The 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions about Retirement at Topretirements
Category: General Retirement Issues
Updated August, 2023 (Originally published March, 2013) — As you might expect, we get a lot of retirement questions from our Members and site visitors. The same applies when new friends of your editor find out about Topretirements. This article recaps the most frequent questions we receive, along with our usual answers. We hope you find it helpful.
Frequent Questions
1. What is the Best Place to Retire. This is by far the most prevalent question, so much so that it completely overwhelms any others we get. Since we get the question so often we have developed a stock response, one that we hope is helpful. So when people ask, “where is the best place to retire”, here is how we typically respond: “Retirement is a very personal matter. The best place for us might very well be a terrible retirement destination for you. To make the best decision for you, you need to first answer a number of questions.”
Some of those questions have to do with what you want for winter temperatures, financial issues, preferred distance from family and friends, type of lifestyle you desire, small vs. big town, etc.
There are of course some towns that many people agree are great for retirement. The most popular towns for retirement among Topretirements visitors include Asheville, NC; Sarasota, FL; Austin, TX; Venice, FL; Beaufort, SC; San Diego, CA; and Prescott, Arizona. For a full list see our “20 Most Captivating Places to Retire“.
2. What countries do most Americans retire abroad to? Many Americans immediately tend to link south when they consider retiring abroad, with destinations in countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and Ecuador. If lack of money is an important reason for retiring abroad, Latin America might well be a good choice. But (and a very big but), we recommend that you not retire abroad if your finances are the primary motivator. Living in a foreign country has many disadvantages and challenges – it is not for everyone. You can see some of the reasons why at “Mexican Retirement Gone Bad” in our Blog.
In our opinion, however, there are some more appealing countries which ought to be considered. A friend recently asked your editor about some of the places where we would live if we retired abroad, and the answers were: Western Ireland, the South of France, Italy, and Portugal. In Ireland we can speak the language; the food, culture, and lifestyle are superb in the latter countries. On the negative side, however, retiring in those places might be both expensive and difficult from a visa viewpoint.
3. Can you advise me where I should retire. Sorry, we can’t provide personal assistance – we just do not have the resources to do that. But that doesn’t mean we can’t provide a ton of free assistance on this site. Use the Best Places link to find towns and active communities that might appeal to you. Subscribe to our newsletter and Blog posts to get ideas about a whole range of retirement issues. Pose a question or make a comment in either our Blog – it is amazing how this community responds with helpful information on their experiences and opinions.
4. What are the best places to retire for low retirement taxes. You are not alone if you are looking for a place to retire with low taxes. The good news is many states have a “low taxes” welcome sign out for retirees. On the other hand, taxes are complicated and personal, a one-size solution does not fit everyone. There are different kinds of taxes, and depending on your personal situation, the obvious choices might not apply (for example if you are living on a reduced income, income and sales taxes don’t matter much – but property taxes probably do if you live in a valuable home). See our article, “Most Tax Friendly States for Retirement” for more detailed help.
5. Can you tell me where to find snowbird rentals – I either don’t want to buy or I just want to rent for a while. Congratulations – snowbird or year round, renting before buying is one of our top suggestions for every retiree looking to move. There is no easy answer to this question – you are going to have to do some work to get answers. But the good news is that there are rentals available – if you spend the time researching and asking real estate agents, developments. Asking friends who retire elsewhere are often the best source for leads. Go online at sites like VRBO.com to find more ideas. Searching in Google with queries that make sense – e.g.; “rental apartment in Myrtle Beach” will usually also produce some rental ideas.
6. How can I find a list of active or 55+ communities that have specific amenities or characteristics. The best way to do this is narrow your search down by State and City. Then click on communities under those cities to see what type of community they are, their size, and what amenities they offer.
7. Where can I find a list of affordable communities for retirement. There are several possible routes to find out about places to retire that won’t break your budget – an important concern for millions of baby boomers. Manufactured home communities are almost always a less expensive option. Stay away from expensive states in the Northeast and California, including both coasts. Interior towns in Florida and the Southeast tend to be inexpensive. Type “Affordable Places to Retire” into the Search box at the top of the page to see some suggestions.
