Some of my clients operate a business out of their homes, which requires specialized and multi-functional spaces.
Cindy Briggs, an international artist, had very specific needs when we were searching for her home. Watch this month’s Market Minute to learn more about this fascinating woman and how she uses her home as an art gallery, on-line recording studio, and for teaching individual and small group lessons.
Finding just the right home can be a challenge. It is important to be willing to tour many homes, and having an open mind and being flexible will help as well.
Aging seniors and retirees may find newfound enjoyment in learning a new hobby, such as painting. Please visit CindyBriggs.com for more info on art lessons!
Looking to relocate to retire? Where you live can make a big difference on your retirement fund. I found this great info on senioradvice.com. Wyoming tops the list, followed by Virginia, South Dakota, Alabama and Louisiana.
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Most seniors visualize their golden years being filled with relaxation, adventure, and ample time with loved ones. There is no better way to reach this dream than by planning for a financially successful retirement. While diligent planning and the right amount of money are two of the most important things that make a senior’s retirement monetarily successful, there are some states that have better financial environments than others.Using our proprietary data-driven algorithm called SeniorScore™, we have developed a list of the best and the worst states in America for retirement finances. By analyzing over 100 variables, and heavily weighing financial factors such as tax rates, cost of living expenses, average income, and senior living costs, we have ranked the states based on retirement financial planning. Whether seniors already live in one of these states, or are looking for a new place to reside, knowing expense expectations can help seniors make the right decision about their future.
Here is our list of the best and worst states in the U.S. for retirement finances.
The Best States for Retirement Finances
1. Wyoming
Wyoming not only boasts beautiful scenery for retirees, but when it comes to retirement finances, it’s at the top of the list. There are a few reasons why this state, home to Yellowstone national park, is so great for seniors focusing on financial planning:
Services such as adult daycare and nursing home costs are lower than the national average in Wyoming.
Property taxes are significantly lower than the national average.
State sales tax and state income tax are both significantly lower than the national average.
While taxes may be low in this state, it doesn’t mean that residents of Wyoming aren’t making enough to plan for a successful retirement. The average household income in Wyoming is well over $70,000, which is 10% higher than the national average. These financial perks paired with a moderate cost of living can help any senior plan for the retirement that they want.
Virginia is not only for lovers, it’s also the highest ranking state on the SeniorScore™ system when it comes to overall quality of life for seniors. This rank holds true for multiple categories like health and safety, recreation and leisure, and for the finance category as well.
In Virginia, residents enjoy low property and sales taxes. Household income in the Old Dominion State is significantly higher than the national average of $65,000. Costs for senior living are surprisingly low in Virginia, even with the state’s high overall general income. Assisted living, adult daycare, nursing home and home healthcare costs in Virginia, are all much lower. Perhaps these factors are why there are a higher percentage of seniors living in Virginia than in other states.
The home of Mount Rushmore is one of our top-ranking states when it comes to financially planning for retirement. However, when looking at the more than 100 variables calculated for the SeniorScore™ system, South Dakota didn’t fair so well. Although its ranked in the bottom half of the country for overall livability for seniors, one area that the state really shines in is their finances.
Property taxes are low in South Dakota, and many save on income and sales tax. There is a relatively average cost of living in the state, and a low unemployment rate, which can be helpful for seniors looking to work right up until their ideal retirement time. Nursing home costs and adult daycare costs are also much lower than in other states. This is why South Dakota is one of the best in the country when it comes to planning for a financially strong and successful retirement.
Just like with their college football teams, Alabama has a lot to brag about when it comes to their finances for retirees. This is perhaps why 28% of the population of this southeastern state are seniors.
Seniors who plan to retire in the Heart of Dixie can take advantage of low senior living costs, which can make budgeting for retirement expenses even easier.
The average cost of assisted living in Alabama is very low compared to other states.
Nursing home costs come in around $75,000 per year, which is significantly lower than the national average of $92,000.
Those looking for adult daycare in Alabama will find that costs are less than half of the national average.
Home healthcare is also low, around $10,000 less per year on average than the rest of the nation.
Seniors can enjoy all of these benefits paired with an overall low cost of living in Alabama, which can help them stay on track as they create a strong financial future.
Down in Louisiana, along with mounds of crawfish and beignets, residents can enjoy a relatively low cost of living and a handful of financial perks that can make planning for retirement easier. Low property taxes can help seniors save while they plan for retirement. Also, those in the Pelican State pay much less in income tax than other American states.
