Here’s the truth. Your best places to retire is not just a location but the right destination. Vive la difference.
Retirement goals are an opportunity to live that fulfilling life you’ve been dreaming of. Where that happens is up to you.
It’s not just about what makes the most sense financially and logistically. If these are going to be the best years of your life then you want the whole ball game. The full innings.
We’ll put aside the “where to retire” stats for now (although I have some good resources below) and start with intention.
How Will You Retire?
- Do you envision small or BIG changes when you retire?
- Are you willing to make a leap of faith to fulfill a lifelong dream?
- Will you retire from work fully?
- Where do you see yourself in 10-15 years time?
- Who is around you in 10-15 years?
- What are you most looking forward to when you retire?
This video is about helping you make any decision but it’s really about how you want to spend your days. What does your best day look like and what steps move you towards it? Does that shift your perspective?
Decide Where to Retire
- Name your passions and favorite pastimes. Where will you find them?
- Happy with where you’re living now? Yes or no.
- Where can you see yourself living for the next 10-30 years?
- Is it time to make a move. Local or long distance?
- What purpose do you want to pursue? Where can you do that.
Are you starting to see that finding your best place to retire isn’t just about geography? 🙂
Find Your Best Places to Retire
- Want to live closer to family/children? Look for a home and community nearby.
- Sporty? Like golf or boating? Relocate lakeside or on a golf course.
- Want to stretch retirement income? Find a spot with lower cost of living.
- Fed up with cold winters and shoveling snow? Pick a warm spot that ticks other boxes too.
- Need less stress and more manana? Find a laidback country or a small town.
- Ready to try a new country? Your perfect home abroad is waiting.
- What’s your purpose? Follow that into retirement. Perhaps a vineyard in the south of France or England?
The Best Places to Retire
Your retirement destination should fit your goals and dreams for the rest of your life.
FOR EXAMPLE: You want to live a more affordable laidback lifestyle, in a warmer climate that’s not too far from kids/grandkids. Here’s how that could play out.
- Research affordable southern US states or cities within an hour or two drive or flight time from kids
- Explore Costa Rica or Mexico. Flights back to the US clock in around 2-5 hours.
- Explore the idea of living abroad part-time in a warm country. Keep a home close to a major US airport near kids.
- Retire abroad permanently in a warm country that’s affordable. Kids can travel to you or relocate with you.
You get the idea. Can you juggle your “must haves” to fit most of your needs?
Best Places to Retire Resources
Looking for the stats on where to retire? Here you go.
Whether you’re planning on staying where you are or moving abroad, you’ll find inspiration. Just remember your “why”.
- The 10 Cheapest US States to Retire In
- Where to Retire in the US on Social Security Income
- The Best Places to Retire by International Living
- The Best Places in the World to Retire by CN Traveler
- The World’s Healthiest Places to Live by Money
- The Most Affordable Places to Retire by Nasdaq
Ultimately you’ll spend the rest of your life wherever you retire. Makes you think twice doesn’t it!
Choose wisely and don’t forget your purpose and passion. Follow those to a destination that also offers great healthcare and an affordable cost of living and you’ve hit the retirement jackpot.
Got a destination in mind? Make plans to visit. Find a home to stay in instead of a hotel so you can live like a local.
Need advice or help relocating? I’ve relocated from the US to the UK and my feedback could be just what you need right now. Let’s talk!