8. Where can we find a retirement community that does NOT offer golf. The world sometimes seems split into two camps – love golf or hate the idea of golf. Certainly if you don’t like golf or have no intention to play it, you probably don’t want to be paying Home Owner Association dues to support a golf course. Fortunately for these folks, there are more communities without golf facilities than with. Many large developers are forgoing golf courses in most of their new communities, and that seems to include Pulte/Del Webb. See “Dream of Golf Course Living Turns into a Nightmare” for more on this subject.
9. What retirement communities have the most retired singles? There is a very significant part of the retired population that is single, and these folks don’t want to feel like third wheels. In general larger communities like The Villages are better options for singles. That’s because they are large enough to have singles clubs or organizations, or at least a critical mass of other singles to hang with. But many smaller communities might be great, fun places where singles interact with other people and do not feel marginalized. The best way to find out is to visit a lot of different communities and see for yourself. Talk with people and participate in activities while you are there – you will get a good first-hand idea. See “Best Retirement Places for Singles” in our Blog. The author and our frequent contributor, Jan Cullinane, has written several helpful retirement books including the AARP’s “Single Women’s Guide to Retirement“, which is definitely a good place to start.
10. I am thinking about retiring in (name of town or community). Please tell me all about it. This question is a personal pet peeve for us. Fortunately many of our more members take the time to give a helpful answer, usually because they know the town or development well and want to be helpful. We are grateful for their generosity. Our recommendation if you come to this site is to look around first. Decide what states you are interested in. Look in the city reviews to find out basic information. Then look in the Blog posts where there might have been a discussion about the town. And then ask your question, making it as specific as possible. We find people are much more willing to answer a query that has some focus to it, rather than one which is simply – where should I retire?
More questions – and comments
These are just the top 10 questions we get – there are many more that come in during the course of a month. Check out more, including our answers, in our FAQs . Best of all, if you have answers to these questions, we would all love to hear them. No one has a monopoly on retirement experience, we can learn so much from each other. Please share with your fellow members in the Comments section below.
Comments on "The 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions about Retirement at Topretirements"
David Hamilton says:
For #10 it's hard to beat city-data.com as a source of information. It covers a lot of territory and gives personal perspectives from people who live, or have lived, in places you may find interesting. If ever there was a 'one stop shop' for such info, that's it.
Larry says:
1. The best place to retire is the one that matches all your top three or four requirements and most of your secondary requirements. It seems silly to have to say that, but some retiree couples I work with don't take the time to make sure they agree on the top requirements. That may doom them to an unsuccessful and contentious search. 2. Having never lived abroad -- except for, perhaps, the week I once spent in Texas -- I have no expertise on the subject. 3. Seriously? Advising a person on where to retire is like buying them a dress or pair of shoes; it may be a bargain but chances are it won't fit. 4. Ahh, my favorite, the tax question. If no-income-tax and otherwise low-overall-tax states are so great, how come EVERYONE doesn't live there. Taxes are meaningless on their own; overall cost of living is what matters, and frankly there are some great towns in the Carolinas (income tax states) that are cheaper to live in than some towns in Florida (no income tax). The TopRetirements editor has it right; it comes down to each couple's personal situation. 5. Renting before you buy can be a great idea; you get to learn the community, your neighbors, traffic patterns, the quality of local restaurants, etc. But as prices rebound in leisure residential communities, some owners who rented their homes will probably start selling them. Choice rentals at reasonable prices may start to dry up. 8. Rumors of the death of golf as an amenity may be greatly exaggerated. Traditionally, properties in a community with a quality golf club held their values better than those without golf. Many non-golfers still like the more attractive landscaping that golf communities offer. And we still have a few million baby boomer golfers in the U.S., so the demand for golf as an amenity should not change as dramatically as some suggest.
