Whether you want to move to be done with snowy winters or to be closer to your kids and grandkids, there are a few things you need to know before you put the house up for sale. AOL spoke to seniors who moved after retiring and are now sharing their thoughts on this decision.
Here are five things you may not have considered:
- Hidden housing costs – Living near the beach or in the mountains may seem ideal, but these regions often have higher disaster risks and tighter building standards, meaning homeowners’ insurance can be substantially higher. And you can expect higher property taxes in states without an income tax.
- Changes in healthcare – Many seniors don’t realize that Medicare Advantage plans often have regional restrictions. The article says switching plans when moving to a different state could cost a great deal more. Additionally, a new climate could cause health concerns such as allergies, elevation issues, problems with hydration, and more.
- Culture shock – Your quality of life could be impacted if you move to an area with a different cultural or political climate.
- Trouble with tourist towns – You’ve probably heard the expression, “It’s a nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there.” Unfortunately, many retirees learn this lesson the hard way after moving to a favorite vacation destination, which often has crowds, traffic congestion, and other impacts.
- Loneliness – Many of the retirees warned that it’s not always easy to make new and meaningful friendships. Loneliness is a big issue in today’s society, especially among older Americans.
Your Retirement Should Be Easy and Worry-Free
Retirement should be enjoyable, not stressful. Unfortunately, millions of older Americans are struggling. More retirement income gives seniors the cushion they need. That’s one reason the Council of Seniors is dedicated to getting Congress to passThe SAVE Benefits Act. This legislation is crucial because the annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) has fallen short in recent years. If we succeed, the $581 withheld from seniors’ benefits will be returned.
Sign our petition today to support our efforts. Congress has ignored the growing number of seniors expecting action for way too long.