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