RUBYTUESDAY says:
Larry: Well said thank you for the great food for thought.
eric says:
in number 4: change each "couple's to each "individual's" and I agree. not everyone retiring is part of a couple and even couples may need to consider each other (as individuals) and perhaps other family or other dependents. We are all individuals and are still individuals whether gay, heterosexual, hispanic, white, gofers, skiers, etc. you sound like a politician with couples being the folks who vote.
Anne says:
Does anyone know anything about 'old town Huntsville'? I have seen photos of some of the homes in that area that have been restored and they are so beautiful. The smaller ones would be appropriate for me as I'm now a widow. My sons leave near by in Hampton Cove but I prefer the look of the homes in Old Town. So much character! But I've yet find any info on living in that area, as in,is it too congested, to close to the center of Huntsville, crime rate etc.
Hope someone can give me a few answers or suggestions.
thanks
Ginger says:
Eric, Bravo!! It is frustrating to me that most retirement websites present data as if it is for couples only, and there is very little info for singles. I also have noticed in my visits to communities that they are often geared to couples. You and I can't be the only single seniors! Wish there was more out there on this topic.
says:
Here, here on the singles out there. I am one. Here is a statistic from the US Census Bureau...
17 million Number of unmarried U.S. residents 65 and older in 2011. These seniors comprised 16 percent of all unmarried people 18 and older.
I think you might find that the target of developers has been couples because overall they probably have or have had the highest discretionary income and assets. Just a guess. But singles are marginalized in many areas and until businesses believe their is profit to be had this will continue.
Also, remember that generationally this outlook is changing but I'm guessing that the generation that retired 20 years ago didn't look like the up and coming retirees either. And their comfort level with being single was likely not as high.
OK. Hope those comments aren't too controversial. But I am one who has been looking for more 'singles' welcome options too!
eric says:
actually, I was really thinking about a parent or parents who have a child that will be dependent for their entire lives. more complicated than just finding a place to retire. and no, I do not have this situation, just know others who do. the one thing that is safe is to assume that we are all individuals.
eric says:
oops link
http://www.meetup.com
Tami says:
Appreciate the comments on sigles retirement. Any ideas or suggestions for retirement in Phoenix area or Las Vegas/Henderson (Nevada)? Would welcome your opinions.
Anne says:
To Eric and Mejask,
I'm with you . Altho I wrote asking about housing in Huntsville because my sons live nearby I've been a widow for over a year so in the same boat as you guys. As much as I'd like to be near my sons, we do have a good relationship, Al. is not the place I would normally pick. I'm sure it's a lovely place to live but the climate doesn't do anything for me.
I have been trying to make a decision now for close to a year and can't come up with anything. Same as you've both said. Everything seems to be based on the wants of a couple.
I checked out places like Taos and Santa Fe and altho they are beautiful spots in my estimation the tax structure seems high. Have either of you found anything that looks at all promising?
says:
Anne
Your question is very difficult to answer since everything is personal. As this site often suggests I would pick the top 5 to 10 things important to you and maybe prioritize them. Then look for a few areas that meet your criteria the best. After that you really have to dig and visit to see how it appeals to you.
Unfortunately some of this is like looking for a job. It takes time and certainly on site visits to come to a conclusion. If you have the ability it is best, after you have a few places in mind, to visit for an extended stay. These are some reasons why many people find themselves staying put.
I will tell you that the articles in the media that suggest 'best places for singles' certainly are not geared toward retirees. Also, many of these places tend to be more expensive.
I have places I favor for a variety of personal reasons. I haven't found any retirement community that is particularly appealing for singles. Maybe we should encourage some developer! Good luck.
