5 Places Retired Boomers Choose to Live

The wave of Baby Boomers hitting retirement age is undeniable! With over 10,000 turning 65 every single day, an important question emerges: Where will this generation choose to spend their golden years? I myself joined this exciting club last year, and like many others, started researching the perfect retirement haven. After digging through tons of information online, I’ve come up with 5 fantastic locations to consider, each offering something special for retirees.

1. Active Adult Communities

Many retirees are choosing active adult communities! These are special neighborhoods designed for adults over 55 who want to stay active, social, and enjoy life to the fullest. Here’s why they’re so popular:

• No More Yard Work: Imagine never having to mow the lawn or rake leaves again! Active adult communities often handle all the landscaping and yard maintenance, freeing you up for more fun activities.
• Friendship is Easy: These communities are full of people your age looking to make new friends. You can join clubs, attend social events, or simply chat with neighbors while walking around the beautiful grounds.
• Tons to Do: Active adult communities aren’t just about sitting around! Many offer swimming pools, tennis courts, fitness centers, and even golf courses. You can also find hobby rooms, game rooms, and movie theaters, all right outside your door.
• Relax and Enjoy: With the chores taken care of and plenty of activities to choose from, you can finally relax and focus on enjoying your retirement!

States like Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina are popular choices for these communities, particularly because of warmer weather, nice scenery, and plenty of touristy things to see and do (you want fun places to take the grands when they visit, right!?). Anyway, with over 2,000 active adult communities in the US alone, it shouldn’t be hard for any Boomer to find the perfect fit—whether it’s within their current zip code or outside of it.

2. Downsizing to a Senior Apartment or Condo

Maybe the idea of a big house with lots of rooms doesn’t quite fit your retirement dreams. If you’re looking for a simpler, more manageable lifestyle, consider downsizing to a senior apartment or condo in another state! Here’s why some retired Boomers think this is best:

• Less Space, Less Stress: A smaller place means less cleaning, less maintenance, and fewer bills! This frees you up to spend your time on the things you love, whether it’s traveling, visiting family, or picking up a new hobby.
• Financial Freedom: Senior apartments and condos are often more affordable than large houses. This can free up some extra cash for you to explore new places, try exciting activities, or simply enjoy a more comfortable retirement.
• Built-in Community: Many senior apartments offer social events and activities, making it easy to meet new people and make friends.

3. Purchasing a new home in another state.

Community living isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay! Boomers have plenty of options at their fingertips. If you’re looking for a fresh start and a place to call your own, buying a new house in another state could be the perfect choice for your retirement. Here’s why:

• Imagine living near the beach, in the mountains, or by a peaceful lake! When you buy a new house, you get to choose the perfect spot for your dream retirement.
• Believe it or not, some states offer a much lower cost of living than others. This means your retirement savings can stretch further. Think less money on property taxes, groceries, and maybe even utilities!
• Moving to a new state is a chance to reinvent yourself! You can explore new hobbies, join local clubs, and make new friends who share your interests.
• Do you want to be close to grandkids? Or maybe you’d rather have some peace and quiet and escape the hustle and bustle. The choice is yours! When you buy a new house in another state, you get to decide how close (or far!) you want to be to loved ones.

While Florida and the Carolinas are popular options, another state Boomers might consider is Delaware. Not only is it a tax-friendly state, but it’s conveniently close to Philadelphia, Baltimore, and other tourist-friendly cities! But that’s just one example! There are tons of amazing states out there waiting to be explored.

4. Moving to a different home within your state.

So you love your state, but your house? Maybe it’s not quite the perfect fit anymore. That’s okay! Retirement is a time to re-evaluate your needs and find a living situation that makes you happy. Here’s why some Boomers might consider moving to a bigger, smaller, or even completely different kind of home, all within the same familiar city or state:

Downsizing for Freedom

• Less Space, Less Hassle: A smaller house means less cleaning, less maintenance, and potentially lower property taxes and utility bills.
• Financial Flexibility: Selling a bigger house can give you a nice chunk of cash to invest, pay off debts, or create a bigger travel fund.
• Senior-Friendly Living: Consider a senior apartment, condo, or even a mobile home park designed for retirees.

Upsizing for New Adventures

• Growing Family: Maybe you have grandkids visiting often, or you’re thinking about taking in a parent who needs a little extra care. A bigger house can provide more space for everyone to spread out and feel comfortable.
• Dream Room Addition: Always wanted a home gym, a craft room, or a dedicated game room? Upsizing might give you the space you need to finally make those dreams a reality.
• Location, Location, Location: Maybe you love your state, but your current neighborhood isn’t quite what you’d like.

5. Staying in their current home.

Dorothy Gale from The Wizard of Oz said it best: “There’s no place like home.” For many people, their house is more than mere shelter. It’s a treasure trove of memories. Christmas mornings with their children. Nights spent stargazing on the back deck. Barbecues with friends and family. As long as you feel safe and happy in your current place, there’s no absolutely no law that says you have to leave!! After all, retirement is when it’s time to start focusing on you.

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