Relocation for Retirement

Retirees who decide that relocating makes sense for them usually do so foremost to move closer to distant families, or to return permanently to a favorite vacation spot.

But retirees deciding to relocate to an unfamiliar area, lured solely by a pleasant climate or spectacular scenery should be careful not to finalize their decision before a more thorough evaluation is made.

First, look beyond the statistics. Statistics can be useful for the purpose of making comparisons, but not for drawing conclusions. Population and cost of housing are important facts, but more importantly, ask yourself, will you fit in with these people, will you be a minority religiously? How important to you are good restaurants, museums and cultural events?

Housing statistics in particular can often be misleading. Comparatively low real estate costs are not nearly as important as the overall quality of life. Perhaps a decision to relocate was based upon the fact that income was no longer sufficient after retirement to sustain living at the old homestead, and an area with an overall lower cost of living would be a viable solution.

Whatever the reason for your decision to relocate, do your research well in advance of your retirement, and look past the mere statistics. Don't pay any attention to articles or guidebooks that list a one to ten ranking of cities deemed “most livable”.

Far too often favorable ratings are awarded on the basis of conditions that do not affect retirees. For example; good schools, employment opportunities and a booming business environment will certainly achieve a high ranking for a city, but all to often, an unfriendly climate and high taxes are downplayed or even ignored.

It is important to remember that career opportunities available for young upward-bound executives, and quality public schools will not be as important to you as safe neighborhoods, well-run senior citizen centers, and the availability of quality medical care.

Knowing now that you will have to do your own ranking and begin your analysis as early as possible, here is a great way to begin. Start combining research with your vacations. Try a number of different places of interest in order to have a sound basis for comparison.

Don't just do the usual tourist activities, bu investigate the places that will have an important impact on your living. Talk to a local real estate agent about neighborhoods, housing costs, real estate taxes, etc. An experienced agent can be a source of information that can help you to make an informed decision should you decide to settle in the area.

Visit the senior citizen centers to see how they are run and how you relate to the members.This is a good place to learn about the quality of medical facilities, cultural activities, etc. These centers are a good place to learn about the availability of public transportation. It's important to remember that if you choose to live in a place where public transportation is less than satisfactory, know that difficulties could arise if you no longer can drive.

Finally, draft a check list to use as a reference guide and to help you remember the facts you have gathered. List the things most important to you in descending order. For instance:

• Neighborhood safety
• Climate
• Housing costs
• Cultural activities and entertainment
• Distance from family and friends