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Most people chase sunshine and mild winters when picking where to retire—but experts say that’s not what actually makes a place livable as you age.

Article First Appears: https://parade.com/living/what-retirees-should-prioritize-when-moving-not-weather

 

When it comes time to retire, many people have visions of settling down somewhere new where they can spend their golden years living out their dreams (preferably with lots of sunshine and mild winters). However, the experts we spoke with say that retirees may be setting the wrong priorities when looking for the perfect home for their next chapter, even those who are dreaming of trading in their snow shovels for beach towels.

That’s because there are a few things they say should be top of mind when you’re looking for a place to move to in retirement, and warmer weather doesn’t even come close to making the top of their list.

Walkability Should Be a Top Priority

When considering where to move, Nicolle Aube, a Certified Planner with the American Planning Association and Principal Planner and Founder of Civex, says ditching your car in retirement should be a consideration when looking for a new home. She says people should look for neighborhoods where grocery stores, pharmacies, parks, and community centers are all easily reachable on foot. Of course, that’s not to say you should totally rule out a place if it’s not walkable.

“Retirees that may eventually stop driving can choose walking as their preference, but those with mobility limitations may have some restrictions even if their area is walkable,” she says. “Many cities are using available funding for senior ‘dial a ride’ services where you can make an appointment for a free/low-cost city rideshare service that will take seniors to medical appointments and other vital services. These local financial decisions help retirees age in place and maintain a sense of independence.”

Hospitals, Healthcare, and Senior Centers Should Be Nearby

As you age, being close to hospitals, doctors, and senior centers all becomes way more important. “Senior centers offer programming, social connection, fitness classes, and often serve as information hubs connecting seniors to resources they may not know they qualify for,” Aube says. “Cities that have invested in senior-specific programming and facilities are making a financial commitment to that population that shows up in budgets, staffing, and long-term planning documents.”

She goes on to explain that cities with an active, well-funded senior center and a hospital within a reasonable distance are more than just a convenient or “nice-to-have” option. “They are building neighborhoods that move beyond accommodating aging into embracing the senior community.”

You Should Test Drive Your New Neighborhood

If you’re considering a big move, Jeff Lichtenstein, CEO & Broker at Echo Fine Properties-Palm Beach Gardens, says the best way to ensure your potential new neighborhood has everything you need is to take it for a test drive.

“Spending a long weekend in an area is a good way to explore,” he says. “Drive around. Talk to people. The Realtor should mostly explore neighborhoods with the client and act as a tour guide.”

This can also help you get an emotional gut check, according to Lichtenstein’s wife, Veronica Lichtenstein, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with Veronica Listens. “Are the neighbors friendly? The community has to feel right.”

While sunshine and saying goodbye to harsh winters may be the things you’re looking forward to the most in retirement, these experts clearly believe that there’s a lot more to consider before moving to a new town, especially if your goal is to age in place once you arrive.

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