The Necessities

Even if you already have a city or state in mind, it’s important to sit down and decide what it is you’re looking for in retirement. Most people of or near retirement age gravitate toward living in or near a city to take advantage of all its offerings. And that’s a smart move, especially for your health and wellness. Being close to top medical care makes it even easier to live your ideal life with peace of mind. Plus, you’ve got shopping, dining, and entertainment at your disposal—so when you want to venture away from your peaceful retreat and the goings-on of your community, you can.

From a financial perspective, cost of living should be at the top of your list. One of your reasons for moving may be to escape high rates, so consider areas where your dollar will go farther. Also, look into how retirement benefits are taxed, as well as sales tax and real estate costs.

The Wants

Once you’ve checked off financial and medical priorities, it’s time to look into the type of lifestyle you really want. This is where choosing a new home gets really exciting. As you pinpoint your priorities, you’ll be able to narrow your search and more easily select your destination. Think about things like access to water activities or proximity to family and loved ones. If you’re looking for beautiful championship golf courses, add the best retirement golf communities to your list. Maybe you’re looking for a place to settle with like-minded neighbors. Browse some of the best retirement communities for active adults. From resort living to waterfront retirement communities and everything in between, finding a place that can accommodate your new life is part of the journey, and you get to draw the map.

A Good Fit

The atmosphere of the city you choose needs to feel good, too. You can hunt for the best of anything: best tennis communities, best lake communities for retirement, best master planned communities—the list can go on. Different places are filled with an abundance of unique amenities, and you should look into them carefully, choosing areas that can fulfill your interests and hobbies. But location also matters; broaden your research beyond the retirement community’s amenities. Make sure that the surrounding areas will feel like home even when you venture out.