Thinking About a Destination Retirement? Here’s What To Consider

If you’re craving a retirement that feels like a vacation, a destination retirement could be ideal. Many people have fantasized about a life that’s filled with luxury, relaxation and new vistas. A new environment can imbue your life with new meaning and opportunities for exploration and education. 

Many people choose a destination retirement in a rightsized, efficient home. Still, leaving the familiar comforts of your current home can be stressful, and many people have conflicted feelings about moving, so it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before making a big move. Here’s what you should consider when trying to decide on your destination location, type of residence and more.

Where Should You Live? Here’s What To Consider

Retirement is a time of transformation. Choosing the ideal location for your lifestyle gives you the opportunity to redefine your environment to align with your aspirations. Here are some of the most important considerations when deciding on a destination retirement location.

Cost of Living

Tourist destinations that have high-demand amenities can also come with a high cost of living, which could stretch your budget. They may also be more expensive in terms of dining, entertainment and housing, but this is sometimes balanced by lower prices during off-peak seasons. It can help to create a detailed budget that includes living expenses, travel and expenses for amenities you want to participate in while you’re doing your research to make sure you have a smooth experience.

Climate and Lifestyle

Climate is one of the most important considerations because you want to ensure you’re in a comfortable environment that you would enjoy living in each day. Do you prefer warm and sunny environments or places where you’ll experience four distinct seasons? Or do you prefer slightly cooler environments? By answering these questions, you can start to narrow down options for destinations you would be happy living in.

Local Culture and Amenities

Consider activities, culture and amenities you enjoy that you want around you, such as parks, beaches, restaurants, cultural events and golf courses. Considering what activities you want to be involved in can help you be more active, involved and fulfilled once you move to your ideal destination.

Family and Friends

In a destination retirement area, you can become the host you’ve always wanted to be, inviting friends and family to visit you in a gorgeous destination throughout the year. Additionally, if you plan on visiting friends and family throughout the year, it’s important to consider how far away you’ll be from them and how far away you want to be from them.

Access to Health Services

Consider how much time you spend commuting to your doctor and your current access to fitness centers, massage therapists and wellness resources and activities. Then, consider how far away you want to be from these features and from emergency health care services. This information can help you decide what destination is ideal for you and then where you want your residence to be within that area.

What Type of Residence Should You Choose?

Other than deciding which destination you want to live in, one of the most important things to consider is the type of housing you want. Do you want to purchase or rent your residence? You might also consider a senior living or Life Plan Community, many of which are located in popular retirement destinations.  

Purchasing a House, Condo or Apartment

One of the largest things to consider when deciding on a residence is the amount of home maintenance you want to handle. For example, is homeownership an important factor in your decision, or do you want something with less maintenance and more time to take in the local culture, amenities and flexibility to travel? 

In addition to costs such as a mortgage, down payment, property taxes, utility bills, home maintenance, potential homeowners association fees and lawn care, it’s important to consider how homeownership would fit into the vision for your future when it comes to your travel plans and your ideal lifestyle. Being a homeowner can mean there’s potentially a lack of flexibility if circumstances change. 

Renting a House or Apartment

Renting allows a bit more freedom if you don’t want to be tied down to a specific residence. A rental home can have less upkeep and maintenance. You also may not have to worry about handling lawn care, replacing appliances or making other large purchases that can be common with homeownership. 

Many apartment complexes include amenities such as a pool and fitness center and can make it easier to pack up and travel or visit family. Some may also have community events and provide opportunities to make new friends within the community. 

Choosing a Life Plan Community

Many seniors are choosing to spend their retirement within a Life Plan Community. A Life Plan Community offers all-inclusive living in a community setting with a variety of living options.

Life Plan Communities offer independent living residences and access to higher levels of living if you need them on one campus so you can feel secure in planning your future. Many communities offer different housing options for your unique preferences and needs, whether it’s a multibedroom cottage or a studio apartment. 

One of the top benefits of Life Plan Communities is the maintenance-free lifestyle, which offers plenty more time to focus on cultivating your passions, traveling and taking in the local culture. These communities support your new lifestyle, making it easier to travel and make new friends.

What Can Destination Retirement Communities Offer?

When you’re deciding on a destination retirement location and your residential options, you may be wondering what these locations can offer you, especially if you’re considering a Life Plan Community within the destination. 

Travel Flexibility 

Living where other people vacation might be all the travel you want, but what if you crave even more? Life Plan Communities are ideal for travel aficionados because your home is safe and secure, and you’ll never again have to worry about maintenance or housekeeping while you’re away. 

Cost of Living

You could travel while aging in place, eat great meals, enroll in local classes and perhaps even pay for housekeeping and home maintenance. But could you afford it? Life Plan Communities roll everything into one price and offer exceptional amenities in a single luxury location. 

Many residents find they can reduce their monthly expenses by moving to a Life Plan Community compared to what they would pay for the same amenities when living at home.

Social Opportunities

What’s the key ingredient in the recipe for a healthy lifestyle? It’s not necessarily what you eat or how often you move. It’s how robust your social connections are. Social connections are the single most important predictor of long-term health and well-being. Life Plan Communities — where there are plenty of adventurous new people to meet who want to explore your new city — help you expand your social circles.

Better Health

A Life Plan Community can encourage you to become more physically and socially active, supporting you as you work to attain your health goals. Fitness classes, walking trails, pools and group excursions are just a few amenities you can enjoy in a Life Plan Community. Life Plan Communities are designed to support your independence and individual health needs, ensuring that help and higher levels of living are available if you ever need it.

Exploration and Adventure

Embrace the opportunity for new experiences, including exploring local attractions and nature that you may not have had the time or opportunity to enjoy before. The low-maintenance lifestyles Life Plan Communities offer ensure you have plenty of time to focus on whatever brings you the most joy. And with so many experiences accessible to you, you can reduce the expense of participating in fun events while continuing to be spontaneous. 

Abundant Amenities 

The right amenities can greatly improve your quality of life — and even your health. Some of the many amenities you can access in Life Plan Communities include: 

• Fine dining
• Community gardens
• 24/7 support if you want it 
• Green spaces
• Walking trails
• Pools
• Fitness center
• Daily classes and events 
• Peace of mind that should care ever be needed, you have a plan in place

Discover HumanGood’s Communities

HumanGood Life Plan Communities offer a range of unique lifestyles that can make every day feel like a vacation. With an abundance of communities to choose from, you’re sure to find the one that unlocks your dreams for retirement. Some top destination picks are: 

• White Sands La Jolla, a luxury beachfront community in La Jolla, California, features stunning beach views, fine dining and a full suite of lifestyle options.
• Hillside, set in charming McMinnville, Oregon, in Oregon wine country, boasts a wide-open campus with plenty of green space.
• Las Ventanas at Summerlin is 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip and set in the highly desirable suburb of Summerlin, Nevada.
• The Terraces of Boise is located near the Boise River Greenbelt and just minutes from downtown Boise, Idaho.
• The Terraces of Phoenix is a well-established nonprofit Life Plan Community in the perennial favorite retirement destination of Phoenix.

If you’re ready to consider a move, you might be concerned about leaving your home and making a major transition. We’re here for you. Check out our helpful guide, Why Should I Leave My Home? Top 10 Reasons to Consider a Life Plan Community.