Retirement is a time of reflection and change.; you've worked hard your entire life, and now it's time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! But what if you're not happy with your current location? Is it ever too late to move somewhere else—even in retirement?
Before you call the moving company, you might want to take the following into consideration.
Family
As people are living longer, those in their sixties and seventies are finding themselves more and more responsible for their parents or other older relatives. Do you need to be available to a loved one in the near future? Can you offer the support they need from a different location?
It’s also important to consider where your children and/or support network are located before you make a major move. How can you make your own future care easier for your loved ones? Do you have a support system in the new location that can help take you to doctor’s appointments if necessary? If not, it will be important to create a plan well before you need that type of assistance.
Healthcare
As an advisor, I’m seeing more and more of my clients come back to the Annapolis area for the healthcare options offered in the D.C./Baltimore region. Here are a few things to consider when it comes to determining the best healthcare fit in retirement.
- How close is the nearest hospital?
- What specialized services are available near your new home? (Oncology, cardiology, pulmonology, neurological.)
- Are there rehab facilities or skilled nursing services?
Community
What are your community connections? Are all of your friends where you live now? What are the activities in the area that you are looking to move to? Are they easy to get to? Will you form new connections through those activities?
Taxes and Cost of Living
There are, of course, benefits to moving. You can move to a more tax-friendly state than where you currently live, which will help your retirement dollars to go further. In addition, there are other areas in the country where the cost of living is as much as 30% less than the Washington DC Area: BankRate.com has a wonderful cost of living calculator that I recommend checking out if you are considering a move. I have had many clients who couldn’t afford to retire in Maryland, but who are doing fantastic in Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
As with all life's major decisions, it might be time to discuss your options with a financial advisor. We’re here as impartial third parties to help you gather all the information you need to make the decision that’s best for you, your family, and your finances.
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