Relatively average household income amounts help create an environment for success for seniors looking to plan ahead for their retirement in Louisiana. When it comes to working out the numbers for senior living expenses, seniors enjoy very low living costs. These features help make Louisiana a financially sound state for seniors looking to plan a financially successful retirement.
With its mild winters and warm sunny beaches, California may seem like a great place to retire. However, there is more to the Sunshine State than its weather. California is actually the number one worst state on our list for seniors who want to retire, based on its financial landscape.
Both property and sales taxes are higher in California, not to mention that state income tax is more than the average in the rest of the country. Californians face an extremely high unemployment rate and a cost of living that is much higher than the national average as well. Assisted living costs, adult daycare costs and home healthcare costs in California are significantly higher than they are in the rest of the country. Seniors looking for nursing homes can also expect to pay around $10,000 more a year for this type of care in California.
These features have made California a very difficult place financially for seniors to retire. While it isn’t impossible to reach a financially secure retirement in the Golden State, adults should plan to face an uphill battle when planning for their financial future.
Rhode Island is another state that ranks in the bottom half of the country on our overall list of states ranked by their SeniorScore™. While there are issues with multiple categories that caused it to rank poorly, its financial landscape makes it one of the worst for seniors looking to retire.
Taxes are one of the major considerations that caused the Ocean State to be on our list of the worst states financially for seniors. Property and sales taxes are above the national average. Meanwhile, the state faces issues with an overall high cost of living and a high unemployment rate.
When it comes to affording senior care, residents of Rhode Island will need to plan ahead for expensive senior living services. The average assisted living community costs around $64,00 per year, which is more than $20,000 per year than the national average. Nursing home costs are around $10,000 more a year and home healthcare costs are also significantly higher. With costs like this for retirees in Rhode Island, it should come as no surprise that the state has a very low percentage of seniors who call this area home.
When SeniorScore™ ranked its Best and Worst States for Seniors, New York didn’t get much love. The home of the Big Apple is one of the worst states for seniors due to its health and safety, recreation, and finance rankings. The financial situation of New York has made it one of the most difficult states for seniors to retire. Property taxes and state income taxes in New York are very high when compared to the national average. Plus, property taxes average 5.15% of total income in New York, which is almost double the national average.
The cost of living in New York is very high, which could be why there isn’t a large percentage of seniors living in the state. While assisted living and home healthcare costs are high, it is nursing home costs that will really cause retired seniors to penny pinch. The cost of nursing home care is typically around $92,000 per year and it costs, on average, a staggering $129,000 per year in New York. Adult daycare is also more per year in this state than it is in the rest of the country. With numbers like this, it is easy to see why New York made our list of one of the worst states for seniors when it comes to retirement finances.
In Illinois, high property taxes, income taxes and sales taxes all add up for seniors looking to plan a financially successful retirement. These tax amounts are well over the national average, in a state that already has issues with high unemployment rates:
Property taxes of total income are almost double the national average in Illinois.
Property taxes in Illinois are around 1.70% of the property value but only approximately 1.09% for the national average.
The average sales tax in Illinois is significantly higher than most states in the U.S.
There are less seniors living in this Midwestern state, which could be because of the high overall cost of living and high senior care costs. Assisted living costs in particular are significantly more than in other states. These fiscal policies and high expenditures in Illinois make it one of the worst in the country for those planning to retire.
Maine is another state that made the SeniorScore™ list of The Best and Worst States for Seniors. When viewing the financial issues in the state, it should come as no surprise why it was ranked among the worst in the country. Property taxes in Maine are higher than they are in the rest of the country, while the average state income tax is also higher. The average household income is lower, yet the cost of living is very high, making it difficult for savers to reach their retirement goals.
Seniors can also expect to pay a lot more when it comes to their senior living expenses, since assisted living, nursing home care and home healthcare costs are significantly higher in the state. However, it is adult daycare that is truly expensive for those living in Maine. While most of the country pays around $18,000 per year for this service, those in Maine pay around $29,000 for this care. The finances in Maine can make it difficult for even the most diligent planners to reach their retirement goals.
I recently sat down with a new client who is interested in buying a home in Utah County. When we went over what they are looking for in a home, one of their desires was the ability to raise chickens and bees on their property. Each city has different rules when it comes to animals in residential areas, so I went to work to find out which cities allow chickens and bees, especially in residential areas.
