want to make sure where you live gives you access to the medical services you require. This includes access to doctors, specialists and other medical professionals, as well as medical transportation services when needed. This should clearly be the top factor in choosing a place – nothing can be considered if it doesn’t meet this first criteria.
Financial Considerations
Is it affordable? With people living longer than ever, retirement can last far longer than you might have first expected, and certainly much longer than it did for previous generations. That means you want to plan for the long-term and ensure you have the financial resources to afford the spot you are considering. When choosing a retirement relocation destination, it’s also important to have downsized your life to a level where it makes sense for what you need going forward, not all the stuff you had in the past.
Climate
This once reigned as the chief concern for those choosing a retirement spot. And while money more likely now takes prominence, climate and temperature still play a key role in making a retirement relocation choice. That’s why Florida, Arizona and parts of The South (such as South Carolina) are still popular choices.
Social Network
There’s a reason why a place such as South Florida is known as “NYC South.” Many New Yorkers vacation and retire in the Miami area or other parts of South Florida. That creates a social network of people who they can relate to and feel comfortable with. However, someone moving from, say, Chicago to South Carolina might find the social differences too large to overcome. Keep this is in mind when making your location choice.
Size Matters
When it comes to the medical services and other human services you will want, it’s best to consider places with at least 10,000 people – probably more. While it might seem attractive to live far out in the country, it’s likely a better choice to find a spot with a bit more population and the services that come with it.
Family
Family plays an important role in deciding where to retire. For most people, being close to children and grandchildren – as well as extended family such as brother, sisters, aunts and uncles – is a big reason why they pick a place to settle down. Don’t make it hard on yourself by moving too far away from the people who make you the happiest.
There are some of the key consideration to keep in mind when choosing a retirement relocation. By weighing these factors, it will help you determine what location is the best fit for you and your future.
