How to Choose the Best Retirement Community for You

With the graying of the baby-boomers, a large community of individuals are looking to enter retirement communities. Many do not wish to remain where they live. There are important elements to consider when choosing the best retirement community for you.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Check out the economy of the area you are considering. Will your retirement funds support a comfortable lifestyle there. Check the tax laws for senior citizens. Some communities do not require citizens over a certain age to pay house taxes. Are the houses affordable?

2. Investigate the area. Do you enjoy certain activities? Will this community support your need to be involved? Does the church of your choice have one located there? Are there opportunities to volunteer? Can you walk or bike on prepared paths? Is the airport close enough to suit your needs? Your retirement years should be full of opportunities that you were too busy to enjoy while you were raising your children.

3. Look online to find out if the community has a college? Because senior citizens are often given an opportunity to take classes for free or at a reduced rate, this can be a wonderful benefit for you. Colleges offer programs and entertainment at a low or no cost.

4. Read about their climate. Is the weather what you want? Many seniors don't want to shovel snow or drive in it. Others do not want extreme heat. When considering this, do a few financial exercises and find out if your can afford to be a snowbird and enjoy the best weather available year round.

5. Learn about the local health care system. As the body ages, good hospitals, physicians and medical care become very important. It is good to know the reputation of the local system before you commit to move there.

6. Determine how close you are and how close you want to be to your family, both nuclear and extended. Will you be able to help your parents? Can the grandchildren still spend time with you?

7. Learn the rules if the community you are moving to is an actual retirement community. Know the amenities and restrictions of the community and check it against the needs you have in your life. Some restrict the length of visitations and it may be important to have the grandchildren over for a month during the summer. Do you want a pet some day? Make sure these elements work well with your plans.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit the area before you move there. The internet has a way of making things look better than the reality.
• Check your plans with your financial adviser.

[edieness]

on 8/3/2009 Good tips on How to Choose the Best Retirement Community for You.

[westernmom]

on 6/5/2009 You offer so many great points for making the decision on a retirement community. Thanks for a well-written and informative article. 5*

[Wasatch]

on 6/4/2009 I have a few ideas for where I want to retire. Where I am actually has a lot of what I want. Now for a beach house for off months. Good article.