Oh, The Places You'll Go

By Teresa Curto

April 26, 2019 5 min read

Many find that the end of a life working the same 9-to-5 means the beginning of a new adventure. If you're wondering where you should begin your new life as a retiree, read on further to learn which qualities to look for most and exactly which new destinations may check the most boxes on your wish list.

Many retirees have the same concerns and considerations in mind when choosing a location to retire to. Cost of living, climate and crime rates are perhaps the most important factors for retirees to consider when making a decision.

Florida has a reputation for being the biggest destination for United States retirees. A low cost of living and warm climate are two important reasons why Florida houses so many of the nation's retirees.

Fortunately, Florida seems to cater accordingly to the retiree demographic. Fort Myers, Sarasota and Daytona Beach are popular destinations for this group. However, the fastest-growing area in the nation according to 2015 U.S. Census Bureau statistics is The Villages, located in Sumter County, Florida. U.S. News & World Report dubbed this community the "Disney World for Adults." Hundreds of activities and social clubs are offered to keep citizens busy in retirement. Politico reported last year that "It has the highest concentration of military veterans of any metropolitan area without a military base." If you're looking to live among those who are in the same stage of life as yourself, you may want to consider packing your bags and following many of those who made Florida their destination for retirement before you.

Arizona and Texas offer many of the same qualities as Florida and, therefore, are also popular destinations for retirees. Scottsdale, Arizona, and Austin, Texas, top many best-of lists for retirement destinations. For those looking for a more diverse demographic, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Austin, Texas, as the No. 1 place to live period, with many fun activities and events occurring every day.

For those who are hoping for a little more variability in weather in the U.S., there are many other top-ranked states for retirees to consider. Some other popular retiree destinations are Boise, Idaho, Lincoln, Nebraska, and Maryville, Tennessee.

For those looking for more adventurous locales, there are a number of international destinations that work well for retirees. You may be planning to take the plunge and make the move full time to another country. Many retirees also consider themselves "snowbirds." They choose to live in northern parts of the country during much of the year and migrate south during the colder months.

There are a few no-brainer options for those who have no idea where to begin when it comes down to pinpointing the correct international destination for retirement. Portugal and Mexico are two of the top-rated international retiree destinations. Algarve, Portugal, is a great choice for several reasons. With warm weather, plenty of beaches and golf courses as well as a large English-speaking population, it's clear why this destination is a popular recommendation. It's also ranked high in safety, which is important for those who are venturing out of their comfort zone.

Thailand is notorious for its affordability and natural beauty. Housing and food costs are very low, which is vital in a time when many may be living on a fixed income for the first time in their lives. There is also access to top private medical hospitals and doctors -- and for a much smaller fee than what is experienced back home. There is a large expat community that also likes to enjoy all that Thailand has to offer.

There are a few other less traditional ways to spend life after retirement. Some retirees choose to load up everything they need into an RV or trailer and travel the country for months at a time. This can be an affordable way to travel and enjoy life without having to commit to a single location. Similarly, there are couples who spend a large portion of their time traveling on cruise ships. All-inclusive cruises can certainly make life simple and enjoyable for many who choose this route.

Retirement is an exciting time of one's life, no matter where the destination may be.

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