Where do you want to live when you retire?

[dreamhomenj]

It is reported about 10,000 baby boomers retire daily.

Some of them want stay home where they are.

Some want to move to other place to enjoy their retirement.

Do you want retire and stay where you are?

Or do you want move to a community where you can make friends and share commen interests?

[SocDuck]

You might want to reconsider moving to Central America during our NW winters. Lots of extreme social and political issues and inequality there. As a result, there is a lot of crime and violence in that part of the world. I also live in the NW and find that Ecuador and Chile offer a much safer social environment.

[jm49503453]

I'm so happy I caught this discussion! I am planning to move off Long Island next June and actively investigating where to live as I would like to stay near water but not in such an expensive location. As I work remote I have great flexibility. I know what I don't want -- any heavy rain area or cold lol. So any insight, suggestions, resources you can share I'd greatly appreciate.

[ldowns1]

May I suggest that you check out Rosarito Beach and Ensenada in Baja California, Mexico and all the beautiful homes, villas, and condominiums there-- many built to USA standards. Two such gated communities are La Jolla Real and La Jolla Excellence-- both ocean front. Mexico is a perfect location for those who want ocean, good weather, great food, friendly people (many of whom speak English).  Mexico offers me diverse locales and climates, friendly supportive community, and a driving proximity to the USA in under 2 hours for shopping or medical care.
In doing my research, I found that over one million USA and Canadians retire here. To find out your best choice, may I also suggest that you read online publications from Live and Invest Overseas and International Living-- two organizations that I ustilized to make my decision. Live and Invest Overseas chose Mexico (in year 2017/2018) as their top international retirement pick. They even put out a publication about their choice. I have lived here for three years and still enjoy my daily life!
I love living and owning here in Baja!  A 30 minute drive takes me to the USA when I want. My neighbors are interesting and caring people! The activities are numerous and if one wants to fly, it is easy from Tijuana International or San Diego International to anywhere globally.  Even Alaska Airlines has entered this part of the North American flight market.  

[ldowns1]

I chose Florida and Baja Mexico, and I couldn't be more pleased with my choices!

[rk87223492]

Keep in mind that retiring to where people like to vacation may not be the best idea.  In Myrtle Beach, there are times that we are innundated with tourists.  My advice is that if it's a place you like to visit, otheres do too.

[rk87223492]

My husband and I are snowbirds in Myrtle Beach Sc.  We love it for the exact reasons that you want to leave LI.  We're former New Yorkers also. 

What I would recommend is that you decide what kind of home you want and start there.  You can find a nice condo from $100K and up.  Single family homes are $200k and up.  There are communities just for Active Adults(which I should have gone with).

We opted for a condo which is less than a mile and a half away from the beach.  there is plenty of things to do.  However, if you don't want to have vacationers in your development, I recommend you let the realtor know.  Our realtor told us that we didn't want a condo and we didn't listen.  Now, we have to deal with a lot of tourists and they don't care what they do in our complex.

Del Webb is building on 62nd Northe and Bypass 17.  Their homes are beautiful but you would spend about $325k depending on model and extras you choose.  They are adding one story duplexes late May 019 according to the website but no price was given.

Real estate taxes are extremely low.  State sales tax is 8% but Myrtle Beach taxes on another 1%(probably to get the tourists).

Hope this helps.

[lavender4590]

New Bern NC is a beautiful boating community.  Near a river that goes to the ocean.  Beautiful ocean beaches like Long Island had in the past. Friendly people, great restaurants, theaters, and continued education if you like that.  Plenty of activities, local hospital in town and specialty medical centers close by.  Houses are affordable (atleast 1/3 L.I. prices) and taxes are low.   Pleanty of shopping venues.   Any spot, so far, in NC is a good place to be.

[LindaG340508]

I am considering a move to Tennessee. They have senior friendly tax laws. The weather includes 4 seasons without the heat and cold extremes.

[pb2548]

There's a *huge* sales tax on just about eveddything though.  And if it snoes and/or ices, you'rd stuck.  I speak from experience.

[LindaG340508]

I'm looking into Tennesee when I retire in the next 12 years. The tax laws are senior friendly. There are mountains and bodies of water, have 4 seasons without the extreme cold or heat. 

