When you no longer need to live near your job, a world of possibilities opens up. Relocating can sometimes save you money if you can find more affordable housing and lower your tax bill. Residing near friends and your children and grandchildren can also play a role in your retirement happiness. And you are finally free to move to a place with better weather and the amenities that suit you best. Here are some characteristics of a great place to retire.
[See: 50 Affordable Places to Buy a Retirement Home in 2016.]
Housing built for aging. You will be able to maintain your independence longer if you select a home with age-friendly features. A few simple upgrades to your home, such as handles or a seat in the shower, can help to prevent injuries, but in some cases a larger move is necessary. “If you have a bedroom, bathing and toilet facilities, a kitchen and laundry on one level, that would be ideal,” says Becky Yust, a professor of housing studies at the University of Minnesota. “That one level also needs a no-step entry.”
Good public transportation. There may be a time when you need to give up driving. At that point public transportation becomes essential to maintaining your independence. A few cities have reliable train and bus services for people of all ages. Some communities also provide low-cost taxi or van services just for older people. “You should also look for places where there is access to alternative forms of transportation like Uber or Lyft, in the event that driving is difficult,” says Margaret Dyer-Chamberlain, a senior research scholar and managing director of the Stanford Center on Longevity.
Nearby health care. You’re likely to use more health care services as you age. Living in close proximity to a doctor, pharmacy and major hospital can make it easier to receive medical care and comply with a treatment plan. “You’re going to want to be in a community that has decent health services, doctors for starters, and access to a hospital,” says Mildred Warner, a professor of city and regional planning at Cornell University. “You need to think about the distance you are going to have to travel to get to primary care, and then the distance you are going to have to travel to get to more advanced care.”
A good economy. A part-time job is increasingly becoming standard in the retirement years. If continuing to work is part of your retirement plan, make sure any place you are considering has a strong economy and job opportunities in your field.
[See: How Much You Need to Buy a Retirement Home in 10 Cities.]
Your nest egg stretches further. You don’t want to spend your retirement years worrying about your next house payment and stretching to make ends meet. Aim to retire in a place where you can comfortably cover your bills and have a little bit left over for fun. It helps if the local community has a library and senior center or sponsors free activities like concerts and movie nights.
Year-round weather you can tolerate. Many people dream of an escape from cold, snowy winters. But before you head south, make sure you can tolerate the often sweltering summers. “Go and visit a place, spend a few months there, and get a feel for what it’s like before you make a move,” Warner says.
Opportunities to socialize. Without a job to go to every day, you may lack opportunities to leave the house and socialize. “Some communities have places to go to meet up with other people that provides the social interaction that makes us engaged with others,” Yust says. “It could be a coffee shop or a recreation center or other place that’s welcoming and convenient.”
Help with chores and maintenance. Maintaining your home gets more difficult as you age. Cutting grass and shoveling snow can be labor intensive, and even changing light bulbs gets more dangerous. It’s important to have someone who can help you with these tasks, whether it’s a friendly neighbor or paid help. “If you downsize from a house to an apartment, then someone else takes care of the maintenance,” Warner says. “But if you move to an apartment where no one else is there during the day, that is pretty isolating.”
Children and grandchildren. Most older people want to live near their children and grandchildren. “One item ranks consistently at the top of retirees’ lists: proximity to one or more family members if possible,” says Larry Rosenthal, executive director of the Berkeley Program on Housing and Urban Policy. “Sometimes that means relocating, sometimes not.” Residing in the same city as your relatives can add meaning to your retirement years and be a source of help with errands you would otherwise have to pay for.
[See: 10 Alternatives to Full-Time Retirement.]
Amenities for seniors. Whether it’s a golf course or mountain views, a great retirement spot should have the things you are interested in doing. This might mean a museum where you can volunteer as a docent or a scenic walking trail along the river. “Go ahead and have some fun while you have your health,” says David Stull, a certified financial planner for Storehouse Financial in Fort Worth, Texas. “The older people get, the less things matter and the more experiences matter.”
Emily Brandon is the author of “Pensionless: The 10-Step Solution for a Stress-Free Retirement.”
More from U.S. News
10 Ways to Get Ready for Retirement After Age 50
10 Costs You Can Eliminate in Retirement
How to Apply for Medicare Without Claiming Social Security
10 Signs You’ve Found a Great Place to Retire originally appeared on usnews.com
