Cheap Places to Retire

Many senior citizens are searching for cheap places to retire. Unless you’ve been planning your retirement location for years, finding affordable housing in an area you love can be tricky. Here’s what you need to consider.

Questions to Consider

No matter how diligently you’ve planned, there will always be surprises as you begin the retirement phase of your life. Finding cheap places to retire involves more than just finding the least expensive form of housing. Consider the following questions as you make your retirement plans.

• What type of housing do you want? Do you want a large or a small home? Would you prefer a condo or maybe an apartment? Do you like the idea of a retirement home?
• In what area of the country would you like to live? The South has always been a popular retirement area, along with the Southwest, but there are bargains to be found in the North and even the East if these areas are your preference.
• How active do you want to be in your community? Are you a small town type, or do you prefer the quieter life of the country? Do you crave big city living?
• How close to your family do you want to live? This is certainly an issue to consider as you make your retirement plans.

Making Plans

Once you've answered some of these basic questions, you can begin your search for cheap places to retire. Finding a location that is affordable may mean that you need to leave the area in which you live. Whether that means you have to move to a neighboring town or across the country depends upon your personal situation.

• Consider small towns. In most cases, small towns will be more economical than large cities. Don't overlook small towns in your area or in other parts of your state if you really don't want to move very far. One of the best ways to find out if there is affordable housing in a particular town is to look at the classified section of the newspaper and pick up a real estate guide from any real estate agency in that town. You may be able to access listings online for a particular location as well.
• Visit the area. While Internet and magazine listings can certainly give you an idea of the price range for various homes, taking a trip to the area will enlighten you as well. Drive the neighborhood streets, stop by local coffee shops and restaurants, and even browse the aisles of a grocery store to see what is available and how items are priced.
• Consider taxes. As you plan your budget and search for housing, don't overlook the role that taxes may play in your decision. You may find that housing in an area is somewhat reasonable, but taxes may be out of sight. This is certainly something to consider. Property taxes, sales taxes, and even personal taxes can affect a budget.

Cheap Places to Retire

There are numerous sites that publish a list of economical retirement areas. Don't limit yourself to these, however. If there is a city or state that you are curious about, check it out! If your first choice appears too expensive, visit some of the areas that are farther out. The following websites will get you started.

• Next Decade
• CNN Money
• Senior Ark
• Real Estate Journal

Finally, keep in mind that finding the perfect retirement location won't come overnight, but it will happen if you make your plans and research your options.

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