The number of chickens allowed on a property depend on the size of the lot. The larger the lot, the more chickens that are allowed: 5,000 square feet: 2 chickens; 7,000 square feet: 3 chickens; 8,000 square feet: 4 chickens; 9,000 square feet: 5 chickens; 10,000 square feet: 6 chickens; 20,000 square feet: 10 chickens; 30,000 square feet: 12 chickens. See city codes 22-6-10 C for more information on raising chickens in Orem.
Vineyard
Since Vineyard is a newly established town, they do not have actual written city codes concerning chickens and bees. When I talked to Morgan Brim, Vineyard Community Development Director, he said that most animals are allowed in agricultural areas. Chickens and bees are unofficially allowed (because there is no city code that prohibits it) in residential areas. In regard to bees though, Brim noted that because of the large populations of mayflies and mosquitos, the city regularly sprays for bugs in residential areas and that may affect bees.
Provo
Chickens and bees are allowed in Provo city, but there are size and other regulations. Provo codes states that up to five bee hives are allowed on side or rear lots that are larger than 5,000 square feet. Lots that are one-half acre or larger can have up to ten bee hives. All beekeepers must be registered with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. It is also important to be aware of the placement of the hives and their flying patterns. If hives are located close to a property line or public access areas, then flyaway barriers must be in place and secured. Read more in section 8.03 of Provo city codes.
Chickens are allowed in residential areas if the sole purpose is to produce eggs. The number of chickens allowed depends on the size of the lot, but it can vary from two to six. Limitations and other maintenance guidelines are outlined in section 8.02.190 of Provo city codes.
Springville
Springville recently updated their city zoning codes to allow bees. The number of colonies allowed depends on the size of the lot. For properties smaller than half an acres, five colonies are allowed. Properties larger than half an acre can have 10 colonies. In agricultural zones, any number of bee colonies are allowed. There are specific rules regarding the housing, equipment, and raising of bees, so read over Article 9 in section 3-7 of city codes.
Spanish Fork allows chickens in residential areas based on the size of the lot. Chickens are not allowed on lots less than 5,000 square feet in size. Up to six chickens are allowed on lots that are at least 5,000 square feet. To raise chickens in Spanish Fork, a permit must be obtained and specific coop and upkeep regulations must be followed. For more information, see section 6.20 of Spanish Fork city codes.
Photo Credit: Cowgirl Jules, Flickr. com
The animal control department of Spanish Fork says that bees are allowed as long as they do not cause problems within residential areas. Residents should contact animal control to make sure they comply with rules regarding raising bees within city limits.
With Utah Valley University, Brigham Young University, and numerous tech and trade schools, Utah county is populated with young students and families looking to rent rather than buy. There is a high demand for rental properties, so if you and your family are interested in renting out a property, Utah Valley is a great place to do so.
Each city has strict rental regulations so make sure you properly research and understand all of the restrictions and requirements for rental properties. This article will focus on Provo, Utah, in terms of its rental dwelling regulations as set forth by Provo city statutes.
Understanding Rental Dwellings and When a License is Required
A rental dwelling is a portion or entire building that is designated to be rented, loaned, leased, or hired out by any amount of people for any time period longer than one month. Renting out a unit for less than a month is considered a short-term rental dwelling and has different requirements. It’s important to understand that even if you do not charge tenants rent, if the owner doesn’t live at the property, then it is still considered a rental property and requires a rental license.
Situations Where a Rental License Isn’t Required
There are a few situations in which Provo city doesn’t require a rental license. No license is required if a property is usually occupied by the owner but is temporarily rented because the owner is in the hospital, a nursing home, or an assisted living facility. Licenses are also not required if an owner temporary leaves and rents out a property because of temporary job assignments, sabbaticals, or voluntary service. Lastly, an accessory apartment in an owner-occupied one family dwelling is not considered a rental property and doesn’t require a license.
How to Apply to Rent a Property
Applications for a rental license are filled out online through the Provo city website. Rental licenses are $20 for a single unit and $60 for more than one unit, such as a duplex.
Once you apply for a rental license and pay the license fee, Provo’s zoning division reviews the application and makes sure the property meets all the license requirements, such as the safety and health requirements.
Rental Dwelling Safety and Health Requirements
Rental properties have to meet certain safety and health requirements.
