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Thank you all but the bottom line of selecting any retirement location has to be that conditions might change so one should never make irrevocable decisions.
Factors for us (wife and I have different priorities):
Proximity to kids and GC (Seattle)
Climate
COL
Activities that we enjoy
Beauty of location
I retired 2 days ago so we are thinking about where to retire.
Time has a way of passing all too quickly. Before you know it, five years will have gone by and nothing has been decided probably because of the differences between you and your DW.
I am sure you are well aware of that already; just wanted to remind you of what can happen.
Thank you all but the bottom line of selecting any retirement location has to be that conditions might change so one should never make irrevocable decisions.
We did everything you're supposed to do when planning your post retirement downsizing and move. We started researching various areas three years before DH was planning on retiring. After visiting Portland, OR we were certain we found our spot. We took four trips there in each of the four seasons, narrowed down our neighborhood and bought our little slice of heaven, which happened to be a small condo close-in in the northwest hills.
One year later, we are realizing our downsizing was too extreme and we don't care as much about being close to the action in the big city, nor do we enjoy condo living. Fortunately, we can correct our course and that's what we are in the process of doing. Sometimes what you think you want isn't what you want at all.
Reminds me of the old saying, " Be careful what you wish for; you just might get it."
I have pretty simple tastes and my concerns were these:
1) Lower COL. We retired at 54 and that means that I have to plan for 40+ years.
2) Good health care. Most large cities have good healthcare as long as you are willing to look for it. This provision did rule out a couple of smaller cities that do not have very good healthcare or limited access to specialists.
3) A climate that would facilitate a healthy lifestyle. My guideline is that I want to be able to walk 5 miles per day at least 8-9 months per year.
4) I wanted to live in a community where there are shared values and beliefs and a "live and let live" atmosphere. I wanted to live in a neighborhood where people interact with each other and where people do not hide behind fences and walls.
5) I wanted at least some cultural activity around. No, I do not need to live in a MEGAcity to find culture.
6) I hate congestion. Spending an hour parked on the Dan Ryan or on I-5 is about as close to hell on earth that you can get.
Time has a way of passing all too quickly. Before you know it, five years will have gone by and nothing has been decided probably because of the differences between you and your DW.
I am sure you are well aware of that already; just wanted to remind you of what can happen.
Good luck to you.
Time does pass by too quickly but Tall just retired 2 days ago. We are the same way we were never going to make a final decision until I retired at the earliest. That is because life is still going on with all its requirements. There was just no way to really make that choice. I have 89 more days before I call it quits. There is nothing wrong in taking time to decide and make an informed decisions.
I have pretty simple tastes and my concerns were these:
1) Lower COL. We retired at 54 and that means that I have to plan for 40+ years.
2) Good health care. Most large cities have good healthcare as long as you are willing to look for it. This provision did rule out a couple of smaller cities that do not have very good healthcare or limited access to specialists.
3) A climate that would facilitate a healthy lifestyle. My guideline is that I want to be able to walk 5 miles per day at least 8-9 months per year.
4) I wanted to live in a community where there are shared values and beliefs and a "live and let live" atmosphere. I wanted to live in a neighborhood where people interact with each other and where people do not hide behind fences and walls.
5) I wanted at least some cultural activity around. No, I do not need to live in a MEGAcity to find culture.
6) I hate congestion. Spending an hour parked on the Dan Ryan or on I-5 is about as close to hell on earth that you can get.
Sounds like a pretty good list! So where did you end up?
Our list started with weather, because you live with that every day, and that meant 1) no deep south humidity (my requirement) 2) no snow shoveling or living in snow more than a day or two per year (DH's requirement), and 3) no desert (both of us).
Next was general environment , we both wanted semi-rural, and in an area of natural beauty.
Third was COL which includes taxes, it had to be cheaper than our current northern CA home, which meant pretty much anywhere else!
Fourth was recreational opportunities in our immediate neighborhood, 1) must have a lake or river (me), 2) must have golf course (DH).
Fifth was a way to make new friends, interest clubs, etc, in which we could participate to enable us to create a new social circle.
Sixth was proximity to outdoor recreation that we could explore. New sights, parks, hiking areas, lakes, and new cities/towns, etc.
Seventh was reasonable proximity to shopping/cultural events/city stuff, reasonable being less than 45 minutes drive to us.
We're extremely happy with our choice, being within about half an hour of Knoxville, TN.
edited to add: You may notice the absence of any ideological requirements, and that is because I am a very independent thinker and have never needed to live near others who echo my thoughts and feelings. I don't discuss politics or religion. DH truly couldn't care less.
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