Now that you are no longer working, have you thought about moving? Where are the best places for retired seniors to live? Here are ten places to move to when you retire.
Do you even want to move?
Not everybody wants to move away when they are retired and the kids are grown up. That’s understandable. Moving at any age is a lot of work and can also be emotional. You have lived and raised your children there, so letting go is difficult.
But many seniors move for certain reasons
Downsize the house
If it’s only the two of you or just you, maintaining the house and yard be too hard.
The Weather
It used to be that everyone headed to Florida, and they still do. This sounds appealing if you are from the North. You have to put up with the bad winters. But there are other places as well.
Senior Community
Other cities have more resources for senior citizens, like walking trails and bike trails.
Better health care
Some cities are known for their health care, which can be a real advantage for older people.
Cheaper living
There are states where the cost of living is considerably more affordable than some places. That’s important if you are on a budget.
Some Countries and States want you to move there
Because of the declining population, places like Italy, Ireland, and Switzerland need more residents. States and cities offer incentives for folks to move there. Of course, there are certain qualifications, some involving age. But check it out.
Here’s a video on folks who want to move to Europe.
TOP 10 Countries That Will Pay You to Live There in 2024
And states that will make it worthwhile to move there.
10 U.S. Cities That Will Actually Pay You to Move There
Living in another country
This is becoming a growing trend for retired seniors. It might be a little adventurous for some folks to live abroad, but not everyone. The financial aspect of living abroad is quite enticing. Certain countries have a much lower cost of living than the United States.
Australia is quite a flight from the US, but that doesn’t stop people from living there. It’s a modern country with lots of places to hike and swim. They have a high immigration rate, so they are very welcome to folks moving there. Healthcare is also rated highly. The crime rate is low as well.
Portugal is another country on the list. I’m told the food there is wonderful, the people are friendly, and it is also relatively less expensive. There are beautiful beaches as well. Life there is more laid-back than in some countries.
Spain has terrific cuisine and is also affordable. It has many sightseeing destinations and a low crime rate. The climate is pleasant, and it is welcoming to newcomers. The public transportation is an added advantage.
Mexico, our southern neighbor, has many benefits as well. Of course, not everyone considers it because of crime and drug cartels. But it’s cheaper than the US. There are terrific resorts like Cancun. The food and culture are wonderful. There are also retirement communities for Americans.
Thailand, like Australia, is quite a distance from the US. It is less expensive to live in, and the weather is also agreeable. There are also beaches nearby in Bangkok, which was voted the most livable city in Asia.
Popular states to move to for retired folks
Here are five suggestions in no order
Florida has always been the gold standard for retirees because of the weather and the lack of state income taxes. I like Florida. We have vacationed there many times. The weather is enticing, and the low taxes are significant, but you know all about hurricanes. That might be a little unnerving.
We have lived in Georgia for many years. It’s a beautiful state with mountains in the north and farming in the south. Atlanta has a growing population and an affordable environment. There is excellent healthcare at Emory University Medical Center and many other fine hospitals. While it does get hot in the summer, there is rarely snow. It will get cold. Savannah is a great place to visit as well.
Delaware has an admirable reputation. The beaches where my family used to vacation are terrific but a little crowded in the summer. Surprisingly, the taxes are not as bad as you would think. The state is also friendly toward retirees.
North Carolina, where my mother-in-law grew up, can be split into two areas. The western part of the state has scenic mountains. The coastal region, the outer banks, has quiet and beautiful beaches. My wife’s family told me that a lot of folks from Florida have moved there. They wanted to escape the hurricanes and the lack of four seasons.
Right beside North Carolina is its southern neighbor, South Carolina. This is another state with gorgeous beaches, including Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach. These are very busy in the summer months. There are lots of great retirement communities there. And don’t forget about the Charleston area, which is a grand old city like Savannah. Hilton Head Island is ideal for golfers and the beaches are pretty good as well..
I know I have primarily Southern states on the list. I’m sure many folks would also have places like Arizona and New Mexico. I just wanted to highlight a few that I knew a little about.
Well, there are ten places to retire. While all these places look tempting, my wife and I will probably stay right here in the Peach State.
Ray Charles – Georgia On My Mind (Official Video)
Thanks for reading
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