topic Re: Did You Have To Leave An Area You Loved Because You Simply Couldn't Afford To Retire There? in Retirement

Did You Have To Leave An Area You Loved Because You Simply Couldn't Afford To Retire There?

catrheaper — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 11:35:32 GMT

I live in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and I moved here about a dozen years ago. I love my friends, my church, my doctors (I am a cancer survivor, and we have a great health care system in the Bay State). The problem is, I don't have enough to retire here, because there is simply no affordable senior housing except subsidized housing that is tiny, depressing and few and far between with an incredibly long waiting list. With my ex-husband's social security that I would collect after I retire, it looks like I would have too much income to qualify for one of them anyway. I live in a small apartment as it is, and have no family here.

My sisters live in Florida, but they are constantly complaining about how the Republican government (I guess this is the case with the majority of Southern states) is making life harder and harder for the poor and elderly. I worry that I wouldn't be able to find the quality of medical care I have in Massachusetts, and if the Republican Congress does away with Medicare, it might be the only safe state to stay in where you can keep your health insurance.

Did any of you have to make this hard choice? Where did you live and where did you end up retiring to? Or did you just stay put, grit your teeth, tighten your belt and learn to live more lean? How did it go? Did you regret your decision? Did it turn out to be a good thing? Did you wish you had stayed put? Thanks!

Re: Did You Have To Leave An Area You Loved Because You Simply Couldn't Afford To Retire There?

nctarheel — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 13:53:33 GMT

I have a similar situation but from a little different perspective. As you are not supposed to do, we retired with a bit of our mortgage left; we can afford it no problem. The problem arises when we think of moving to downsize.

We love the area we are in. Close to a primo hospital, restaurants, financial institution, etc. When we start looking though, anything we look at, in our immediate area, that is any newer than where we live, is $100,000 more than we can afford.....even if we downsize. While our home has increased in value, newer homes have exponentially increased in value in this area. Our mortgage payment roughly equals a one bedroom apartment rent in the area.

So I guess I am staying where I am although it is getting harder to climb stairs so one day I might have to face moving.

Re: Did You Have To Leave An Area You Loved Because You Simply Couldn't Afford To Retire There?

nyadrn — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 14:42:07 GMT

@catrheaper wrote:
I live in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and I moved here about a dozen years ago. I love my friends, my church, my doctors (I am a cancer survivor, and we have a great health care system in the Bay State). The problem is, I don't have enough to retire here, because there is simply no affordable senior housing except subsidized housing that is tiny, depressing and few and far between with an incredibly long waiting list. With my ex-husband's social security that I would collect after I retire, it looks like I would have too much income to qualify for one of them anyway. I live in a small apartment as it is, and have no family here.
My sisters live in Florida, but they are constantly complaining about how the Republican government (I guess this is the case with the majority of Southern states) is making life harder and harder for the poor and elderly. I worry that I wouldn't be able to find the quality of medical care I have in Massachusetts, and if the Republican Congress does away with Medicare, it might be the only safe state to stay in where you can keep your health insurance.
Did any of you have to make this hard choice? Where did you live and where did you end up retiring to? Or did you just stay put, grit your teeth, tighten your belt and learn to live more lean? How did it go? Did you regret your decision? Did it turn out to be a good thing? Did you wish you had stayed put? Thanks!

You live in a beautiful area.. after spending some time there I called it Mercedes world. We talked to some of the local workers who said that living there was extremely difficult cost wise, kind of like NYC. So considering the costs; is there the possibility of co-housing, shared living with a friend or relative? It is sad that you have to make a choice but at least you do have family that you would be near and as we age that is important as well. Can you take some time to stay in Florida and see how you would like it?

Re: Did You Have To Leave An Area You Loved Because You Simply Couldn't Afford To Retire There?

catrheaper — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 19:57:36 GMT

I was considering Florida because my sisters live there, but I kid you not, they just announced on Facebook that when they are retired they are moving back to West Virginia where we grew up. I don't know how that would go; everybody we knew has either moved away or passed away. I moved away from home before either of them - I have lived almost twice as long in the Northeast than I ever did in WV. Even though I have very fond memories, it's not my home anymore and I can't see ever moving back.

Re: Did You Have To Leave An Area You Loved Because You Simply Couldn't Afford To Retire There?

nyadrn — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 22:34:03 GMT

@catrheaper wrote:
I was considering Florida because my sisters live there, but I kid you not, they just announced on Facebook that when they are retired they are moving back to West Virginia where we grew up. I don't know how that would go; everybody we knew has either moved away or passed away. I moved away from home before either of them - I have lived almost twice as long in the Northeast than I ever did in WV. Even though I have very fond memories, it's not my home anymore and I can't see ever moving back.

