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

We recently retired to North Carolina from Connecticut. We would both have had to have retirement jobs if we stayed and certainly could not have stayed in our home. Best decision for us, no regrets.

My husband recently retired after 7 years in the military and 23 years working for the federal government.  I am medically disabled after having surgery complications.  So I receive disability benefits and he now receives his retirement pay. We lived in reno Nevada as renters for 14 years. Rent is extremely high and the average medium house cost is 400,000. His retirement pay is only a third of what he was receiving when he worked full time. There was no way that we could afford to stay in reno and enjoy his retirement so we moved across the country to Michigan where he grew up and where his family is. We left our two boys, their wives and our grandchildren so that has been really hard. We love the area so far but winter here versus winter in reno has yet to be seen.

When, I was young, my Dad was in the military, so we moved back and forth  across the US so many times. I went to Guam and loved it there but the typhoons hit you practically every month and they are ferocious!

I ALSO WENT TO Japan, and what a transition.  Would I retire in a foreign country, you really have to think about it, because you must follow all their regulations, it's their county.

When, I got married I went  to Tonga where my husband was born.  But again, you must follow their regulations and don't know if I could get my SS too.  It's a wonderful place but the food is very different.

So, where did I end up? Hawaii, even tho you have beautiful weather, lovely people, great transportation ( the bus) it's getting So EXPENSIVE!  You are TAXED for everything, it's like You are Choking everyday!  You can't make enough money to buy a house, mostly everybody rents, and when you turn around, the owner raises it again.  They tell you, sorry, my Taxes went up and yes, everybody, they are not lying- it goes up every year and A lot of People are moving by the droves, including me.  

I moved with a part of my family, then got my oldest son and his family to come up, then my other 2 sons.  We hate CHOKING!! We decided to go to Nevada and see because now we can go HoloHolo ( in Hawaiian it means  traveling, going places),  We can get in our car and see so many states and what they have to offer. 

Also, my brother and his wife are moving to Arizona, which is next door to us.

So, if your CHOKING, Go HOLOHOLO!!!

Yes. I had to leave Northern California in order to retire well. I was born and raised in San Francisco, but renting would have taken 50% of my pension. Each year, the rent goes up 10%! I moved to Charlotte, North Carolina a year ago and I have never been happier! I can enjoy life, volunteer, and be active at my church, without financial worries. 

Living in NJ could mean a property tax higher than a mortgage payment. Also the weather could be a problem for your health or liking. This may not be a viable alternative for some for a variety of reasons but you can join the increasing number of ex pats and consider living like a King in foreign countries for $1,000 a month. You can explore this possibility on UTube. Make sure you get recent info as places that were considered unsafe years ago can be safer than the US. Medellin, Colombia once considered a drug capital is a Mecca for seniors etc leaving US  now. From areas in Mexico to many areas in Latin America can be a great choice. Temperatures in many such as Medellin are mild 70s all year long !

Two years ago our apt complex increased everyone's rent $200 a month. Shortly before that a high priced apt complex was put up 10 minute walking distance down the street. Also, a not so great mini shopping area. Alledgedly an area upgrade. My apts are 40+ years old and falling apart. Management slapped up a new color paint on the walls and some cheap carpet and told us we could move to one of these "newly refurbished" apts - of course we had to pay a $250 transfer fee for the privilege.I am still in my original apt with worn 20 yr old carpet and no telling when it was really fully painted. I have been at this complex since 1999.I doubt I will be able to stay here after I retire in 2 years. It's not all the fault of property mngmt or owners. They have to deal with rising costs due to area changes. My issue is that rental properties can charge whatever they want. There is no comparison of this concept with age, inner and outer structure with new apts. Yet we are being charged the same ridiculous price. Not mad about rent increases - just want some balance for the living conditions. 

My wife and I both lived in the San Diego area of Southern California for many years and both retired there with very nice Social Security income. However, that income was not enough to meet expenses so we both had to take part time jobs. We decided that was crazy. So we sold our home and bought a larger home in the Prescott area of Arizona for half what we sold the California home for. Now we can enjoy full retirement without having to work part time.

Moved from California (Orange County) in 2015 to Florida.  It was strictly for financial reasons...our $$ can sustain a decent lifestyle....but I miss California.  There is much more variety in California and the weather is definitely better.

Yes. I had to leave good ol Connecticut due to the high taxes and living expenses. CT winters are harsh and I moved to Oregon due to having family here. It's a lot cheaper compared to CT.