The best places to retire in the world
The best retirement places on earth combine the best of lifestyle, cost of living, climate, safety, and health care. We will identify the best places to retire after our research of all the best retirement places is complete. For now, we offer these articles about the best retirement places according to the authors. The content of these articles represents the view of the authors and not necessarily GreatRetirementPlaces.com. Enjoy!
Best Places to Retire
By Barbara Kimmel
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
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Best Places To Retire To Now
By Carol Fena
The best places to retire to for most seniors would be their home. Most seniors wish to age in their home as long as they can. If they do move for retirement, it is usually to a retirement community near the town they live in. A much smaller percentage make the decision to move to a place far from home.
The most frequent reasons for moving far away are for a better climate, more relaxing environment or a more economical lifestyle. There is also a trend of adult children moving to more economical or new towns to live for a better life and then their senior parents following. A move may also be inspired by hearing from trusted friends who have already moved.
Here are some of the most popular places today's retirees are migrating to and why:
1) Resort Areas - The ocean, the mountains, and the desert are the most popular places to retire for seniors. Places like Myrtle Beach, Asheville, and Palm Springs in California come to mind. Summer vacations spent there, talking with friends who have moved there, or owning a second home are ways these places are found.
2) North Carolina - The momentum is gaining for North Carolina - Lately statistics are showing more people from the Northeast are making it their choice over the traditionally popular Florida. It has a variety of terrains for retirement. It is a popular vacation state. Many younger people are choosing employment opportunities there and their senior parents are following.
3) Florida - While traditionally the most popular state of all for retirees, some statistics show moving to Florida is becoming less desirable due to hurricanes, insurance rates, and inflated home prices. Florida has its woes right now but only time will tell if the trend continues because Florida is still the retirement dream place of those from the Northeast and Midwest.
4) Small towns of the southeast - The southeast is popular because it is a warmer climate. Towns are upgrading to be more inviting to retirees, and home prices have more value than some areas. It may be your answer if you are looking for a more peaceful alternative to congested cities and polluted air. Found from friends moving there or Discovery Tours to a community.
5) College towns - Seniors are deciding to return to the places where they attended college in their youth. Studies show mental stimulation to be a deterrent to memory diseases and aging.
6) The Southwest - Continues to be the place of choice for many retirees--especially from California and the Midwest to Arizona, Utah and Nevada. This is due to the relaxed pace of the western lifestyle and the sunny, dry climate. The climate and lifestyle of California is also ideal for retirees.
If you aren't happy in your current location, retirement is approaching and you wish to move, the best places to retire to, above, are very popular with retirees now, especially if there are good retirement communities located there.
Carol Fena, Realtor and Webmaster for http://www.bestguide-retirementcommunities.com
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