Well West Virginia is a beautiful state.. wonderful for hiking and kayaking and lots of outdoor activities but with the economic difficulties I think that one would be a tough one..

Did you give any thought to sharing a home? Any place you have loved to vacation in?

Re: Did You Have To Leave An Area You Loved Because You Simply Couldn't Afford To Retire There?

loveabull — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 02:37:12 GMT

I'm considering that right now...half the town is gentrified with Whole Foods and "Shoppes", huge condo complexes catering to the tri-state commuter crowd. While the other side is urban wasteland. Can we afford the taxes when it will be on my paycheck? **** no...the house was inheritated but the taxes...no. I'm trying to get ready for that day.

Re: Did You Have To Leave An Area You Loved Because You Simply Couldn't Afford To Retire There?

goldye — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 01:12:21 GMT

Catrheaper - Welcome to My World! We live in a NYC suburb (more expensive than Cape Cod)

Retire in the NYC region after we've lived here our entire lives? Are we crazy? Currently, we've only been retired since Aug. 1st (last yr.). We spent the next 5 months taking care of my father in law who unfortunately passed away in Dec. Then we went into home renovation mode which just completed last month & we've been cleaning up, throwing unnecessary stuff out, donations, etc. At this stage, we haven't really enjoyed retirement yet. We've been tracking our budget & so far we're OK, but the future is a big ?. We live in a 2 bedroom co-op apartment and monthly maintenance (HOA) fee is $1100./month + utilities + mortgage + owning 2 cars + food, etc. Fortunately, our income is sufficient to cover our expenses, but I did my research & it's disheartening to learn how much cheaper cost of living & housing is esp. in the midwest & south.

For what it's worth, I did research on quality medical care & guess what - the best medical care in the U.S. is the Northeast, Midwest & Western states. Forget southern states - they rank dead last. So for us northeasterners living in high costly states, I'm ready to move to the midwest - good medical care, low cost of living & low taxes. Both of us will have to adjust to the culture - your Boston accent & my NY accent will have us marked immediately.

Re: Did You Have To Leave An Area You Loved Because You Simply Couldn't Afford To Retire There?

rm92968539 — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 15:19:46 GMT

I have lived in CT for over 20 years and I love my neighborhood, church, friends, relatives, etc. the taxes and cost of living here is just unacceptable and not affordable. This is a Democrat controlled State so the economy is terrible and taxes too high. We are moving to Florida where the costs are much more reasonable. Follow the Republicans if you want a State with a strong economy, low taxes, better health care and overall quality of life.

Re: Did You Have To Leave An Area You Loved Because You Simply Couldn't Afford To Retire There?

patricia1352 — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 15:24:23 GMT

I also live in MA on the northshore in Marblehead. I am considering a move to the Jersey Shore in a 55+ community . I will be renting as I do now, although the new unit will be a little smaller. The complex has great ammenities (heated pool, clubhouse,.movie theater, fitness center etc and is only 15 mins from the beach) It does appear to be a little cheaper there than here (utilities, auto insurance, food etc), although I will have to get new health insurance as I am retired from the State of MA and get good coverage now. But even that is changing and I feel with the Affordable Care Act I can get something for the same money in NJ. I am only 63 but can go back on MA insurance for Medicare so I only need new insurance for a year or so). I was looking at Savannah as the cost of living is about 30% cheaper but I do like the seasons and also prefer to live in a "blue state" (hopefully Christie will move on when he loses the nomination). It is a scary decision but I grew up in NJ and really miss the people even though I have lived in MA for almost 30 years. Most of my family still lives in northern NJ but my son lives in Marblehead so that will be the hardest part if I move. I figure if I don't like it in a year I can always try to move back or go someplace else.

Re: Did You Have To Leave An Area You Loved Because You Simply Couldn't Afford To Retire There?

Lindy50 — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 15:51:44 GMT

I'm in northern IL. I lost my last full time job when I was 59. I have been working very part time since then. First living on savings and husband's sevivor benefits from social security; now I'm on my social security. I still have a morgage on the house that eats up over half of the s.s. check. With utilities going up, groceries going up, gas going up, medical costs goin gup and social security staying the same and threats of loosing it - I an considering selling my home and moving to southern IL. The housing costs are a little less; property taxes are less and the hospitals aren't as good as here. But, I think I can survive there. My younger sister is there and I can make new friends. I hate to leave all that I have know - I was raised in this area - but I have to survvie some how.

Re: Did You Have To Leave An Area You Loved Because You Simply Couldn't Afford To Retire There?