Jan Cullinane says:
Anne, Tami, Ginger, and any other interested single women:
Here are six (of many) specific examples recommended by single women from my book, AARP's The Single Woman's Guide to Retirement (anecdotes are provided by real women addressing where - and why - they chose to live in a particular location):
1. Del Webb Orlando
2. NorthWest Crossing (Bend, Oregon)
3. Daniel Island (near Charleston, SC)
4. Wolf Creek Lodge (a cohousing community in California)
5. City of Denver, Colorado
6. Small town living in St. Marys, Georgia
Jan Cullinane, author, AARP's The Single Woman's Guide to Retirement (John Wiley & Sons)
Ginger says:
Thanks Jan, but I should have shared more. I'm afraid I have a double-jinx. I'm single and poor. I am one of those (many) people who was defrauded of a large part of my retirement by an investment scam (IFFL: Milow Brost and Gary Sorenson). I lost about 250K in that deal, lost more when the housing collapse happened and my three properties went upside down, lost more in the stock market crash. I lost 500K in about 2 years. I have a tiny IRA left, and I will have social security in august, and I will probably try to continue working part-time, but that's about it. Due to all my losses I had to file bankruptcy in 2010, so I have no money AND no credit. I also have some chronic health problems; not life threatening but expensive. Good thing I am an optimist! I am looking for something REALLY inexpensive, like a mobile home park, in a state with low taxes and good weather (that means not colder than 30s, preferably). I live in upstate NY right now, so you can see I am in the wrong place. I would also prefer to be near a good-sized city, and I would prefer to have a neighborhood where I can walk to shops (grocery, pharmacy, etc). I cannot afford Del Webb communities. I need to be able to buy something for 25K or less, have monthly rent for the space under $400 if possible. So far, my search has led me primarily to Arizona and Florida. I also haves considered eastern part of southern california. I have just started to consider other parts of the south, like the Carolinas, but I am not crazy about the humidity at all. Texas is out; I grew up in Oklahoma and Texas and will never go back to that part of the world. As I am looking for my spot I have some considerations that don't get mentioned here a lot....I do not want to live in the bible-belt. I just do not want or need to be surrounded by people who want to proselytize constantly. I want to meet people who are interested in art, ideas, language, politics. I want to be active and involved in my community, and to do that I need to be in a community that appeals to me. I am non-violent; I do not want to live someplace where everyone thinks weapons and war are the solution to issues. I want to be someplace that has grocery stores that carry healthy, organic foods. I want to be a member of a gym that offers yoga and pilates. I do not want to shop at Walmart. I would prefer to be in a place that has a college or university. I am poor, but the quality of my life is important to me. For all these reasons I have been strongly considering Tucson. On the downside, Tucson is a long way from family and friends. I have lived in the Pacific Northwest, and don't really care for all the dampness, but that is another area I would consider. I'm hoping some of you can tell me the perfect place. And, I would prefer a place with less natural disasters...no sinkholes, no hurricanes, no tornadoes. I know, I know....this is crazy talk. But I'm still hopeful!
Robert says:
to Ginger - WOW.
You need to live where I live - OUTTER SPACE!
Admin says:
Back to point #2, where to retire abroad. The Wall St. Journal has an article about a couple who just retired to Ireland. For anyone considering this sort of retirement, you might find this valuable. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324156204578274052770697428.html
Mad Monk says:
Ginger - We continue to consider NW (WA, OR, ID, even N. California). Have you checked Port Angeles-Sequim-Port Townsend area of WA? They supposedly benefit from "shadow effect" of Olympic Mtns. What about Spokane area ... much drier, with great hiking/biking in area and east into ID.
Ginger says:
Mad Monk...thanks for your suggestions. I have looked at Sequim, and I have also heard that Blaine, near Bellingham, has warmer weather. I think the winter's in Spokane are a little harsh for me; I really don't care much for snow.
Robert...tell me how you do that and I might try it!
Admin: we are discussing where to retire. Sorry if you don't like how I am discussing it.
As for Abroad: Costa Rica is beautiful and there are some lovely communities near San JOse that have a lot of ex-pats. The weather there is virtually perfect. However, the cost is going up and it is getting pricier. I also found many of the smaller villages along the Riviera in France to have reasonable properties; however, at that time I still had some money. Out of my price range now. I had considered Mexico, but the violence there is so bad now that I'm not sure that would work for me.
