It can be incredibly fun to think about where you want to retire in your later years. You might be looking forward to living closer to family or to moving to a warm climate. A subdivision near a golf course could be calling your name, or a cabin in the foothills of the Smokies may be waiting for you to make it into a cozy home. Whether you are hoping to retire within the year or your retirement is over a decade away, here are a few things you will want to consider before settling on any real estate.
First, stop to consider what you hope to do during your golden years. You may be longing to kick back and relax beside the beach, or you may be hoping to use your retirement home merely as a stopping off point between your travels. Your quality of life in your later years will be determined largely by how you plan on spending your time, and the area you choose to retire in and the type of home you choose will be dependent on this. For example, if you love golfing with your spouse, you may want to consider a home close to a golf course property for sale.
While you cannot see completely what your health will be like in 10 or 20 years, you may be able to get a glimpse at how your mobility and health will be based on how you feel now. If you are already afflicted by chronic health conditions or have noticed that it is harder for you to walk or climb stairs, you may need to consider an area that has everything you need near at hand, such as stores and health care facilities. You will not want to feel isolated during your later years.
Be wary of moving to an area where residents have vastly differing religious, political and social views than you do. This could make it difficult for you to make friends. Always do research and consider visiting the area before committing to it.
Climate used to be the main consideration for where to retire, but increasing numbers of people are instead relying on their finances to tell them where to go. However, this is not to say that climate is not important. Many people long to move to a warmer climate where snow and ice are not concerns during the winter. Also, consider that your health may be impacted by the climate.
Your most important consideration may be which area is the most affordable. Consider cost of living in an area, which will include taxes, housing and grocery costs and many other common costs. You will also want to choose a place where home sales are moving well should your circumstances change and you end up selling your home.
Of course, you may have other concerns going on in your life that may play into your retirement plans. For example, you could have aging parents or children that still depend on you physically or financially. You may also need to consider how important it is to you that you settle near family. As with many decisions in life, this one is intensely personal and is one that only you and your spouse can accurately answer. Be sure to begin looking into options and planning for retirement long before it arrives so that you are not left feeling surprised about finances, health concerns or work during your later years.
Dixie Somers is a freelance writer and blogger for business, home, and family niches. Dixie lives in Phoenix, Arizona, and is the proud mother of three beautiful girls and wife to a wonderful husband.