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Retirement Locations Depend On Lifestyle
By
Michael A. Piekarz
Staff Writer
While
comprehensive lists and databases can help seniors in their search
for the best places to retire, simply relying on a list can lead
to dissatisfaction and unnecessary expenses. Simply put, the only
thing that matters is your lifestyle.
Part of the reason for the large number of lists is the ease of informational
access provided by computers and the Internet.
“Unlike their predecessors, the next generation of retirees will be very
comfortable using the Internet to guide their decisions about retirement,” said
Brian Kelly, editor of U.S. News & World Report when his publication launched
its list of retirement locations.
To help retirees find an ideal match, U.S. News & World Report provides seniors
with an online tool to help them establish their own criteria for finding the
right location.
Using census data, crime statistics, demographic information and a host of other
public and private sources, placing “Best Places to Retire” in your
search engine offers seniors and those contemplating retirement an unbiased,
critical look at thousands of towns across the United States.
“This unique online resource combines the in-depth research of U.S.News & World
Report with one of the most comprehensive databases of lifestyle statistics ever
compiled in one place,” Kelly explained.
Ultimately, the only opinion that matters when searching for a satisfying retirement
location is that of the retiree and his or her spouse. Ideally, the process for
finding the ideal retirement spot begins with a self assessment.
A self-assessment should include a list of likes, dislikes, preferences and considerations
such as finances, interests and climate.
When performing the self-assessment, flexibility is a must. Many experts caution
that retirement consists of a series of phases. The incremental approach to retirement
taken by most people often results in a change of priorities as people gradually
reach their level of comfort.
Once the prospective retirees have completed their self-assessment, use of an
online database such as that provided by U.S. News and World Report or TopRetirements.com
can help narrow the field of prospective places to live.
Once a list of target communities has been established, retirees should attempt
to visit as many locations as possible. Ideally, these visits should last for
several weeks. Noted author and retirement guru Dr. Warren Bland recommends visiting
at the worst time of the year — when the crowds are largest and the weather
is most uncomfortable.
The most important thing to avoid when looking for a retirement location is “churning.” Churning
is the term used when retirees move and then decide they have chosen the wrong
place. Most churners move back to their original community, wasting limited resources
and causing undue stress on themselves.
Ultimately, the choice of an ideal place to retire depends upon the person. While
lists and databases can provide useful information, they are only the first step
in a comprehensive search to find happiness in your golden years.
This page and its contents ©2008
Metropolitan News Company, Inc.