The property must have structural integrity; proper installation, maintenance and operational condition of all plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems; appropriate exiting; properly constructed and located stairways; appropriate bedroom egress windows, including proper sill height and size of window openings and window wells for basement rooms; minimum bedroom floor area; adequate guardrails; proper backflow prevention devices; appropriately located and operational smoke alarms; watertight and sound roofing systems; fire-rated separation between dwelling units; and properly placed street addressing. There are also parking requirements for any rental dwelling.
If you apply for a rental license and are denied because the property doesn’t meet the safety and health regulations, Provo city will provide you a list of corrections to bring your property into compliance. Once those are corrected, you can reapply for a rental license.
Rental Licenses Length and Restrictions
All rental licenses expire on July 31 of each year, but you can renew for as long as you want and as long as the property meets all the rental regulations. Renewal notices are typically mailed out the end of July.
Licenses are not transferable, so if you end up moving or selling the property, you have to contact the business license official within thirty days after selling the property, and the new owner has to apply for their own rental license if they also wish to rent out the property.
Another option for rental income is to create an accessory apartment in your home. Please keep in mind that these are closely regulated and require city approval and adherence to safety and parking guidelines. Please check with your city planning office to learn their specific guidelines.
Renting, especially in Utah County and Provo in particular, can be a great investment opportunity. Make sure you understand all that is required so you and your tenants can enjoy the experience of renting.
Trying to decide where to downsize and retire? Here’s Forbes’ list of its 2016 Top-25 cities (in alphabetical order). Ranking as a good place to retire was baed on several factors, including: economy, cost of living, median cost of homes, climate, air quality, scenery, medical services, crime rates, tax rates, and more.
Abilene, Texas
West Texas outpost, population 120,000, 150 miles west of Fort Worth. PROS: Robust economy, cost of living 17% below national average. Median home price $156,000 (national median: $213,000). Low rate of violent crime. High number of doctors per capita, extremely high rank on Milken Institute list of best cities for successful aging. Warm climate. Good air quality. Home to seven colleges. CON: Not very walkable. NOTED: Average state tax climate for retirees. On list last year. TRIVIA: Named for Abilene, Kan.
Apache Junction, Arizona
Growing suburb of 37,000 toward eastern end of Phoenix metro area. PROS: Good economy, cost of living 6% below national average. Good tax climate for retirees. Median home price $129,000. Low violent crime rate. Scenic terrain, including Superstition Mountain. Warm climate. CONS: Not very walkable, lackluster air quality. NOTED: Average physicians per capita. New to list. TRIVIA:Named for intersection with stagecoach route Apache Trail.
Athens, Georgia
Classic college town (University of Georgia) of 120,000 70 miles east of Atlanta. PROS: Good economy. Cost of living 1% below U.S. average, median home price $145,000. Low serious crime rate. Extremely high Milken aging rank and walkability index. Good air quality. Warm climate. Good state tax climate for retirees. CON: None. NOTED: Average doctors per capita. On list last year.TRIVIA: Birthplace, in 1891, of America’s first garden club.
Bella Vista, Arkansas
Scenic Ozarks foothill town of 28,000 in northwest corner of Arkansas. PROS: Cost of living 12% below national average, median home price $127,000. Good economy. Very low serious crime rate. High number of doctors per capita, good rank on Milken best-aging list. Good air quality, warm climate. CON: Not very walkable. NOTED: Average state tax climate for retirees, New to list.TRIVIA: Originally a summer resort town.
Blacksburg, Virginia
A college town (Virginia Tech) of 44,000 in southwestern tail of Virginia. PROS: Economically robust. Median home price $230,000. Above average air quality. Low crime rate. High Milken aging rank. Somewhat walkable. CONS: None. NOTED: Cost of living 2% above national average. Average state tax climate for retirees and doctors per capita. Mild climate. On list last year.TRIVIA: Named two centuries ago for town’s founder.
Bluffton, South Carolina
Coastal village of 14,000 in South Carolina’s Low County west of Hilton Head and northeast of Savannah. PROS: Good economy, good state tax climate for retirees. Median home price $226,000. Warm climate, good air quality. Low serious crime rate. Highly walkable. CON: Cost of living 7% above national average. NOTED: Average doctors per capita. On list in 2014. TRIVIA: Town was early hotbed of secession sentiment before Civil War.