Terr5555 — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 16:47:41 GMT

My job was in jeopardy and I rented in Brooklyn, costs so high I could barely afford to go to work. I didn't want to leave NYC but no rent anywhere under 1500 month and have to live in fear of next increase or sale of building. So while still working bought condo with mortgage in Florida in 55+ development. Lost job had to move in hurry:It's lonely, have no friends or family, but I hope I can afford to live here ongoing.

Re: Did You Have To Leave An Area You Loved Because You Simply Couldn't Afford To Retire There?

gijudi51 — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 17:09:16 GMT

My dilema is that I moved into a senior mobile home park 9 years ago. My space rent was quite affordable and I planned to retire within 5 years. The rent had not been raised but once in 12 years prior. Every year since then the rent goes up so I have had to continue working. I put my place on the market two years ago so I could help take care of my aging mother. I have had nearly twenty people with cash want to purchase my home but when they go to fill out the paperwork, they are told they don't qualify. When I retire I won't qualify to live there either as your income has to be three times what the space rent is. This is an unfair ruling the management has imposed on residents unless you are on "HUD". I can't sell and can't retire... I am currently composing a letter to my congressman and assemlyman about this rule that is basically pricing people out of their mobile homes with no avenue for escape. JAH Santa Ana, CA

Re: Did You Have To Leave An Area You Loved Because You Simply Couldn't Afford To Retire There?

js50558880 — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 17:18:02 GMT

My wife and I currently live in Florida but plan to head to Middle America in the next year. We are looking at TN, KY or NC.

The strange fact is that I am a native Floridian, born and raised in pre-Disney Orlando. The suburb I grew up in, “Pine Hills”, used to be a great, safe neighborhood. Today most folks know it as “Crime Hills.” This state has gone to “HE Double L” in a hand basket over the last 25 years.

I can tell you that Florida is no longer a retirement destination. I say that for a number of reasons.

First is cost of housing.

Compared to some places around the US the cost for a place to live is fairly high depending on where you go. I can buy a home in TN, KY or NC that is twice to three times the square footage as the one I bought here for about 30% less than I paid here.

Other expenses are not that bad but higher than the states we are looking at. The recent recession did make finding a home a bit better because so many people lost their homes.

It’s probably a generalization but Florida is sort of like 3 states. South Florida, Central Florida and North Florida. The cost of living is the highest in South Florida and the lowest in North Florida.

The second is the culture and infrastructure. First off, let’s face it it’s a beach state and caters to the youth market. If you are not young you don’t count in Central and South Florida. The population is very transient. If you live in Florida, there's only a little more than a one-in-three chance you were born in this state. In fact, Florida has the second-lowest rate of population made up by native-born residents of that state in the entire nation.

You can live in a restricted community like we do but you end up living in an island surrounded by dangerous neighborhoods.

Because the population is so young and transient many folks have very liberal ideas about religion, political issues, social issues, family values and lifestyles. I admit, I am an old coot that is set in my ways, but I have a right to disagree with them. I remember back in the 60’s when I was young I had a lot of dumb ideas too. A stint in the military and working hard to raise a family have markedly changed my world view. There is also a huge drug culture. When I was young they said the drugs would kill me. Of course now at my age they say I’ll die if I don’t take my drugs. Go figure. (Old joke, sorry.)

The Associated Press says that Florida is the number-one nuttiest state in America, measured by news output. Mostly that is caused by the under 35 crowd. That’s all the dumb stuff that used to come out of CA, now mostly comes from Florida. I blame it on the heat and humidity. That and dumb people.

On top of that, 23 percent of Floridians were born outside the continental United States. Both South and Central Florida is heavily Hispanic. Spanish is the most common language heard at the shopping center or grocery store anywhere south of Orlando. South is more Hispanic, (mostly Cuban) than Central (A mix, Mexican, South American and Cuban.) But the according to the U.S. Census the Hispanic community around Orlando is the fastest growing Hispanic community in the world. There are other ethnic populations. Here in Orlando there is a large Vietnamese community.

I don’t speak Spanish and am probably too old to learn another language. I couldn’t do it when I was in school so I doubt I’d be able to do it now. My wife doses speak Spanish and when we come across a store clerk does not speak English or that because of the accent I can’t understand, she translates for me.

Third, Population. Too darn many people. I live in Central Florida, the theme park capital of the world. There are 20 million people living in all of Florida and 80 million visitors, mostly to South and Central Florida each year. That means over crowded roads, drivers that are often not used to heavy traffic or from other countries in the world that know few of our rules. Driving on I-4 at rush hour is taking your life in your hands.

