(Go BankingRates) - Choosing where to live in retirement is a major decision, as it can affect not only your finances, but also the social aspects of your life. There is no one “perfect place” to retire either — it really depends on you and your needs.
To help find the perfect place for you, GOBankingRates spoke with financial experts about what you should keep in mind when deciding where to live out your golden years.
Consider All the Living Costs in the Area
Housing is a major expense, but living in a place with affordable housing — especially if it is more remote — may mean that other goods and services are more costly.
“In some retiree locations, grocery stores are limited and the cost of food and staples can be a lot higher,” said Craig Dangar, senior partner and principal consultant at Vault Group. “Accessing trades and services can also be a lot [more expensive], as availability is often lacking.”
Access and cost of medical care also need to be considered, Dangar said. And in addition to routine medical expenses, you should also consider the cost of long-term care.
“As you age, long-term care can become a major concern — and one cost that can vary greatly by region,” said Herman “Tommy” Thompson, Jr., CFP, a financial planner with Innovative Financial Group in Atlanta. “Before relocating, I recommend examining both the cost and the types of long-term care that are available in the area. Genworth provides a free online database that allows you to compare the average cost of care in different communities across the United States.”
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The cost differences can be upwards of $1,000 a month, so it’s important to do your research before making any decisions. For example, the average monthly cost for a home health aide in The Villages, Florida, is $5,720, while in Minneapolis, the average cost is $7,055 per month.
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Don’t Forget About Taxes
Taxes can vary greatly from one place to the next, so don’t forget to factor this in when deciding where to live in retirement.
“State income taxes are an important consideration in retirement since distributions from pensions, IRAs, 401(k) [plans] and 403(b) [plans] are generally taxable,” Thompson said. “Even a low state income tax can add up when satisfying your Required Minimum Distributions and pulling tens of thousands of dollars from retirement accounts year over year. Some states, like Florida, Texas and Tennessee, have no state income tax at all.”
There are additional states that do have income tax but that do not tax Social Security.
“My home state of Georgia has a state income tax but does not tax Social Security and gives retirees age 65 and older an exemption on over $60,000 of retirement income per year,” Thompson said.
You also need to look beyond income taxes when considering your overall tax burden.
“Don’t automatically assume that a state without an income tax is going to have a lower overall tax burden,” said Paul Peeler, a financial advisor at Integrated Financial Group. “Take a look at other levels of taxation, such as sales and excise taxes, and how they might apply to you.”
Examine Non-Financial Elements
It’s important to find a place to retire that’s within your budget, but you also need to take social factors into consideration when searching for your ideal spot.
“Do you have family close by? Do you have friends close by? It is important to have a social group and stay engaged,” Thompson said. “This will keep your mind sharp and ensure there is a network that will notice if you stop showing up. The effects of isolation can be just as detrimental to your health as smoking.”
You should also be close to the things you love, whether that’s a beach or a golf course.
“If you’re a golfer, living 30 miles from the best course wouldn’t be the best decision,” Thompson said.
By Gabrielle Olya
September 29, 2022