Brevard, North Carolina
Scenic town of 8,000, set amid waterfalls and mountains south of Asheville. PROS: Good economy. Cost of living 1 % below national average. Median home price $206,000. Above-average doctors per capita. Good climate and air quality. Low serious crime rate. CONS: Not very walkable. NOTED:Average state tax climate for retirees. On list in 2014. TRIVIA: Annual White Squirrel Festival in May celebrates unusual local rodents.
Cape Coral, Florida
Sun-drenched city of 166,000 set along Gulf of Mexico, near Fort Myers. PROS: Strong economy. Cost of living 4% below national average. Median home price $210,000. Low serious crime rate. Good weather and air quality. CONS: Low walkability, low Milken aging rank. NOTED: Average state tax climate for retirees. Average physicians per capita. On list last year. TRIVIA: City’s 400 miles of canals may be most in the world.
Clermont, Florida
Inland city of 30,000 west of Orlando. PROS: Strong economy. Median home price $215,000. Good weather, good air quality. Low serious crime rate. CONS: Low Milken aging index, not very walkable. NOTED: Average state tax climate for retirees, average doctors per capita. Cost of living 2% above national average. New to list. TRIVIA: Local landmark is 226-foot-tall Florida Citrus Tower.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Scenic outdoor playground of 440,000 population in shadow of Pikes Peak 60 miles south of Denver. PROS: Good economy, cost of living at national average. Median home price $243,000. Brisk weather, good air quality. Above-average Milken aging rank, high marks for volunteering. Very bikeable. CONS: Low walkability. NOTED: Average doctors per capital, serious crime rate, state tax climate for retirees. On list last year. TRIVIA: Breakfast food shredded wheat was invented in Colorado Springs.
Columbia, Missouri
Multiple-college town (University of Missouri, Stephens College, Columbia College) of 115,000 halfway between St. Louis and Kansas City. PROS: Strong economy, cost of living 5% below national norm, average home price $171,000. Abundant doctors per capita, top ranking on Milken aging list. Good bicycle environment. CONS: Weather subject to extremes, not very walkable.NOTED: Average state tax climate for retirees. On list last year. TRIVIA: Location every year of National Rifle Association’s Bianchi Cup pistol competition.
Corvallis, Oregon
Scenic college town (Oregon State) of 57,000, located 85 miles south of Portland. PROS: Robust economy. Abundant doctors per capita. Low serious crime rate. Good air quality. High Milken aging index. Moderately walkable. Moderate climate. CONS: Cost of living 21% above national average (highest on this list). NOTED: Median home price $280,000. Average state tax climate for retirees.TRIVIA: Name is Latin for “heart of the valley.”
Fargo, North Dakota
North Dakota’s largest city, population 116,000, facing Minnesota on the north-flowing Red River of the North. PROS: Top-ranked economy. Cost of living 2% below national average, median home price $192,000. High number of doctors per capita, high marks on Milken aging index. Good air quality. High rank for volunteering culture. Somewhat walkable. CONS: Cold winters. NOTED:Average state tax climate for retirees and average serious crime rate. Repeat spot on this list.TRIVIA: Named after a founder of Wells Fargo.
Grand Prairie, Texas
Strategically located suburb of 183,000 between Dallas and Fort Worth. PROS: Booming economy, cost of living 3% below national average, median home price $146,000. Above-average doctors per capita. Good grade on Milken aging index. Good air quality. Warm climate. Low serious crime rate. Good environment for volunteering. CON: Not very walkable. NOTED: Average state tax climate for retirees. New to list. TRIVIA: City’s original name was Dechman.
Largo, Florida
Balmy Florida town of 80,000 between Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay west of Tampa. PROS:Strong economy, cost of living 13% below national average, median home price $150,000. Warm climate, good air quality. Above-average doctors per capita. Somewhat walkable. CONS: Low Milken aging list rank. NOTED: Average serious crime rate, average state tax climate for retirees. New to list. TRIVIA: Named for a lake that no longer exists.
Lexington, Kentucky
“Horse Capital of the World” and college town (University of Kentucky, Transylvania University) of 308,000 in middle of Kentucky. PROS: Strong economy, cost of living 5% less than U.S. average, typical home price $152,000, good tax environment. Moderate climate. Numerous physicians per capita, high Milken aging rank, good air quality. High marks for walkability. Low serious crime rate.CONS: None. TRIVIA: Named for Lexington, Mass.
