Many retirees consider relocating, whether to enjoy a warmer climate or to escape high living costs.
There are things to think about before moving in retirement.
Nearly ten years ago, my wife and I moved to the Charleston, South Carolina suburbs. I am retired and she is semi-retired.
At the time of the move, our property taxes in New York had just gone beyond $8K per year. The cost of heating the house during a cold stretch could top $500 a month. We knew these expenses would become unsustainable on a fixed income. Combining the costs with mountains of snow and freezing temperatures, a move south seemed like an appealing option.
Aside from high costs, bad weather, and snow plows, there are serious and complex considerations that need to be addressed before embarking on such a move.
Leaving Friends and Family
After leaving our friends and family behind, we needed to create a new social circle to share our lives with. This is easier said than done. Unless you’re naturally outgoing, building new relationships can take months or even years. Our first few months in Charleston were challenging on this front.