retirement, planning, 401k

How to Find Your Ideal Retirement Spot & How It Can Make Your Life Better

What if you could blink and suddenly be living the retirement of your dreams?

What would that look like?

Would you be relaxing by glittering waters on a warm, white sandy beach?

Would you be on a new adventure in the great outdoors?

Or maybe you'd be enjoying more time around your favorite stomping grounds. Whatever you imagine — and no matter when you retire or what you want to do with all your new free time — where you live in retirement matters. It can affect everything from your day-to-day expenses and how you get around, to your relationships and your quality of life. And all of that can cost you or pay off in a BIG way, depending on where you choose to live.

So, how can you get it right and figure out your ideal spot?

Let's find out by looking at what to consider when you're thinking about where to live in retirement.

Factor #1: Cost of living

How much are groceries, gas, and average utilities where you want to retire or live next as a retiree? What's it going to cost you to dine out, golf, see a movie, or even live month to month in one place versus the next?

Look for that sweet spot where you can access the things you like, enjoy the good life, and still stretch your dollars far.

Tip: Research the latest cost of living data online, starting with credible sources, like the Federal Reserve.1 Or take a trip to experience different places firsthand, visiting as a tourist to really get a feel for what it costs to get around.

Factor #2: Climate

Will you have to deal with dramatic temperatures or seasonal changes in certain retirement locations? How could that restrict your activities, create extra work, or present new risks for getting around?

Weather and climate year-round can shift wildly, depending on where you want to be. That could mean anything from more tourists and traffic to weather-related risks, like ice and snow.

Tip: Rent for at least 6 months in your chosen retirement spot before taking the plunge to buy a house. That could uncover climate-related issues, like more bugs in the summer or freezing temperatures in the winter, that could be deal breakers for you.

Factor #3: Where loved ones are

How far will you have to travel to visit your loved ones, especially any kids or grandkids in your family? Would certain locations limit visits to a couple of times a year, like the holidays only?

Your close relationships can be a near-endless source of joy before and after you retire. And if you stay close in terms of physical location, it can be easier to stay connected, enjoy the company of your loved ones, and occasionally get (or offer) help when it's needed.

Tip: If you want to live somewhere that's not necessarily close to your loved ones, consider locations with or near a commercial airport. That can make traveling anywhere, including back and forth to see loved ones, much easier.

Factor #4: Ability to stay active

Where can you get out and do what you like to do? What different opportunities are available or would you have to give up in one potential retirement spot versus another?

Staying active and social can be key to your happiness as a retiree. And being able to enjoy your favorite activities won't be as fulfilling if you can't enjoy them with the folks you care about.2

Tip: Look for areas where it's not going to be difficult to stay active and make new friends around your age. That doesn't mean you have to look at retirement communities. Instead, keep an eye out for places that will give you regular access to events, activities, or volunteering opportunities you can enjoy.

Factor #5: Access to healthcare

What doctors, dentists, and/or specialists are available in different retirement hotspots? What type of access would you have to pharmacies and emergency healthcare in one area versus another? And how easy or difficult will it be to get the medical equipment or supplies you need in one spot or the next?

Even if your health is stellar right now, there's no telling what tomorrow will bring — and it's no secret that age can open up the door to more health issues. Plus, many retirees end up having to move late in life, like in their 80's, to get access to better healthcare. That could be avoided by simply thinking about healthcare needs before making a move in retirement.

Tip: Consider telemedicine, medication subscriptions, and/or medical supply delivery options. That can eliminate the need to travel at all for some of your healthcare. Also, if you're considering moving abroad in retirement, remember, Medicare does not cover the healthcare you receive overseas.3

Factor #6: Tax responsibilities and opportunities

How tax friendly are different retirement locations? Where will you have to shell out more in income or Social Security taxes?

Currently, some of the most tax-friendly states to retire in are Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Mississippi, and New Hampshire because they don't tax Social Security or pension income.4 Of course, that's just one tax responsibility to consider. Beyond those taxes, you'll also want to look at sales and property taxes.

Tip: Sit down with a financial professional to evaluate your tax situation and how it's going to change when you retire. Don't forget to factor in any plans you may have to work part-time because that could change your tax situation too.

Factor #7: Inflation

The higher prices that come with inflation can put the squeeze on retirement savings. And not every area is hit the same when inflation rears its ugly head. In fact, some areas can be hit much harder, seeing prices skyrocket, while others are more insulated.

So, which cities have been hit the hardest by recent bouts of inflation?

Anchorage, Phoenix, Atlanta, Seattle, and Miami are just a few, according to recent data. On the flip side of the coin are Los Angeles and San Francisco, both of which haven't seen huge price jumps due to recent inflation.5

Tip: Check out food prices for a quick and easy gauge of local prices and inflation impacts. Also, think about whether you're open to working part-time in retirement if inflation drains your savings. Having a backup plan and knowing when to put that in play can give you some priceless peace of mind.

Financial Lesson:

How to Make Better Plans for Tomorrow's Life in Retirement

What do you automatically consider when you're thinking about where to live in retirement?

What tends to be an afterthought — or what have you never considered before?

However you respond to those questions, the truth is you may never move once you retire.6 In fact, if you're like most retirees, you'll end up staying in the same house you live in during your 50s.6

Does that make sense (or cents) for you?

Do you think you will end up moving at some point after you retire?

There are no cookie cutter answers or solutions here, and what makes sense for your friends or your loved ones may not be realistic for you. Plus, what fits for you now may not work in 10, 20, or even 25 years as your family and your health change. Beyond your situation and your preferences, it's also crucial to think about the bigger picture. After all, shifts in the economy, changes in local culture, and general tech advancements can open up new possibilities. That can mean today's plans don't pan out to the life you want to live tomorrow. It can also mean that changing gears puts your dream retirement and a brighter future in closer reach, as long as you're able to stay flexible and reasonably weigh out what matters most. That's just one piece of the puzzle. Another one is staying connected to the folks you trust and getting a fresh perspective as you make those big decisions.

Sources:

1 - https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series

2 - https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/10/85-year-harvard-happiness-study-found-the-biggest-downside-of-retirement-that-no-one-talks-about.html

3 - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/while-abroad/retirement-abroad.html

4 - https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/baby-boomers/slideshows/the-most-tax-friendly-states-to-retire?onepage

5 - https://thehill.com/homenews/nexstar_media_wire/3597703-these-cities-are-hit-hardest-by-inflation-report/

6 - https://www.fedweek.com/retirement-financial-planning/most-retirees-never-move-to-new-home-study-finds/

Risk Disclosure: Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

This material is for information purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information; no warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability, or usefulness of any information. Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision. For illustrative use only.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax professional.

Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS or Beacon Financial Group. Beacon Financial Group is a member firm of PartnersFinancial. Beacon Financial Group is affiliated with Kestra IS and Kestra AS. Kestra IS and Kestra AS are not affiliated with PartnersFinancial. Neither Kestra IS nor its affiliates provide legal or tax advice. The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. Kestra Disclosures Beacon Disclosures