[j588844l]

I want to live in a state that has low or no taxes on ss; low taxes in general and housing costs are not thru the roof.  I also want to be near a medical center.  I was thinking Florida, **bleep** or TN.  Not sure what other states fit my criteria.  I live in the CA. Bay Area now.  I just became a first time grandmother so living too far away probably won't work.  **bleep** is probably my best bet? Need to check this out.  Any suggestions anyone?

[j588844l]

the "bleep" is Arizona....not sure why it bleeped!

[Joy312]

We wanted the seasons, but not too cold any more. Moved from MA. Wanted affordable home. Not nuts about heavy rains in the appropriate months,but they do, indeed, bring beautiful flowers. Wanted to be no more than a day from the ocean. We picked KY and even after almost 20 years, have never looked back, We are in SW KY, only 20 miles from the TN border and 125 miles from Nashville. Love it here. Won't ever go back.

[pb2548]

Wherenin SW KY? I'm from Murray, and even though it's still home, I can't see myself ever going back there to live.

[Susanccole1955]

Take a look at Ocean Isle Beach, NC.  Inland Waterway side is nice.  Small town, but easy drive to Wilmington, NC or Murtle Beach, SC.

[nb78488063]

You are reading my mind...or better yet, been reading over my shoulder for the last 2 months! I’m 62 but looking at different places to semi-retire in 5 or 6 years. The southeastern coast of the US looks pretty darn good. I’d like to be away for November through March, minimum. My plans are when I come back in April, I will take care of dogs from mid-April through October. I’d love to use that $ made  over those 6+ months to pay for my rental for the next November through March, that way never having to touch my social security for the rent once I retire at 70. I could go to a different part of the southeast coast every year! South Carolina and Florida look the most interesting to me right now. And living steps from the water...wow! My fantasy come true.

[pb2548]

The Charleston area is very expensive, unless you are rich.  Traffic is horrible, and I have not found the people too welcoming.

[vs7980]

Virgin Islands very great place and near the water.

[pb2548]

Hope you like hurricanes! The USVI was devastated considerably after Irma and Maria.

[al54333720]

If you want to live near the water, you may want to check out Delaware (Oceanview, Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, Bethany Beach).  It is inexpensive to live there, there is no sales tax and they do not tax you on your pension.  My husband and I are looking at Oceanview when we are ready to retire.

[KB108]

I'm semi retired as a PA resident and also like the Oceanview DE area. No sales tax and low property taxes. However, if one decides to make DE their full time resident state, their out of state pension will be taxed by DE.

[EveRH]

@al54333720 - I live in NJ, and I've considered a move to the area of Delaware you mention. I'd prefer to be in a single family home, but those beach towns don't seem to have walkable downtowns with good shopping. Condo communities seem to be further inland. Do you live there .. how walkable are the towns, and are they inundated with vacationers/part-time residents in the summer?

[al54333720]

I presently live in the Northern Virginia area, but we are looking to eventually retire in Delaware for the reasons that I mentioned earlier.  I like Ocean View because it is a small town, which is close to Bethany Beach, but you are not inundated with the beach goers.  Rehoboth Beach is 20 minutes away, so if you want to go shopping, they have the big Tanger Outler there, and you are also about 20 minutes away from Ocean City, Maryland, which they also have the outlets in Ocean City, but you are smart to shop in Delaware because there is no sales tax.  Personally, I feel Delaware is a win win for me, and I would definitely research the Ocean View, Delaware area if you are contemplating Delaware.  Best of luck!! 🙂

[pp58896091]

I would prefer to live in the Pacific Northwest but I don't think I can afford it.

Second choice:  Pennsylvania

Third:  Panama

[dp8843]

People moving to the area have made living conditions unbearable, needless to say they are not welcomed with open arms.  Traffic is horrible, housing is unaffordable.  The infrastructure of the area has not kept up with the population growth.

[CrystalE200452]

 Texas

[b313398f]

I would like to retire to charlottesville or Fredericksburg. Which is better for seniors and cost of living?

[qsking28]

What do you want to do when you get there?  What gives you meaning in your life? Will you find it there?

Carol King

Where Shall I Live When I Retire?

[mamakiss3]

Although PA is beautiful it is quite expensive and winters are cold.

[bagelcrisp]

Florida where it's nice and warm.