When you start to consider retirement communities, there are many factors to evaluate. It is important to anticipate the needs you will have as you age as well as what you desire when you first retire. This checklist will help ensure you weigh all aspects of your potential new home and make the best decision for your future.
Cost of living:
The costs of housing, utilities, insurance and food vary from place to place, although not as much as you might believe. Most areas with a sizable population and reasonable services will be within range of the median cost of living in the U.S. However, it is important for retirees to research how much they must spend to live in a specific area, since extreme costs can cut into your savings quickly.
Proximity to friends and family:
While many people dream of moving to a fantasy location once they retire, they often do not think about the people they will be leaving behind. Do you have friends or relatives in any of the areas you are considering? If not, how far will you have to travel to see your children or grandchildren?
Ease of local and distant travel:
What are the transportation services like in the communities you are considering? Is public transportation affordable and accessible? While you may drive everywhere now, as you age you may find it necessary to make use of buses, trains and subways. Examine these services now, to make sure they will be in place when you need them.
In addition, how far are the nearest airports? If you plan to visit your grandchildren several times a year or want them to visit you, it is important to look at how accessible distant travel is. An hour’s drive or train ride to get to an airport is reasonable, while a six-hour drive to reach the nearest major airport may be prohibitive.
Healthcare and elderly services:
While you may start your retirement as a vital and healthy mature adult, the odds are high that your healthcare needs will only increase. Does each community you are considering offer a reasonable number of doctors per area resident? Is there a major medical center in the area? How far away are specialists if you have a complicated medical condition?
Even if you do not have health problems as you age, you may need some other kinds of help. Is there a local council on aging or other social services agency devoted to elderly services? Are things like adult day care, meal delivery and shuttle transportation readily available? How about grocery and prescription delivery? All of these things can make the process of getting older a little easier.
Entertainment:
What does each community offer in the way of entertainment? If you are accustomed to regularly attending events at the theater, opera or ballet, these are important things to look for in your new community. If you are an avid reader, check out the local libraries. If you are a food aficionado, does the neighborhood offer a selection of fine restaurants? If you love soccer, is there a local club devoted to the sport?
Climate and Geography:
Climate is a critical thing to consider, although it may not be as important as some retirees rate it. Certainly, if you have a health condition that requires a temperate climate you should take it into account and weather extremes can make it more difficult to get around.
Also, look at the geography of a given area. If you do not enjoy desert environments, you probably should not consider relocating to the Southwest. If your loves are hiking and skiing, do not stray too far from mountains.
Social opportunities:
What are the demographics of your new community? Whether you are single or married, you will inevitably need social contacts wherever you move. While it is good to mix with people of all ages, you may find it especially important to have other retirees to connect with. So, look for an environment that has not only people in your age group, but also opportunities to meet and socialize with others.