A Nice Place to Visit, But...
By Candace Bahr

Many people decide to move when they retire.  But choosing where to live means more than deciding whether you prefer sand or trees.  In fact, many people make their biggest retirement mistakes when deciding where to live.  One very helpful strategy, if you can manage it, is to make extended visits to your chosen location at various times of the year.  This will give you a sense of what it would feel like to live there.

Here are some other considerations when choosing a potential retirement place:

Is this vacation destination a good place to live year-round?  When you are on a two-week vacation, you may not notice the down sides. Are sufficient conveniences, services, and activities available year-round? Make sure you visit during the off-season and follow events in the community for at least six months by subscribing to the local newspaper.

What weather problems might we encounter?  People retire to Florida for the warm winters, yet the weather is one reason why one of every three people who move to Florida to retire later move away.  Ask yourself: Do I want this weather all year?  If the weather is temperate, will I miss the change of seasons?  Can I handle high humidity or severe cold?

Am I moving here because my friends like it?  Many retirees move to communities where their friends have already relocated. Having a network of friends can be important, but be sure the new place meets your own needs and priorities in areas such as employment opportunities and cost of living.

Is this a tax-friendly state? You can save a bundle by relocating to a state with low taxes. For example, Florida, Washington and Texas are no-income-tax retirement meccas, while Oregon doesn’t charge sales tax, and Delaware has a low property tax rate.

Should I retire abroad?  Living abroad has many advantages, and retiring abroad can save you big bucks.  Before you decide to retire abroad, consider the same factors you would in evaluating locations in the U.S., including affordable cost of living, comfortable climate, good health care, and access to goods and services.

At WIFE we welcome your comments. Please feel free to contact us.