Places to Retire: Popular Doesn't Always Mean "Best"
Las Vegas, Nevada; Phoenix and Yuma, Arizona; Las Cruces, New Mexico; and Ocala, Florida-just a few names that rank among America's most popular retirement destinations. Unfortunately, their popularity doesn't necessarily mean that they are especially appropriate choices for astute consumers. Among these five locales, only Las Vegas with its great strength in cultural and recreational activities, retail services and health care, and fairly good quality of life factors proves to be a good and economical choice for retirement. The others all suffer from a number of serious defects that may make them sub-optimal choices for some.
So how are 86 million North American baby boomers going to decide whether they should relocate for retirement? Award winning geographer and professor at California State University, Warren Bland, Ph.D. has some suggestions. Drawing on the professional research he has done during the last 20+ years, Bland has identified the 12 criteria most important to retirees (landscape, climate, quality of life, cost of living, transportation, retail services, health care, community services, cultural activities, recreational activities, work/volunteer activities, and crime).. According to AARP, today's retirees are living longer and more actively, and are demanding a different mix of opportunities than did earlier generations. For many, upscale retirement no longer implies country club or beach resort living, but rather an active lifestyle in a safe, friendly, community that is rich in amenities.
So get a pencil ready and following Bland's advice.
1.Stay put or venture far? Do you prefer something close to your present hometown or do you want to see what else is out there?
2.What do you like? Do you want the structured and secure atmosphere of a retirement community or would you prefer a city or town with diverse groups of people, more entertainment, and wider cultural advantages?
3. Do your homework! You can never have too many facts and stats before making such an important move. Check books, magazines and the Internet for material you can use.
4. Less is better-Reduce your list of possible places to a manageable number, five or six at most.
5. Hit the road- visit each place for three or four days to get a feel of the area and general ambiance.
6. Don't rush into anything! You are moving toward a serious decision. Decide wisely and slowly, not on impulse.
7. Pack a big suitcase. You are close to the final cut. Eliminate all but two or three places. Visit the areas for at least three weeks each. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, including climate, cost of living and especially the people who will be your new neighbors and friends. Meet with Realtors and make sure the home you want is within financial reach. There are Realtors who specialized in retirement living called Senior Real Estate Specialists.
8. Trust your instincts. Take your time; get advice and opinions from friends and family members. But remember, the ultimate choice is yours.
So what are some of Bland's picks? If you are looking for a stimulating and active retirement, consider communities as diverse as Boulder, Colorado; Boca Raton, Florida; Pittsburgh, Pa; Victoria, BC, Canada; San Luis Obispo, CA; and Ithaca, NY.
Warren Bland released his second retirement book in February. "Retire in Style, 60 Outstanding Places across the USA and Canada" is published by Next Decade, Inc. (www.nextdecade.com), and retails for $22.95. It is available through all major wholesalers, at leading bookstores and on the Web at a variety of electronic bookseller sites, or direct from Next Decade at (800) 595-5440.
Barbara Kimmel is an award-winning book publisher, publishing consultant and publicist. She is the publisher of Warren Bland's book, Retire in Style 60 Outstanding Places Across the USA and Canada. Books are available through all major bookstores, at Amazon.com or direct from the publisher at http://www.nextdecade.com
It's been said many a time that overseas real estate... Read More
If you are making the transition from renter to homeowner,... Read More
The last downturn of the global stock market saw millions... Read More
Maui is an island so full of life and vivacity... Read More
The Primary Residence taxation, the Residential Replacement Rollover, Sec. 1034... Read More
I'm going to focus... Read More
You hear it asked on the radio, in the newspapers... Read More
If you're a real estate investor, here are several questions... Read More
GETTING THE MOST FOR THE LEASE-TRACKING YOUR REAL ESTATEIf you... Read More
Buying a house in Scotland is slightly different from buying... Read More
As Bulgaria readies for joining the European Economic Community in... Read More
Buying overseas property is not always for the fainthearted but... Read More
1. What is an escrow?Escrow is defined as a process... Read More
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, particularly when... Read More
Now that you've chosen a real estate professional to sell... Read More
A large percentage of the mail we receive are from... Read More
Fixtures, related to real estate, are items that were originally... Read More
First impressions do make a difference when selling your home.... Read More
Do you have bad credit, no credit, filed a bankruptcy,... Read More
In a previous article, we wrote why we believe that... Read More
Have you ever seen those infomercials about buying houses with... Read More
If you've decided to list your home, you'll be paying... Read More
For those of you who were not psychology majors the... Read More
Happy New Year, Make it a better world. "Pay it... Read More
European tax haven Andorra enjoys the same fiscal benefits as... Read More
Real estate investing professionals look for all possible tax deductions... Read More
One of the most common statistics used when gauging the... Read More
If you turn on the TV, listen to the radio,... Read More
Whether you're a first-time buyer, selling your current home or... Read More
If you are in the market to purchase a home,... Read More
Buying real estate can start with a look in the... Read More
Almost anyone can become a rural property owner; if you... Read More
You are attracted to a home for more than its... Read More
With so many realtors competing for your business, how do... Read More
These real questions on buying undeveloped land are answered by... Read More
An effective real estate advertising strategy entails a 'shotgun' approach.... Read More
Purchasing or selling a home will probably be one of... Read More
For posting the "Truth" on your website, some FSBO's will... Read More
Real estate investing expertise can certainly accommodate the luxury home... Read More
If you're thinking about buying a home but have declared... Read More
"Begin With The End In Mind"I first heard the phrase... Read More
Is a sharp correction in store for the real estate... Read More
One of the biggest mistakes people make when selling a... Read More
1.Why are there so many properties on leased land?There are... Read More
You could be facing a dilemma when considering payout options... Read More
Are you a realtor with curb appeal or are you... Read More
Rental real estate is a solid way to make money.... Read More
Did you know that you can save tens of thousands... Read More
Every year hundreds of thousands of foreign visitors travel to... Read More
To become a successful real estate investor it's vital to... Read More
Waterfront living is among the most desirable of locations in... Read More
It seems that everyone loves a good real estate story.... Read More
You've probably seen the ads or heard about apartment locators.... Read More
If you are investing in real estate you will face... Read More
We probably answer this question for someone a couple times... Read More
The home selling and buying process can be confusing, particularly... Read More
Everyone knows that at the end of a home inspection,... Read More
There are many reasons why a home owner would want... Read More
So, your selling your home. Prepare yourself both physically and... Read More
Styles of houses vary across the country. From the New... Read More
Bulgaria is a truly magnificent country, located in Eastern Europe... Read More
If you are in the home buying or selling market,... Read More
Today's real estate consumer has a lot to consider during... Read More
Spain and Portugal have suffered one of their worst droughts... Read More
This info is very important for both new and experienced... Read More
When it comes to buying investment real estate, there are... Read More
Real Estate |