Retirement: 10 Questions to Help You Decide Where to Live

Years before my husband retired we started thinking about where we would live. Our homework included attending seminars, reading books, and seeking expert advice. From this research we developed 10 key questions. These questions helped us find our retirement community and they may help you so the same.

1. WHERE DO YOU FEEL THE HAPPIEST? Minnesota is a vacation destination for thousands of people. Since we were already in "vacation land" there was no reason to move. We are happy here.

2. DO YOU WANT TO BE NEAR FAMILY? We live in Rochester, Minnesota and many relatives also live here. We love being with them, especially our twin grandchildren. Family plays a big part in where you live.

3. HOW MUCH SPACE DO YOU NEED? Downsizing was appealing, but we could not make ourselves do it. We live in a three level home and it works for us. Determine how much space you will need in retirement. A smaller place may be a better fit.

4. DO YOU LIKE THE CLIMATE? We have lived in the South and, though we enjoyed it, missed having four seasons. The Minnesota climate suits us just fine. Other climates may suit you.

5. WOULD YOU HAVE A SUPPORT SYSTEM? We have an excellent support system: family, church friends, community contacts, and social services. Evaluate your support system before you decide to move away from it.

6. IS MEDICAL CARE READILY AVAILABLE? Rochester, Minnesota is home of Mayo Clinic so it is a retirement destination for many. When it comes to top-notch medical care we could not be in a better place. Health may determine where you live.

7. WHAT ARE THE TAX RATES? Minnesota has a 6.5% sales tax and the city of Rochester adds more. Our taxes are a bit high, but we are willing to pay them for the quality of life we enjoy. Taxes can be a big budget item so do your research beforehand.

8. WOULD YOU HAVE ACCESS TO CULTURAL EVENTS? Rochester has many cultural events and if we want more we drive to Minneapolis-St. Paul. Friends have moved to university towns to take advantage of concerts and seminars. Your retirement place may depend on the arts.

9. WHAT WOULD YOUR CURRENT HOME NEED? Our home is 18 years old now. To keep it market ready have painted walls/trim, remodeled the kitchen and master bath, installed new carpet, added book shelves and a second fireplace. You may wish to get professional advice about home trends.

10. CAN YOU AFFORD TO LIVE IN YOUR CURRENT HOME ON A RETIREMENT INCOME? For us, staying put was cheaper than moving. Older homes were not selling and local realtors told us to stay put if we could afford to. It was good advice.

Many baby boomers are making the same decision. Sixty per cent of baby boomers plan to stay in their current homes, according to "Retirement Living News," an electric newsletter published by www.retirementliving.com. Instead of moving to a retirement community you may discover, as we did, that you are already there. Welcome home.

Copyright 2006 by Harriet Hodgson

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

www.harriethodgson.com www.healthwriter.blogspot.com Harriet Hodgson has been a freelance nonfiction writer for 28 years. She is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists and the Association for Death Education and Counseling. Her 24th book, "Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief," written with Lois Krahn, MD, is available from www.amazon.com A five-star review of the book is posted on Amazon. You will find another review on the American Hospice Foundation Web site under the "School Corner' heading.

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