Should I Just Stay Put?
This is the sleeper question, and for most folks, the answer ends up being yes. Sure, the lure of a mountain or waterfront property seems compelling. Yet does it really make sense to move that far from friends and family, particularly when the costs of such places may be equal to or greater than those where you currently live? According to the Census Bureau, fewer than 5% of people 55 and older move in any given year, and the bulk of those people don't go very far — 49% of movers stay within the same county and only 25% move to a different state. Of those who do cross state lines, the major lure isn't weather, tax relief or a new adventure but to be closer to family. Staying put has many benefits, not least remaining near friends and family. Once retired, you can take the time to discover all sorts of things about your community that you overlooked or didn't have time for when you were working. Lots of cities have become more interesting and friendly to retirees by investing in sidewalks and trails, plus mass transit, housing and health care facilities that work well for the 50-plus set. Among the best cities for retirees (using these criteria), says AARP, are Atlanta, Portland, Boston and Milwaukee.
See more questions about where you should live:
Introduction: Where Should I Live?
Should I Move Abroad?
Should I Move to a Low-Cost Region?
What Are the Tax Implications of a Move?
Should I Move into a Retirement Community?