Theresa says:
Hi Ginger, I am looking for the same place, so if you find it let us know! I currently live in NE Arizona, in the White Mountains near Show Low. It is very nice here in the fall, summers are stormy, spring in windy, and winter is cold. The only college is a community college. I would suggest you check out central Arizona (Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Cottonwood and Camp Verde.) It is not as hot as Phoenix or as cold as Flagstaff, and located between the two cities. Fortunately, even though it gets really hot in most of Arizona, we don't have much in the way of earthquakes, tornadoes, or hurricanes. Not too humid either.
DianaF says:
LOL, Ginger, you aren't asking for much. I grew up in New Paltz, NY and know it very well, but my alleries and asthma were not "bad" until I moved away. So, it is what it is. I have lived in Las Vegas, too dry; Menifee-wonderful,Brooklyn, Westchester County (both Peekskill AND Hastings On Hudson and now am in Texas. I have lived in the "Bible" belt and felt NO PRESSURE from anyone at all, I have lived in "LIB Cities" and they were fine as well. I have found that anywhere one lives, one will find those of like minds, and I have always liked the diversity. Menifee was good for my health, but the government and economy was not a comfortable fit-we got out in time and did not lose everything we had. Central Texas is NOT good for my health; however, Austin is just such a fun town! I am not a fan of San Antonio, cannot pin point why, but it matters not-we live in between the two cities. It is a pretty countryside, but the air does not agree with me. After living in both dry and humid climates, I find that I need some humidity-loved going to Laguna Beach, felt great, but could not afford to live there. So, when I am ready to retire,we will be heading to South Carolina. To us, it is affordable, many transplanted New Yorkers (so,it will be like home to me); I like the sea air and the salt on my lips; it makes me feel rejuvenated. Yes, humidity will be present, but with the breezes from the ocean, I really like it. So, that is what I feel; there is no perfect place, I have found, but a place where I can worship, debate someone on issues who have differing opinions than I have, breathe and not pay an arm and leg to be there, is the "prefect" place for me.
Sandy says:
There are many affordable manufactured housing communities in Southwest Florida. You will pay lot rent, but that varies from community to community depending on the amenities. The Fort Myers area, particularly North Ft.Myers has many with older communities affering the best value. Most of the homes being sold are in great condition, communities are very social, and close to the city of Ft. Myers with culture, restaurants, and excellent medical facilities. My mother, now 87 years old has lived at Lake Fairways, a golf community, since the late 80's, and as her friends and neighbors pass away, homes are being sold for less than $15,000, some for even $5000.00 to settle estates. Worth a look for folks on tight budgets....
Jan Cullinane says:
I'll be one of the first to add in a 2023 comment. First, John, thank you for including my book, "The Single Woman's Guide to Retirement" (AARP/Wiley). My current book, "The New Retirement" (Wiley, 2022) includes a long chapter on relocation, for both couples and singles, with many specific suggestions. Moving into a developing community is a plus, as it's much easier to meet others. Also, a place with some type of club component facilitates making new friends, and encourages an active lifestyle. There are also communities that have sections within the larger community for rentals (such as Heritage Shores in Bridgeville, Delaware - an hour's drive from the Atlantic ocean).
As a single, if you'd like a smaller footprint, consider a "tiny home." I visited several of these communities doing research for my book, including Lakeshore in Oxford, Florida (with a cute tagline of "Live Large. Carry Less.") that also has a club component. There are many ways of living - College Towns, New Urbanism, 15-Minute Cities, life-style oriented communities (for pilots, astronomy lovers, military, equestrian, wine-lovers, etc.), overseas retirement (there is now a Jimmy Buffett-themed Margaritaville being constructed in Lake Chapala, Mexico).
And, with the political polarization we have these days, you may want to consider politics, along with climate, cost of living, taxes, crime, etc. A site such as BestPlaces.net gives this information (for example, The Villages in Florida is rated as "strongly conservative").
