When most people think about retirement, the first thing that comes to mind is money. And it’s true that finances are important when it comes to retirement planning. That’s why we have covered about state taxes in our earlier blog post, as taxes can have a strong impact on retirement finances.
On the other hand, there are other factors to consider as well. In this blog post, we’re going to take a look at some of the non-financial factors that you should consider when choosing a retirement state.
Why Non-Financial Factors Matter
When we’re planning for retirement, it is about being able to slow down and enjoy life more. In some sense, it is to pursue a better quality of life, rather than just continue with the daily grind. As such, while finances are important, other factors may play an even bigger role in ensuring we have a good quality of life after retirement.
The Most Important Non-Financial Factors
Retirement planning is a complex and challenging process, but it’s worth it to ensure a comfortable retirement. There are many factors to consider when choosing from some of the best states to retire in, but some of the most important non-financial are:
- Climate
- Community
- Transportation
- Healthcare
- Crime Rate
Climate
There are a number of factors to consider when selecting the right climate for retirement. For example, whether you want an active or passive lifestyle, and what type of weather you’re most comfortable with. Some people enjoy warmer climates while others prefer cooler climates. Also, it could be dependent on some of their hobbies. For example, the climate suitable for golfing compared to skiing would be vastly different.
Ultimately, it is up to each individual as to what they believe is the perfect temperature for their needs. However, there are some general guidelines that can be followed in order to find the best climate for retirement.
The basic rule of thumb is to look for a state with a moderate climate. This means that temperatures should range from 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius) during winter to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) during summer. The Northeast United States tends to have the mildest climates while the Far South has the warmest climates. Additionally, certain states have more pronounced seasons due to their location on different parts of the country. Consequently, it is important that you research your specific target state before making any decisions about retiring there.
Community
When it comes to retirement, one of the most important factors to consider is where you want to retire in. There are many different types of communities out there and each has its own unique benefits and drawbacks. For example, a rural community may have more opportunities for outdoor activities than an urban community, but it may also be less populated and have lower living standards.
It’s important to find a community that fits your retirement lifestyle. For example, if you’re looking for a quiet place to retire with plenty of opportunity for hobbies, then you might prefer an urban community. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a lively town with plenty of social activities and attractions, then you might prefer a rural community. In either case, it’s important to do your research before making a decision.
Additionally, having friends in your new home state is also important. Making friends can help you feel more comfortable in your new surroundings. Friends can also be a source of information about the area, and what things are available to do. Additionally, it can be helpful to have people who you can rely on for advice and support when making decisions about your retirement location.
So whether you’re just moving to a new state or planning on retiring there soon, make sure you find some friends and start getting to know the area!
Finding friends can be challenging if you’re new to a state. However, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier. First, look online for forums or groups that focus on your new state. These resources can provide you with information about events and activities in your area, as well as people who live there and might be interested in getting to know you. Additionally, consider joining social organizations or clubs that cater to residents of your new state. This way, you’ll have a group of people with whom to network and find common interests. Finally, don’t be afraid to reach out to family and acquaintances who may live in your new state. They may be able to give you additional insight into what’s available in the area, as well as introductions to people who could help make networking more manageable.
Transportation
When it comes to choosing one of the best states to retire to, transportation options are an important factor. In fact, according to the Council for Community and Economic Research (CCER), public transportation can be one of the most important factors in choosing a state.
Florida is a state with many older drivers and a high rate of traffic fatalities. This means that retirees who want to live near family or friends may find it difficult to get around. Alaska has the longest distances between cities and limited public transportation options. This can make it difficult for retirees who want to explore different parts of the state or travel outside of Anchorage.
Arkansas has the lowest number of licensed drivers per capita which can make commuting easier for seniors. Additionally, there are more than 1,000 community transit operators in Arkansas that offer services such as vanpools and shuttle buses.
When retirees choose one of the best states to retire in for themselves, they should consider the availability of public transportation options. According to the CCER, there are several things retirees should consider when choosing a state for their retirement home. These include:
- Traffic fatalities – A high rate of traffic fatalities means that seniors may have difficulty getting around.
- Licensed drivers per capita – The number of licensed drivers per capita can be an indicator of how easy it is for seniors to get around.
- Community transit operators – Access to community transit services can make commuting easier.
Transportation options are important not only for elderly residents, but for younger retirees as well. Younger retirees may want to consider states with good job prospects and plenty of recreational activities available nearby. When looking at these factors, it’s important for retirees to consult with experts in the field or use online resources such as those provided by the CCER.
Access To Healthcare
Healthcare is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a state to retire in. Not only do healthcare costs vary from state to state, but Medicare and Medicaid also vary in terms of coverage and benefits. Some states offer retirees discounts on healthcare premiums, which can make it more affordable for them to access quality care.
It’s important to remember your health needs when making this decision. For example, if you have pre-existing medical conditions that may require special attention, be sure to check with your insurance company about whether or not those conditions will qualify you for coverage in your new home state.
There are a number of factors to consider when seeking healthcare in a new state. Cost is always an important consideration, but it’s not the only factor to consider. Some states have higher-quality healthcare systems than others, and those with more comprehensive benefits may be better suited for retirees who are looking for complete care.
Crime Rate
When looking to retire, it is important to consider the crime rate in a state. The best states for retirement have a lower crime rate, which makes the community safer for everyone. This means that there are less cases of theft and property damage, making it easier for all residents to get around safely.
There are a number of factors that contribute to a state’s crime rate, but the main drivers are socio-economic and demographic. Socio-economic factors include poverty levels and education levels, both of which can affect criminal activity. Demographic changes, such as an influx of new residents or a change in population age distribution can also cause changes in crime rates.
It is important to remember that not all states have low crime rates, so it is important to do your research before making any decisions about where to retire.
To Wrap Up
There are many things to consider when choosing one of the best states to retire in for you, but some of the most important non-financial factors are climate, community, transportation, access to healthcare, and crime rate. It’s important to consider these factors seriously as well before selecting a state to move to. Retirement planning is a complex and challenging process, but it’s worth it to ensure a comfortable and happy retirement.