When you were working and/or raising a family, you probably based where you lived on school districts or ease of getting to work. One of the best things about retiring is having your options open up and actually being able to choose a location based on where you want to live. When you feel like you can live anywhere, how do you decide where to go, and does it really matter what you choose or how you choose it?
If your plans include moving to a retirement community, here are some things to think about when choosing a senior living location.
It’s All About The Where
When you move to a senior living community, where you live is as important as which community you choose. That’s because location can be a key contributor to your overall happiness. When it comes to choosing a senior living community, here’s why location matters for senior living:
Cost of Living
If you’re going to have a fixed monthly income, it’s important to consider what it costs to live in your desired retirement location. If it’s more expensive than where you live now, it may be difficult to enjoy the retirement lifestyle you envision. If it costs the same, or better yet, has a lower cost of living than your current location, your money will go farther, allowing you to do more.
When making your cost-of-living calculations, be sure to include state income. Tax laws vary widely from state to state, so you’ll want to understand exactly how/if your desired state taxes things like Social Security and other retirement income.
Accessibility to Area Attractions
If you’re choosing a location for its cultural and entertainment options or natural landscapes, how easy is it to get to the places you would like to explore? Are they within walking distance? Does the community have scheduled transportation? If you plan to spend your retirement traveling around the country or across the globe, how close are you going to be to the airport?
Access to Care
This means access to your doctor and local hospital/care centers. It also means access to higher levels of care. Freedom Village is a Life Plan Community offering independent living and access to a full continuum of care right on-site, including assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation.
Lifestyle
What kind of retirement lifestyle do you hope to have? The community and location you choose will heavily impact your what you’re able to do. If you can’t find an example of a community’s activity calendar on their website, ask to see one. Also, be sure to take a tour and check out their services and amenities. At Freedom Village, some of the amenities we feature include:
- Lifelong learning, discussions, classes and outings
- Fully equipped fitness center with fitness classes
- Heated indoor pool
- Wellness programs
- Arts and crafts studio
- Woodworking shop
- Library and community
- Flower and vegetable gardens
Closeness to Friends and Family
If you’ve spent your entire adult life in one area, you may want to stay involved with friends and other community activities you enjoy. That’s why some seniors choose a community within a five-mile radius of where they currently live.
While it’s important to consider your interests, another factor to consider is your proximity to your family. Do they already live nearby? If not, do you want to live in the same town? Is a short car or flight preferable? Or are you OK with them being in another part of the country?
Why Not Call Holland Home?
As you consider what you want out of your senior living location, here’s a list of reasons to retire in Holland, Michigan. Or come see Freedom Village for yourself by contacting us today or using our Community Assistant feature.