In the end, where you live and how you live is such a personal choice. One couple I interviewed, instead of a second home, takes approximately 20 cruises a year (they live in Florida, in a location that's a several-hour drive from a major cruise port). With the food, entertainment, gym, planned activities, and places to visit, they have created new social groups, and no worries about second home maintenance, taxes, etc. The possibilities - too many choices can be overwhelming - are endless, but once you narrow your "non-negotiables" (for me, it was a new/newer community with a club component, good weather, close to the ocean, an airport within a reasonable driving distance, good medical care, and reasonably flat - I love riding my bike, including to the grocery store). And, we have three adult married children (and six grandchildren) who live in three different cities, so it was also important that they would want to visit us frequently (as well as us visiting them) - and the location we chose and the house we built allows that.
TopRetirements is a wonderful site!
Admin says:
Thanks for information laden Comment Jan. I think you answered a lot of questions here, just like you have done in the past. Glad to have you and so many other great folks as part of this site!
Jan Cullilnane says:
Thanks - this is a terrific site. Thought this was an interesting article for those who have financial restraints: Be like the Golden Girls: https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/golden-girls-approach-buying-homes-together-amid-high-prices-2023-08-17/
Sharon L Alexander says:
Ginger, the Pacific Northwest has changed, like everywhere else in the US. It is warmer here and not as much rain as we used to get. I lived in Seattle for years but moved to the East Coast for a job. However, when I retired I came back here because I love it here. I could no longer afford Seattle so settled in Olympia, about an hour south of Seattle. I agree with someone else who wrote for you to write down 5-10 items that are most important to you and look for them. Where I live is on an earthquake fault but at this point in my life, I don't care. I love it here, even though I am alone. You have to find that place for you.
Peter B. says:
Here's two questions for the price of one. (a) Why is it that we pay Medicare tax our entire lives, and then not only do we continue paying Medicare premiums after retirement, deducted from our Social Security? (b) Related. Why do we then end up paying more in medical bills than people who are working?
Clyde says:
To Peter B: The Medicare tax we pay on earnings is not enough to cover actual medical expenses for all Medicare participants. That’s why the additional charge, (currently $164.90 monthly) is withheld from our SS payments. In answer to your second question, people 65 and over naturally have more medical and health issues, and costs) as they age than younger folks. Nevertheless, some healthy older people go through their senior years without too much in the way of medical bills. I’m thankful for Medicare, even though it does cost us seniors something. Medicare is generally available to those 65 and over without regard to preexisting conditions. That’s important.
Admin says:
As a followup to the second part of Peter's question, most people probably pay a lot less for medical and health insurance bills than working people. Part B and Part D (prescriptions) do cost something (and the higher your income the higher they are), and so does supplemental insurance. But compared to what either your employer or you, if your employer doesn't provide it, pay for health insurance, you are way ahead with Medicare. I think Medicare is great - wish our entire health system was based on it.
Susan S says:
We pay 3% of our taxable income, no cap on the amount, for our entire working year. As little as that may appear, compounded for some 45 years, it’s not chump change. When one takes the part b charge and adds the supplement, and part D, it’s outrageous. Particularly since there should be a considerable amount already paid.
Admin says:
Here is a question that came in from Leslie, along with our answer:
Q: I love your Newsletter. Haven't made my final decision yet but love reading over the many options the Newsletter covers.
I seem to recall several years ago there was a special issue that addressed retirement to European Countries. I can't seem to find it. I'm interested in considering all the nations that speak English as a first language, and also France, EXCLUDING Paris. Can you help steer me?
Thanks for any assistance you can offer.
Leslie T., a dedicated Newsletter reader
------
A: Thanks for your kind comments. I am glad that our site is useful to you.
If you go the Blog there is an International category which has a lot of articles about different countries and expat retirement in general.https://www.topretirements.com/blog-category/international-retirement/
You can also find our mini-retirement guides to many countries under https://www.topretirements.com/state/
(see list under US map)
Lastly, there are city reviews and 55+ communities on this pagehttps://www.topretirements.com/reviews/
Hope this is helpful.