MATTERS OF Moving

RELOCATING IN RETIREMENT AND HOW TO MANAGE LIFE IF YOU DO

BY KIMBERLY BLAKER

One of the most significant changes retirees often consider is moving to a new city or state. The idea of relocating is an exciting way to embrace your new life. But it’s also a big decision you may want to consider carefully, especially if it means leaving friends and family behind.

LOVING AND AFFORDING WHERE YOU LIVE

After you retire, you can better prioritize your preferences when deciding whereto live. Do you want hiking trails, beach access, city living, or a place in the country? Think about what you enjoy and the environment that makes you feel your best to help narrow your options.

Downsizing and finding an area with a lower cost of living could mean having smaller mortgage or rent payments, lower property taxes and insurance, and less maintenance and repairs, which could save you a bundle.

FAR FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS

One of retirees’ biggest hesitations about relocating is that it’ll take them away from their kids and grandchildren. Fortunately, there are many ways to keep your relationships strong, even from a distance.

Through social media, you can follow them to see regular updates, pictures, and videos of important things happening in their lives, and text messaging and phone or video calls can give you the feeling you’re right there with your family.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MOVE

If you do decide to relocate, the best thing you can do is go into it prepared, so it’s a great experience from the start. You’ll want to begin by figuring out precisely what

you want out of your new home, town, and life to narrow down the places that make the most sense for you to move to. Even if you already have a dream location in mind, know why you want to live there and that it’ll meet your expectations for retired life.

It’s a good idea to visit any new places you’re seriously considering relocating to and spend time there. Check out the city or town, including the more mundane aspects of it, like places where you’ll run errands.

Talk to locals, particularly those at a similar stage of life, and get their perspective. Realtors and librarians are both excellent resources for getting more information about what your potential new hometown has to offer.

Once you’ve relocated, look for ways to get involved in your new community. Leaving your old home also means losing the relationships and routines you were used to. At the same time, as a recent retiree, you have much more time on your hands than you’re accustomed to.

Look for group classes that align with your interests or offer the opportunityto try something new. There are often classes specifically for senior populations where you can meet other people to build new relationships and enjoy retired life together. The local library, city recreation department, and social media are helpful resources for finding these classes and groups.

Retirement is a time of change that can be both wonderful and daunting. So, whatever path you’re considering, weigh your options carefully to find the situation best suited for enjoying your new life.