You may have reached your golden years, but that doesn’t mean your lust for life has slowed down. You enjoy exploring, spending time with your loved ones, and taking on new adventures just like you always have. The only difference is you’re doing it all retired! Now that you’ve had your last day of work, you’re ready for a fresh start so you can really make the most of your work-free days. Where should that be? And how will you get there? We can answer the second question.

Once you’ve decided where to retire, the next step is figuring out how to get there. With over 100 years of experience, Maffucci Moving & Storage is a trusted partner in helping older adults make moves. We understand the unique needs of retirees and it would be our pleasure to assist you in making the transition into the next chapter of your story.

What to Consider When Moving

There are so many unique places to move to. How do you know which place is the right one for you? How can you be sure you’ll enjoy your time there once you’ve moved? Start with the most popular retirement towns and go from there. According to realtor.com, the top retirement towns in 2024 are:

1. Sun City Center, FL
2. Green Valley, AZ
3. King City, OR
4. The Villages, FL
5. Manchester, NJ
6. Monroe, NJ
7. Seal Beach, CA
8. Sun City, CA
9. Laguna Woods, CA
10. Whiting, NJ

So, what about each of these towns? What makes them so great?  When choosing a retirement location, many factors are important, such as the activities available nearby, the quality of healthcare in the area, and more. Some things will be more important than others, like the latter. Let’s take a look at the factors to take into consideration when you’re preparing to move. 

Living Costs

After retirement, the average yearly living expenses for retirees are around $50,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This makes a town’s affordability a crucial factor to consider. Since you’ll likely be on a fixed income, it’s important to research each option’s average cost of living, income tax benefits, and more to ensure they fit within your budget. 

Healthcare Services

As you age, access to reliable medical professionals becomes increasingly important. This makes healthcare quality the second most important factor to consider when choosing a retirement location. It’s essential to compare the area’s metrics about doctors, public hospitals, specialists, and other medical services to ensure you can access everything you need quickly. 

Older Adult-Specific Communities

When exploring the top retirement towns, consider if there are any age-friendly communities or facilities that you could join. These communities, designed specifically for older adults, offer numerous benefits. They foster social connections, encourage inclusion, and can even lead to better health and economic advantages. Joining such a community could be the start of an exciting new chapter in your life. 

Recreational Activities

Retirement age-centered areas usually offer different recreational activities. From swim classes to book clubs and movie nights, they offer entertainment from all sorts of categories built around social engagement. You’re never too old to try something new. Why not take part in an activity out of your comfort zone? You could make some new friends. 

The Climate

Too much heat or cold can be dangerous for older adults, especially when moving away from their community. Older adults are more susceptible to getting sick in the cold as they have a more challenging time staying warm, and ice poses a serious slip-and-fall danger. Hot weather can cause heat syncope and cramps, which are extremely dangerous if living alone. If your quality of life is going to be regularly impacted by bad weather, you most likely don’t want to move there. The towns on the Realtors list have relatively consistent climates with warm, but not scorching, temperatures.

Transportation

Always inquire about the transportation infrastructure in the town you’re considering. Access to reliable transportation is crucial for maintaining independence, social interactions, and getting to healthcare appointments. Knowing that you’ll have easy access to transportation can provide a sense of security and peace of mind as you plan your move. 

Property Taxes and Home Prices

If property taxes and the housing market are too high, it can seriously impact the area’s overall affordability. Since most older adults are on a fixed income, when housing costs take up most of their income, it can affect other parts of their lives and create a significant financial burden. It can mean the difference between staying in their home or having to move again. Many states offer property tax relief programs for their older communities. It’s essential to check if you’ll have access to a similar program where you want to move. 

Maffucci Provides Smooth Moves

We understand that making the decision to move, especially at the age of retirement, can be difficult. You’re potentially moving away from family and friends with whom you’ve spent years building bonds. 

But moving during this period can also be exciting. You’re getting to start over and make new memories, possibly somewhere you’ve never been before. When you’re ready to relocate, call Maffucci. The Maffucci Moving & Storage team as professional residential movers will help ensure your smooth and easy moving experience.

Ready to make your retirement move hassle-free? Contact Maffucci Moving today for a free estimate and expert assistance tailored to your needs. Let us help you transition smoothly to your new retirement destination!