What Retirees Should Look for When Relocating to a New City
Retirees often relocate to get more mileage out of their nest eggs. But cost isn’t the only factor you should consider when finding a new home.
The best place to relocate to for one person may not be the best for another. However, if you’re considering moving to a new city, there are certain characteristics to look for.
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4 characteristics retirees should look for in a city
City rankings typically score places on their livability based on several characteristics, and they can be a great starting point when looking for where to live next. But it’s important to do your own research. Affordability, access to healthcare, lifestyle traits and climate are some of the top things to look for when scouting cities. Here’s a deeper dive on four factors to consider.
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1. Affordability
Again, affordability isn’t the only factor to consider — but it is a crucial one. Picking an affordable area is especially important for retirees, who no longer receive a regular paycheck.
Low living costs and taxes are two components to consider. You can often find median home prices and cost of living indexes online. State’s taxes vary, but more affordable homes usually translate to lower property taxes, and some cities have senior exemptions for certain expenses.
States with no income taxes are also a big draw for retirees who are tapping into Social Security and withdrawing from retirement savings accounts. Some states such as Florida, Texas and Tennessee do not collect income taxes at all. Researching the various tax treatments can help you find a city that gives your nest egg more mileage.
2. Proximity to and quality of health care
Older adults may need new healthcare services, which makes proximity and quality vital. Prioritizing cities with high doctors-per-capita ratios and top-rated hospitals can give you access to higher-quality care when you need it the most.
Retirees should look for cities that offer multiple facilities. Healthcare locations that offer senior-specific services like home health are a great bonus.
3. Walkability and other lifestyle traits
For many retirees, it’s important to find a location with plenty of community activities and walkable locations to keep you physically active. Cities with parks, trails and senior centers can help reduce isolation and boost health.
If you’re particularly interested in hobbies like golfing and swimming, you’ll also want to make sure there are golf courses, beaches and destinations that fit your lifestyle. If you're excited to travel in retirement, look for a place with easy access to an airport.
4. Climate
Climate is becoming even more important to consider as natural disasters like flooding and wildfires become more prevalent. Look for mild climates that will allow you to get out and about even during the hottest and coldest times of year.
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How to match traits to your retirement
Not every retirement city checks will check all of your boxes, but you can start by identifying the three priorities that matter the most. Some retirees may prioritize affordability, healthcare and beaches, while others prefer walkability over the coasts.
Once you know what matters to you, start searching for cities that have those traits. And once you have a small list of potential cities, visit each city before committing to a location. Some retirees choose to rent for their first year in a new location before they buy a home to ensure it fits their needs.