Senior Spotlight: Making The ‘Right-Place’ Decision In Retirement

When you think of retirement, you often think of what type of housing you want, what lifestyle you hope to lead and how much it’s all going to cost. But the one element that many of us take for granted is exactly where this all will take place. Perhaps you imagined downsizing but staying in your same neighborhood, but your partner has always envisioned moving closer to your grandkids. Or maybe you were picturing not moving until you ‘had’ to, but your spouse has a sunbelt second home in mind.

As you or a loved one consider taking that next step, here are 3 ways to help you (and your partner if applicable!), set foot on the same path.

#1: Identify Priorities. The first thing to ask yourself is what you want to achieve when and if you move. Are you looking to move somewhere that makes aging as easy as possible? Is your objective to be closer to your grandkids and watch them grow up? Are you hoping for a refreshing change or sustaining familiarity? Is cost a driving force in where you choose to go? Once you have asked yourself these questions – be sure to ask your spouse or partner (if you have one!) too. Sometimes the conversations you had in your 40s or 50s are different than the ones you have in your 60s and 70s. Assume nothing.

#2: Weigh the pros and cons of near vs. far within your priorities. If you are considering something ‘near but new’, you may wish to ensure that the change you make really gets you what you want. If you are thinking of relocating, consider ‘try before you buy’ and live in a new place temporarily before you take the plunge. Better yet, can two places serve you best? Is there an option that splits your time but doubles your enjoyment of the things you love? Are you and your spouse open to spending part of the year apart to maintain two properties or nourish separate interests? Last but not least, ask yourself if you have any concerns about giving up your current network of friends, doctors, attorneys, etc. Some experts recommend asking yourself this key question: ‘What community is going to help you grow in the ways you want to grow?.’

#3: Consider virtual workshops or online assessments. Did you know that there are actually tools you can use to help you choose a retirement location? Next Avenue recently featured a Right Place Workshop conducted virtually by author Ryan Frederick; you can also learn more about his book titled ‘Right Place, Right Time’ here. Road Scholar offers a checklist you can run through here, while AARP offers quizzes on ‘Are You Getting Ready To Retire?’ and ‘What’s Your Retirement IQ?’ here.

We hope today’s topic has inspired and empowered you to think about what you really want to get our of retirement – and where you can make it happen!

All my best,

Bobbi 

Bobbi Decker
DRE#00607999

Broker Associate
650.346.5352 cell
650.577.3127 efax
www.bobbidecker.com

NAR Instructor….“Designations Create Distinctions”
CIPS, SRS, ABR, CRS, SRES, GRI, CLHMS, REI, AHWD, RSPS, MSLG

Bobbi Decker & Associates fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. For more information, please visit: http://portal.hud.gov/