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OP, as a native of a state where people from elsewhere often come; what I see is people come and stay for a few years but then move back closer to family as they get older. Especially as they get health problems. or Grandma wants to be around the Grandkids...
I think those who go into 55+ communities might last longer because of companionship available and neighbors who help each other out often enough. It is harder and harder for me to go have any medical procedure done without having a companion accompanying me. And taxicab to and from the clinic are not longer allowed due to liability concerns. They have to release you into a known person's care.
As a single it is very difficult, will guess that couples have each other to help out.
You might look at downsizing in your home area, condo, small house, rental and see how that meets your needs. Or getting a place in a nearby area where taxes are lower and where it is no big deal for a family member to be there in case of emergency or medical procedures.
But nothing wrong with a few years vacation and may work better as a couple.most people eventually rethink their decision.
We sat down and made our own separate list of our priorities in retirement and then we compared the list and eliminated duplication. Using our lists we then selected states and areas within the states meeting this new criteria. Then over the next few years we visited those areas on vacation and narrowed it down to one or two places after researching costs and taxes, etc. Everyone's priorities are different. Yours may include staying within a one day drive of your kids place, or places that have an airport with direct flights back to where your kids live. Young adults often move themselves to follow their careers or their spouse's career, so that comes into it.
Our personal priorities were, in order, climate (no snow shoveling, low to moderate humidity), activities available within the community (I wanted lake, DH wanted golf course), COL, proximity to many outdoor activities, low taxes, little traffic, slower pace of life, proximity to a city with good shopping, entertainment, and medical facilities, without actually being IN that city. What we found AFTER moving here was an additional thing that we would have considered if we had thought about it, and that is the ease of meeting new friends and finding activity partners. We lucked out in that regard, our new neighbors in this community are so outgoing and inclusive.
I think those who go into 55+ communities might last longer because of companionship available and neighbors who help each other out often enough. It is harder and harder for me to go have any medical procedure done without having a companion accompanying me. And taxicab to and from the clinic are not longer allowed due to liability concerns. They have to release you into a known person's care.
As a single it is very difficult, will guess that couples have each other to help out.
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Your example of needing someone to pick you up after certain medical procedures is an excellent illustration of the importance of having a support network. In the past 15 or 20 years, fortunately, I have needed that only once, when I had hernia surgery four or five years ago. That is outpatient surgery - in in the morning and out in the early evening and I was fortunate to have someone wiling to pick me up. I also had a colonoscopy nine years ago, but since I have mine without sedation they didn't care how I got home. (It is the sedation that bothers them).
But what you wrote got me to thinking. I am old (71), and for the most part the people I know well enough to ask to pick me up at some hospital are also getting along in years. At a certain point in time I may outlive them all and be without such a support network even here in my familiar area. Not a pleasant thought.
OP, as a native of a state where people from elsewhere often come; what I see is people come and stay for a few years but then move back closer to family as they get older. Especially as they get health problems. or Grandma wants to be around the Grandkids...
I think those who go into 55+ communities might last longer because of companionship available and neighbors who help each other out often enough. It is harder and harder for me to go have any medical procedure done without having a companion accompanying me. And taxicab to and from the clinic are not longer allowed due to liability concerns. They have to release you into a known person's care.
As a single it is very difficult, will guess that couples have each other to help out.
You might look at downsizing in your home area, condo, small house, rental and see how that meets your needs. Or getting a place in a nearby area where taxes are lower and where it is no big deal for a family member to be there in case of emergency or medical procedures.
But nothing wrong with a few years vacation and may work better as a couple.most people eventually rethink their decision.
Several places I have lived have had free or very inexpensive bus service for seniors and disabled. I would call your local town, county and schiffer office to see if the service exists. Also search the internet for a service. Might try your state department of aging etc and they might be able to direct you to a local provider.
Just realized, your doctors office might be the place to start if they can not help try the other options. I know of one over 55 community that has a volenteer group that does this. Check your local clubs. Maybe you could start the club.
I worried about leaving my 3 adult children if I moved out of state but they beat me to it. No guarantees they will stay put and you can always take a trip up to see the grandchildren. They will understand.
I live in North Carolina too as another poster. What I have noticed is that the retirees move here and the children come to visit and immediately start planning how they can move here. Before they are finished, all their children, the next door neighbors, and other relatives follow.
And although our county is rural, we have the senior citizen and handicapped transportation if we should get beyond driving. It also takes seniors to medical care in Charlotte. Council on Aging is a good service to call for information.
Our children have moved hours away and I told my husband he has to stay alive because if he should go I am sure I would have to fight for my independence. We are like senior citizen honeymooners. I have three vacations planned this year. I would be doing the timeshare thing but he doesn't like to travel so much. I have 40 years worth of friends to call on plus the church and American Legion. It is my wish to remain in this county.
Several places I have lived have had free or very inexpensive bus service for seniors and disabled. I would call your local town, county and schiffer office to see if the service exists. Also search the internet for a service. Might try your state department of aging etc and they might be able to direct you to a local provider.
Just realized, your doctors office might be the place to start if they can not help try the other options. I know of one over 55 community that has a volenteer group that does this. Check your local clubs. Maybe you could start the club.
The bus service was to the doctors office.I omitted this, see above.
I think your wise to have started thinking about this but to actually make a decision now is a little too early as a lot can change in 10 years. But its certainly time to start planning; getting things in order then you have those done once bigger decision come near. Alot start thinking what they need and what they want to eliminate in retirement and start there.
You are doing the right thing looking now. High real estate taxes will kill you when you are retired and I am sure you will not need that big a house. Look at downsizing now so you can stay in the area with your kids plus have money for second home in a warmer climate. You would have plenty of time to look at all your options before buying the second home.
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