Moving for your retirement years is a pretty big decision. Not only do you have to decide whether or not to leave your home state, you also have to choose which new state is right for you. There are a ton of factors that go into this decision: proximity to family, cost of living, taxes, weather, and so much more.
To help narrow down your search, we put together a list of a few of the best states to live in for seniors and retirees. Do any of these states rank on your list of favorites?
It should come as no surprise that Florida made it on our list of best states for retirees! With affordable housing, accessible hobbies year-round, and warm winters, seniors and retirees can’t go wrong.
According to the stats, Florida is a go-to state for seniors in retirement. Over 20% of the state’s population is over age 65. This means an abundance of retirement communities and plenty of programs just for seniors and retirees.
Plus, with no income tax in the state, cost of living is fairly low, giving you more opportunity to pursue hobbies and other goals in your golden years. While many of the most popular areas of Florida are booming with tourism crowds, there are plenty of options for a quiet retirement filled with beautiful views of the oceans and Florida’s green landscape.
New Hampshire is the perfect state for seniors who want it all! The state offers all four seasons and a variety of landscapes, including beaches, lakes, mountains, cities, and countrysides.
Seniors living in New Hampshire can enjoy the safety and peace-of-mind of the rural areas and excellent support services. Plus, there are readily available activities and social groups.
What makes it at the top of the list for best states for seniors to live? There is no income tax on your retirement income! Additionally, housing is affordable for most, but you may have to watch out for the real estate transfer tax.
South Dakota may sound like an odd choice for retirees, but the truth is that it is one of the most affordable states for seniors to live in! In addition to low living expenses, including for healthcare, South Dakota is one the best states for seniors' taxes.
Plus, the state offers a ton of options for retirees to stay socially active. South Dakota and its beautiful countryside have a lot to offer the senior that’s ready to explore. If you choose to relocate to South Dakota, Black Hills National Forest, Badlands National Park, and the Mount Rushmore National Memorial are all right in your backyard!
The best option on our list for the outdoorsy-senior, Colorado offers a stunning backdrop for your retirement. While the percentage of retirees in this state is a bit lower, you will never get bored in a state with as much to explore as Colorado.
In addition to loads of hiking, skiing, biking, and swimming opportunities, Colorado also offers a rich culture of museums, restaurants, and events venues. Furthermore, Colorado residents experience a high quality of life and access to healthcare options.
Colorado has been booming in recent years, and it's becoming an ever increasingly popular retirement destination, whether you're looking for a small town feel or large city living.
Another great option for our active seniors, Utah has a plethora of national parks and other wonders to explore in typically great weather.
Plus, the state has great healthcare options, low crime rate, affordable living costs, and low taxes.
All of these perks lead to a high quality of life and a life expectancy rate that is higher than the national average. Fresh air really makes a difference!
With a warm climate the majority of the year, Georgia is an all-around great place to call home.
Retirees get to take advantage of other perks like a low cost of living, affordable healthcare expenses, and a favorable tax situation. Plus, Georgia offers a beautiful green landscape and the best of both worlds with thriving cities and lush countryside.
Wherever you end up in your retirement, Plan Advisors is here to help. Did you know that most Medicare plans can't move with you?! If you're considering relocating to a different state, make sure you talk to a local Medicare Advisor!
So, you're thinking about relocating when you retire – congratulations! If you're planning on making moves after 65, here are five tips to help you get organized:
If you're considering a relocation after retirement, you're undoubtedly excited about the prospect of beginning your new life. But remember: You do not have to rush into making your decision. Instead, taking your time and planning well in advance helps individuals make the best possible decision when it comes to relocating.
Consider the stages of the moving process, and schedule them in where they make sense for you. Retiring, finding the ideal relocation place (and home), and transferring any remaining ties to your current living situation can take time.
You might even want to take time to relax before undertaking life's next big project – and that's okay too! The most important thing is that you go at a pace that works for you and have all of the details in place to make a seamless transition.
You've been on this earth for 65+ years – it's only logical that you've accumulated a lot of things.
It's not likely that you'll be taking everything with you during the move, so get a head start on downsizing in your early 60s if you can. Choose areas to tackle in batches so that the burden of going through everything is spread out over time. Completing just one hour of decluttering a day can make a significant impact on your process.
If you have children, you might want to ask for their help in this process to identify things that they want from the downsizing. Then, as you go through your things, consider how you plan to dispose of the items that are left that you do not intend to take in the move.
For example, organize a yard sale or post unwanted items online to make some extra cash on the way. Local charities are open to all sorts of donations. Your unwanted items might be able to make an impact in your community even after you've moved.
When it comes to the big move, you're probably going to want to enlist help. Make sure to secure assistance for the move in advance to make the process run smoothly.
Some choose to enlist friends and family members to help with the move. Others enlist moving help for seniors. There are professional moving services that can make sure you do not have to do any heavy lifting. Professional expertise in packing and loading can come in handy when maximizing space during a big move as well.
Location is everything – as we're sure you know. Perhaps you've always had the dream that you'd end up in Florida because it holds the reputation of being a retirement friendly environment.
The options are plentiful when it comes to retirement-friendly states. So when you start to think about different places to settle down after retirement, you might want to put some thought into the best states to live in for seniors and retirees.
If you're thinking about relocating during retirement, make sure your Medicare needs are squared away to avoid undue stress surrounding the big move.
For those who are enrolled in Original Medicare, there is no need to make changes when you're moving to a new state. But for those who have a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll need to ensure your coverage can travel with you. The available Medicare Advantage plans vary by region, so it’s important to review your plan with a knowledgeable Medicare advisor to ensure you don’t have a gap in coverage.
If you’re in the process of relocating in retirement, our trusted Medicare advisors are here to support you in this transition. Schedule an appointment with a local advisor today.