South and Central Florida has been unable to update the infrastructure to keep up with the increase in population over the past 25 years. Most schools have classes in portable trailers because they can’t build the schools fast enough. The roads and bridges are a disaster. Problems with the power grid (Power lines and Hurricanes don’t mix. You would think they would bury the lines here.), water shortages, sewage issues you name it.

North Florida is usually called South Georgia by Floridians. From Gainesville up it’s a very different culture.

So, in short it will be cheaper to live outside of Florida in our retirement years.

In this post I probably come across as a bigot and racist. I don’t believe I am. I currently live in a 55 and older community. My neighbors and friends are of every race, creed and color you can think of. The one think that brings us together is the experience of age. It overrides all other titles.

Re: Did You Have To Leave An Area You Loved Because You Simply Couldn't Afford To Retire There?

ldevendorf — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 08:41:46 GMT

We are beginning to contemplate this. We live in the San Francisco Bay Area. The climate is hard to beat, but the cost of housing is getting higher and higher. We've looked at other areas in Northern California, but it's so darn HOT in the summer in some of the areas around Sacramento, for instance. Like some of the other posters, we wish to stay in a blue state. Oregon is a possibility, but we do wonder about the many fewer sunny days per year. Has anyone moved to Oregon from California? Any observations? Thanks!

Re: Did You Have To Leave An Area You Loved Because You Simply Couldn't Afford To Retire There?

jth051 — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 18:03:37 GMT

I live in NY. I cannot remain here now that I am not working. Taxes are so high. My biggest problem as others also have is real estate has not rebounded and properties like mine are not selling so I can move.

Re: Did You Have To Leave An Area You Loved Because You Simply Couldn't Afford To Retire There?

oklagramma — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 18:38:10 GMT

Goldye, I don't know how you would classify Oklahoma. We live in a suburb considered affluent but we have a range of incomes. We have what we call the Oklahoma Standard--we relish in helping others. My neighbor of 20 years is NY born and bred and she totally loves OK. Because of our low cost of living, Northern/Northeastern companies often relocate here. Some of these transplants tell us they came here "kicking and screaming," but they could not imagine their good fortune. Some tell us they could buy a "mansion" here compared to their 2 or 3br frame home in the Northeast for similar or even cheaper money. They delight in knowing their neighbors and being able to "borrow that cup of sugar" or "conference on the driveways."

You mention medical care. OKC and Tulsa are superior. OKC in the last decade or so has become known nationally for its medical research. We have always found exceptional physicians, hospitals, therapists, etc.

Granted, you would find perhaps a different culture, medical component, etc. in the tiny rural towns that dot our state, but do give the large metropolitan areas a consideration.

Re: Did You Have To Leave An Area You Loved Because You Simply Couldn't Afford To Retire There?

thomlewis3 — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 18:47:54 GMT

yes the mountains of Arizon were much less expensive than courpus chridti TX

Re: Did You Have To Leave An Area You Loved Because You Simply Couldn't Afford To Retire There?

goldye — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 20:36:10 GMT

Thanks. I would consider OK City and Tulsa. Not fond of rural towns.

Re: Did You Have To Leave An Area You Loved Because You Simply Couldn't Afford To Retire There?

goldye — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 20:45:30 GMT

After reading everyone's comments, personally I would prefer a blue state since I've been a New Yorker my entire life & considering I'm 20 min. from Hillary Clinton's house (met them 1x when they were looking to move here from the White House). Anyway, the core issue for us must be financial. Ideally, it would be great if we could live in our home state or a similar one with a low cost of living, low taxes & great medical care. Unfortunately, not all 50 states have this, so we must weigh retirement survival vs. idealism. This is an individual decision but reality does set in at retirement and you're faced with enjoying your freedom with the money in your bank account. Once the money is gone, you can't return to work & collect another paycheck.

Re: Did You Have To Leave An Area You Loved Because You Simply Couldn't Afford To Retire There?

lm7199927 — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 22:04:39 GMT

Hi everyone! I fit in this box so I thought I would throw my situation in the hat. I retired last year due to mostly health issues (two knee surgeries and stress). I currently live in Sacramento, CA and going through foreclosure. Cost of living is insane. Rent is higher than an average mortgage. But worst of all is the WATER shortage! Water is metered and is costing me $250 a month for garbage, sewer, and water. Califoria will be known as the brown lawn state. They are really outlawing water use to the max. Crime is up and it's crowded with rude people and horrible traffic.
So, I just decided today to leave Sacramento and move to Oregon. Got accepted for a real nice two bedroom duplex for $700 a month, water and garbage included. I can water my lawn, have a garden and wash my car in my driveway! The people in Bend, Oregon are peaceful and friendly and the location is perfect for outdoor fun at the various lakes and rivers. I am excited to retire in small town USA!