The best places to retire

Places to Retire: Popular Doesn’t Always Mean “Best”

The Vegas, Nevada; Phoenix and Yuma, Arizona; Las Cruces, New Mexico; and Ocala, Florida, just a few names that are among the most popular retirement destinations in the United States. Unfortunately, their popularity doesn’t necessarily mean they’re especially appropriate options for savvy consumers. Among these five places, 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 affordable option for retirement. All the others suffer from a number of serious flaws that can make them suboptimal choices for some.

So how are America’s 86 million baby boomers going to decide whether to move for retirement? Award-winning geographer and California State University professor Warren Bland, Ph.D., has some suggestions. Based on the professional research he has conducted over the past 20 years, Bland has identified the 12 most important criteria for retirees (landscape, climate, quality of life, cost of living, transportation, retail services, health care, community services, culture recreation, work/volunteer activities, and crime). For many, luxury retirement no longer means living in a country club or beach resort, but rather an active lifestyle in a safe, friendly and amenity-rich community.

So get a pencil ready and follow Bland’s advice.

1. Stay put or venture far? Do you prefer something close to your current hometown or want to see what else is out there?

2.What do you like? Do you want the structured and safe atmosphere of a retirement community or do you prefer a city or town with diverse groups of people, more entertainment and broader cultural advantages?

3. Do your homework! You can never have too much data and statistics before making such an important move. Look in books, magazines, and the Internet for material you can use.

4. Less is better: Narrow your list of potential venues down to a manageable number, five or six at the most.

5. Hit the road: Visit each location for three to four days to get a feel for the area and general vibe.

6. Don’t rush into anything! You are moving towards a serious decision. Decide wisely and slowly, not on impulse.

7. Pack a large suitcase. You are close to the final cut. Delete all but two or three places. Visit the areas for at least three weeks each. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, including the weather, the cost of living, and especially the people who will be your new neighbors and friends. Meet with real estate agents and make sure the home you want is within financial reach. There are real estate agents who specialize in retirement life called senior real estate specialists.

8. Trust your instincts. Take your time; Get advice and opinions from friends and family. But remember, the final decision is yours.

So what are some of Bland’s picks? If you’re looking for a stimulating and active retirement, consider communities as diverse as Boulder, Colorado; Boca Raton, Florida; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Victoria, BC, Canada; San Luis Obispo, CA; and Ithaca, New York.

Warren Bland published his second book on retirement in February. Next Decade, Inc. (www.nextdecade.com) publishes “Retiring in Style, 60 Hot Spots in the US and Canada” and retails for $22.95. It is available through major wholesalers, at major bookstores, and on the Web at a variety of electronic bookstore sites, or directly from Next Decade at (800) 595-5440.