Lincoln, Nebraska
Heady mix of state capital and college town (University of Nebraska) of 270,000 50 miles southwest of Omaha. PROS: Decent economy, cost of living 10% below national average, typical home price $158,000. Above-average air quality, high doctors per capital, high Milken aging rank. Low serious crime rate. Somewhat walkable. CONS: Poor state tax climate for retirees, weather extremes. NOTED:On list last year. TRIVIA: Home of U.S.’s only one-house state legislature.
Meridian, Idaho
High-desert suburb of 85,000 just west of Boise. PROS: Good economy, median home price $203,000. Above-average air quality, high Milken aging rank. Low serious crime rate. Surprisingly moderate climate. Good tax climate for retirees. High volunteering culture. CONS: Cost of living 7% above national average. Not very walkable. NOTED: Average doctors per capita. New to list. TRIVIA:Named for north-south survey line running through city.
Mount Airy, North Carolina
Scenic rural town of 10,000 in the rolling Piedmont terrain of northwestern North Carolina 35 miles from Winston-Salem. PROS: Cost of living 8% below national average, median home price $126,000. Above-average doctors per capita. Good weather and air quality. Highly walkable. CONS: So-so economy.NOTED: Average serious-crime rate, state tax climate for retirees. New to list.TRIVIA: Home town of actor Andy Griffith and model for “Mayberry” in “The Andy Griffith Show.”
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Big-city college town (Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, Chatham University) of 306,000. PROS: Cost of living 16% below national average, median home price $140,000. High doctors per capita and Milken aging rank. Good ratings for bicycling, walkability and volunteerism. CONS: Cold winters, higher serious crime rate. NOTED: Average state tax climate for retirees. On list last year. TRIVIA: Internet emoticon : – ) invented by Carnegie Mellon scientist.
San Marcos, Texas
Gracious riverfront college town (Texas State University) of 55,000, suburb of Austin, 35 miles to the northeast. PROS: Strong economy, cost of living 8% below national average, median home price $193,000. Warm climate, above-average air quality. Low serious crime rate. High Milken aging rank. CONS: None. NOTED:Average state tax climate for retirees. Average doctors per capita. TRIVIA: Lyndon Johnson graduated from Texas State.
Smyrna, Tennessee
Thriving suburb 25 miles southeast of Nashville. PROS: Strong economy, cost of living 9% below national average, median home price $159,000. Good weather and air quality, high Milken aging rank. Sufficient doctors per capita. Low serious-crime rate. CON: Not very walkable. NOTED: Average state tax climate for retirees. New to list. TRIVIA: Biggest employer is giant Nissan plant.
Traverse City, Michigan
Pretty, water-oriented resort town of 15,000 near the top of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. PROS: Solid economy, cost of living 2% below national average, median home price $166,000. Above-average doctors per capita. Good air quality. Low serious crime rate. Highly walkable. CONS: Cold winters (average snowfall: 80 inches). NOTED: Average state tax climate for retirees. New to list. TRIVIA: Self-styled “cherry capital of the world.”
The Villages, Florida
Senior-citizen-oriented town of 51,000, 60 miles northwest of Orlando. PROS:Decent economy. Good weather and air quality, lower serious crime rate. CONS:Not very walkable. Median home price $260,000. NOTED: Cost of living 4% above national average. Average doctors per capita. New to list. TRIVIA: Began as a mobile home development named Orange Blossom Gardens.
Walla Walla, Washington
60,000-population capital of wine country and college town (Whitman College, Walla Walla University) in southeastern Washington State. PROS: Strong economy, median home price $210,000. Above-average doctors per capita, low serious crime rate. Good weather and air quality. Somewhat walkable. CONS: Poor state tax climate for retirees. NOTED: More than 100 wineries in area. Cost of living 3% above national average. TRIVIA: City name was that of local tribe.
Choosing where to downsize can be a challenge. Here are three helpful areas to consider when you or a family member is thinking about downsizing.
Location – Is it close to friends, family, your doctor, and stores?
Energy Efficiency – Most people downsize partly to save money. Checkout what the average utility costs are before buying. You don’t want any budget busters after you move in.
Shared Amenities – Is yard work taken care of with the HOA fees? Does the development offer shared transportation to common destinations?
The following article offers excellent insights into these three areas.
