Retirement is the beginning of a new chapter in your life and, if you’re considering relocating, you’re not alone. In fact, research shows that 40% of retirees relocate after they retire.
If you’re planning to retire soon- or you’ve already retired- and you’re looking for a place to go, you may want to consider a Solivita Living community. We are a network of 55+ communities spread across central Florida. We have a wide range of amenities, so there’s sure to be something you’ll enjoy- and you may even find new interests.
There are several reasons it may be a good idea to relocate after retiring. We’ll explore some of these below:
Top 5 Signs You Should Relocate
Below, we’ll explain the top 5 signs you should consider relocating after you retire.
Cost of Living
There are some areas that are more expensive to live in than others. When you are working, it may be beneficial to live in a pricey area because it gives you access to better jobs and bigger paychecks. However, after you retire, you may want to move to an area with a lower cost of living to stretch your limited income as much as possible.
Income and Property Taxes
One of the biggest sources of financial stress for retirees is high taxes- even if you live in an area that doesn’t have a high cost of living. While you won’t be getting a paycheck from a full-time job, you’ll still be receiving income from your retirement savings, Social Security, and perhaps a part-time job or business. The lower your income tax, the more money you’ll have available to spend.
This also applies to property taxes. Most of the time, retirees have already paid off their mortgage, but still must pay property taxes. This can be difficult when you’re living on a fixed income.
Social Security Taxes
There are 13 states that impose taxes on Social Security benefits. The good news is that most of them offer exemptions for low- to middle-income households. This means that if your retirement income is low, you may be able to avoid these taxes. However, there are 4 that do not offer an exemption: Minnesota, West Virginia, Vermont, and North Dakota. If you live in a state that imposes taxes on your Social Security benefits, you may want to consider moving.
It is important to note that some of the states that impose taxes on Social Security benefits have a lower cost of living- so this should not be the only factor that determines your decision. Additionally, keep in mind that even if you do not pay taxes at the state level, the federal level may still tax your benefits, especially if it’s not your only source of income.
Walkability
If you live in a city where you can walk or have access to public transportation, you may be able to save a lot of money during your retirement. In fact, according to AAA, it costs approximately $8,849 per year to own a vehicle.
However, walking is free and public transportation is cheap compared to owning and maintaining a vehicle. Plus, walking keeps you in shape, which can save on your healthcare costs.
Proximity to Family
Many years ago, families stayed close together. Now, most people grow up and move away from their parents to pursue education and employment opportunities and raise their own families. When you retire, you may want to consider relocating to be closer to your children and grandchildren. Another option is to relocate to a vacation destination, such as Florida, to entice your children and grandchildren to visit more often.
Retiring and Considering Relocation?
If you are getting ready to retire, or you’ve already retired, and you’re not sure if you want to stay where you are or relocate, there are several reasons to consider relocation. At Solivita Living, we understand that relocating isn’t easy, and it can cost a lot. However, it may help you maximize your retirement savings and income- and perhaps even improve your quality of life.
We have 8 communities across central Florida with a wide variety of amenities to keep you active and engaged. Schedule a tour today to learn more about the benefits of relocating to a Solivita Living community.