Moving After Retirement

When people retire from their careers, they often feel like a move would make the retirement process more complete. This is often a good idea because retirees are essentially starting a new chapter in their lives. Why not start that new life in a new place? However, there are some considerations you need to make if you are thinking about relocating once you retire, since it isn’t always a good decision. If a move is in your near future, be sure to think about the following points before calling up the moving company and booking your moving date.

1. Be sure your spouse is on the same page as you are about where you are moving. If you love the outdoors, but your spouse wants to live near your grandchildren, your marriage may not weather a move that takes you far from where your grandkids live, even if you are able to fish as often as you want. You need to choose a retirement location that both of you will enjoy.

2. Before choosing a city in which to retire, check out the activities that are available for retirees in and around the area. Make a list of all your interests that you would like to pursue in retirement and match your new community based on what it has to offer you in terms of your passions.

3. If you are considering retiring to a city that you visited as a tourist, be sure that you visit that same city in the off-season. This is because cities that are extremely busy and fulfilling during one season can be boring in another season. You might also consider renting a property in that city before committing to a full move. This will allow you to “test drive” the location to make sure it will fit your needs.

4. If you are looking for a small retirement community that has a much slower pace than where you currently live, make sure you analyze the growth patterns of the community before you hire your movers. The reason for this is that small bedroom community you love today could be a sprawling suburban city in five years. If you think the city will be too big for your taste a few years down the line, you might want to consider another place to retire to.

Retirement should be a happy occasion that is full of opportunities and fun. Moving to a new place can enhance your retirement years, but you must make sure to consider all aspects of your new location before jumping in with both feet.