Best States to Retire
If you’re thinking about the best state to retire in, your research will overlap with questions about the best cities to retire in, but the questions are broader. Financially, you’ll want to think about the economy and home prices, as well as taxes. You’ll want to learn about property, sales, and income taxes, plus exemptions that might apply for pensions, social security, disability, veteran status, or retired military.
Climate of course is a big question – do you like the cycle of the seasons or predictable regularity? Would you rather deal with winter snow or summer heat? What senior activities are you looking for? Are you looking forward to skiing or to playing tennis? California is hot pretty much all year long, but there is no humidity. Maryland is considered a mini America- flat to mountainous from east to west and has all four seasons. The northeastern states have beautiful hot summers, but just as harsh and cold winters. If you can, take time to try out the worst time of year in the state you’re looking at to see if it really makes your list of best states to retire.
The type of community your new state will bring is also an important issue to consider. How close will you be to family and friends? How comfortable are you with making new friends in a new community? Does the state offer a certified retirement community program? The health care community is also a major factor in choosing the best states to retire. If you have a health care provider that is local, there is the chance that coverage will not stem to a new state, especially if you are moving to the other side of the country. Make sure all your medical affairs are in order before you move. Checking out where to get financial assistance in the state you want to spend your retirement in is always a good idea.
Remember, retirement is about living out your dreams – and making them a reality means being practical. Be as realistic about looking for the best states to retire in as you would about looking for a new job – and as open to the unexpected. Your research may teach you new things about what you really want, and what’s really important to you. You may have been dreaming about Alaska for years, but decide that you don’t want to be that far from family, or that a two week vacation every year is enough to satisfy your itch for wide open spaces.
Remember, there are 50 states out there – enough to help satisfy almost any retirement dream.
