Deciding Where to Retire

It's a great question, where to retire? There are lots of factors to consider before you make the big move to retire and can be an even bigger factor to choose the perfect location. Let's take a look at some of the things to consider that could help you when deciding where to retire.


     Health issues - some of the health issues to consider if you're planning a move would be mobility and joint problems, breathing issues, diseases and illness. If you already have a doctor nearby, could you really leave the area and get a new doctor? There are people that do it all the time, doctors and hospitals are everywhere. Could you do it? Oftentimes, breathing issues are helped by moving to areas that have cleaner air, lower altitudes and less humidity. There are good and bad things to making the retirement move to a totally different location so maybe it's best to make a list to determine how you should decide.

     Parents - probably the biggest factor in where you end up right? Will your parents still be alive when you're ready to retire? If so, you might not ever consider moving away from them. They may need your help either physically, financially or emotionally. In these cases, packing up everything and moving far from them could be the worst decision you make.

     Siblings - are you close to your sister, brother? I have two sisters and two brothers, seventeen nieces and nephews and even great nieces and nephews now. They all live for the most part fairly close by. Thinking of moving far away from them could be and actually would be really, really hard to do. Maybe some of them would consider retiring away with me, maybe not. If the finances are able to handle traveling to visit, that's one way that it could still be something to consider. Makes you wonder.

     Financial resources - this is a big consideration in how to determine where to retire. There are some places that simply have a lower cost of living, give tax incentives for buying/building a new home or offer tax abatement on owning a home to name a few. It might be better and easier to stay in the home you currently have especially if you have no mortgage. Do you want a new mortgage if you're retiring? Probably not if your income is fixed and you won't be working at all, even part time. If you have the resources to go anywhere, where would it be? The beach, a lake, the woods, the snow belt areas, a cabin, the city, a small town or an exotic island? The possibilities are endless but, only you know your money situation and what you'd like to do in your retirement.

     How safe is your neighborhood now and would you stay there as you grow older? It's an important consideration for you and your partner. Where are the safest places to be with low crime, neighborhood watch groups and community involvement?

     Think about all these things as you ponder where to retire and then do some research to find out costs involved. John Howell's book on Where to Retire is a good read and gives helpful information on all the above from finding a great community, easier life, cheaper housing, safe neighborhoods, ideal climates and more. It's updated for today's world and should help when you need to make this most important decision.

   We'd love to know where you are considering retiring in the comments below.