The joy of retirement is often associated with the freedom to use your time as you wish. After leaving the workforce people start looking for happiness, freedom, and often make the decision to relocate. Finding an ideal retirement spot depends on seeking to move to be closer to or farther away from family while others take this step for health or financial reasons. If you are considering relocating after retirement, a few recommendations can help make the transition easier.

For many retirees, the most important factors to consider when choosing a place to retire are climate, affordability, health care, transportation, and recreation options. It looks quite challenging to put all those factors together and find your perfect place, but there are so many places across the U.S. loved by seniors.

FLORIDA

According to U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places to Retire in 2020-2021, cities in Florida top the list. The Sunshine State is popular because of year-round warm weather, the absence of income tax, and housing affordability.

TOP 3

Sarasota, FLORIDA

This city is the most popular destination for retirees (the share of the population aged 60+ in Sarasota is 39%). It is an ideal place for those who just want to enjoy the beach because Sarasota’s white-sand beaches are gorgeous. Since there is no state income tax, seniors can easily work part-time.

Fort Myers, FLORIDA

Over a third of Fort Myers’ population is aged 60 years and older. This helps its retired residents to create supportive social and community relationships. Moderate housing costs make Fort Myers an attractive place to spend your retirement years fishing, boating, or just relaxing.

Port St. Lucie, FLORIDA

This city is well known for good ratings from its residents regarding their stress-free life. Also, Port St. Lucie is loved by sports enthusiasts for the city’s many parks and natural ambience.

If Florida sounds like an ideal retirement state, do not forget to check more cities, because Naples, Ocala, Miami, and Melbourne also rank in the top 10 best places to retire in 2021.

Lancaster, PENNSYLVANIA

Lancaster offers a balance between natural and commercial spaces that residents appreciate. It is said that the city is full of sunsets over golden fields to fill your golden years. Residents of Lancaster can enjoy both the traditional Amish countryside and culturally rich downtown lifestyles.

Moreover, it has a very high health care rating, a key factor for seniors. The climate in Lancaster has four distinct seasons and makes it a perfect place for grandkid visits. We should mention that this city is very budget-friendly from housing prices to things to do to fill your spare time. Theatre, art, shopping, and a wide variety of restaurants all at a price that will please you.

Ann Arbor, MICHIGAN

With a bit over 100k population, Ann Arbor features an extremely pleasant small-town environment. The city is well known as a college town, it also attracts many alumni and Midwesterners to retire here. Ann Arbor is nationally ranked as having one of the biggest health care facilities in the world and rich cultural life from sports events to art fairs. It is important to mention that Ann Arbor has higher property taxes than in other mentioned locations and quite a cold winter season. Otherwise, the strong community and assisted living facilities make Ann Arbor desirable among retirees.

Asheville, NORTH CAROLINA

If you prefer mountains over sandy beaches, Asheville should be on your list. It also has all four seasons to enjoy all types of outdoor activities, but winters are fairly mild. Opportunities for recreation make this city a very popular area for active retirees. This location is an ideal place for those who like biking, rock climbing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, hiking, and more. Asheville is also perfect for foodies because of a great variety of restaurants for affordable prices.

SHOULD YOU RENT OR BUY YOUR NEXT HOME IN RETIREMENT?

It’s not that either option is better than the other. This decision depends on your retirement lifestyle. Renting is a good way to keep costs down and you will experience more flexibility to travel and move around in retirement. On the other hand, with your kids living on their own, there is an option to buy an apartment of smaller square footage or a smaller townhouse to lower the cost of living. Buying is a better option when you are planning for a permanent homestead (5 or more years) otherwise renting could be a cheaper option.

Retirement is an adventure you have been waiting for all your life. For this reason, try to set aside challenges that range from considering the feelings and needs of family members to managing your health and try to improve your quality of life. Moving to a new location can help you reach an emotional state as well. Check the list of 10 best places to retire in 2021and start to pack your bags.

1. Sarasota, Florida.
2. Fort Myers, Florida.
3. Port St. Lucie, Florida.
4. Naples, Florida.
5. Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
6. Ocala, Florida.
7. Ann Arbor, Michigan.
8. Asheville, North Carolina.
9. Miami.
10. Melbourne, Florida.

Call The Movers is proud to serve our seniors. We can assist you with a smooth transition into your desired location. Our professional senior transition solutions team can provide a personalized strategy and detailed services according to your unique needs from packing antiques to transferring sentimental memories to your new home.

Sources

1. U.S. News Best Places to Retire report: press here.