The Best Places to Retire

Don’t forget that the best place to retire may be right under your nose!

When looking for a place to retire, there are some important things to consider:

- affordable housing, preferably without stairs
- a lifestyle that suits you, whether you’re active or just want to relax
- access to good medical facilities, as you’ll need them more as you grow older

However, there is one very important item that you mustn’t forget,and that is access to your friends and family.

Every year, thousands of retirees relocate to idyllic resorts, by the beach or in the country, looking forward to spending the rest of their life as if they were permanently on holiday.

And every year, thousands of them return to their home city, disillusioned and unhappy, having wasted a lot of money and energy on relocating twice. Why? Because no matter how glorious the retirement spot, nothing can compensate for loneliness.

Sure, your family and friends may promise to visit you often when you move. They probably mean it, too – after all, if you are going somewhere nice, it will be a holiday! But once the move is made, reality sets in. Organising a trip takes time which your busy family may not have; train fares or gas cost money, so visiting you may turn out too expensive for your retired friends – and for you. Before you know where you are, you’re only seeing them once a year.

If you are considering moving from your home town in retirement, then think carefully about how you will feel if you lose touch with friends or family.

If you are really set on the move, then do it earlier rather than later – ideally, while you are still working, if you can find a job there. That way, you will have time to find your place in your new “home town”, and make new friends, while you are still young and energetic enough to do so. And if you decide you don’t like it, you still have time to try somewhere else.

Photo thanks to k4dordy on Flickr