As baby boomers, we have always gone through life knowing that countless other Americans were sharing experiences very similar to our own. We felt this way when we stepped onto college campuses in the 1970s, when we had children in the 1980s, and when we sent those children away to college in the last decade. Now, boomers have a new shared experience looming on the horizon: retirement.

Most of us have been planning for retirement for years. We have savings accounts, a sense of our post-career plans, and a person with whom we want to spend those twilight years. But even the most well-planned of us are still faced with one key decision, a decision that we hesitate to make: should we retire in our hometowns, where we have lived and worked for years, or should we somewhere distant, warmer, and more senior-friendly?

Destination retirements have been popular for decades, but contrary to common perception, just as many retirees choose to stay in New York and Chicago as those who flock to Palm Springs, San Diego, and Boca Raton. What, then, is the right path for you and your spouse?

If you have been asking yourself this question recently, here are a few considerations you may want to keep in mind:

Affordability

Due to the economic climate and the decline in the stock market, many of us are approaching retirement with less money saved than we had originally planned. Consequently, price and affordability should certainly factor into your decision. But this does not mean that a destination retirement is the more expensive option, especially if you currently live in a major metropolitan area. So before you decide to stay put and seek out title loans in AZ, MD, or NJ, consider this: while a retirement community in California may be more expensive than one in Ohio, there are numerous college towns across the South that offer affordable living, pleasant climates, and excellent access to healthcare and cultural events. If you’re looking to be more frugal in your retirement, leaving the big city and eschewing the popular senior destinations may help you drastically reduce your costs – and can do so while still providing you with a destination retirement.

Family

Beside inertia and financial concerns, family is the element that most often keeps retirees in their hometowns. Even despite today’s highly mobile society, a large percentage of Americans still live in close proximity to family members, whether they be children, cousins, siblings, or elderly parents. If you have a strong family grounding it’s hard to leave all this behind. In light of this, your retirement decision should certainly take family into account. Ask yourself: Do I still have strong familial ties to the place I live? Would I be able to regularly see loved ones, even if I choose a destination retirement? How important is family proximity compared to other factors, such as weather, cultural opportunities, and affordability?

Interests

As we approach retirement, we simultaneously approach the point in our lives where we are no longer defined by our jobs and our careers. Similarly, we will now have time on our hands to pursue other interests – interests that will surely come to define us. The unique interests you hold, personal plans you have, and activities you plan to pursue should fundamentally factor into your retirement decision. If you enjoy big city culture, a retirement community may not be your best bet, even if the climate there is better. If you seek a social scene that is highly senior-friendly in focus and in nature, urban anonymity and small town life are probably options to avoid. And if want to partake in outdoor activities, make sure that you retire somewhere close to nature. Your place of residence is no longer burdened by your career; consequently, it’s time to pursue your interests.

Keep these considerations in mind when you go about making that decision – the decision of where to retire and spend the rest of your life. While every place has its own pros and cons, it’s important to arrive at a decision – and to live somewhere – that will ultimately make you happy.

Choosing a retirement home for yourself or an elderly loved one is never an easy job. It can be mentally and emotionally draining to reach the decision that it’s time for yourself or a loved one to have to give up some of their independence. Actually choosing a place and having to pack up and move is a strain as well. But finding the right place, and knowing that you or your loved one will be better taken care of and safe is the best decision.

Options

There are many options for senior or retirement living. From retirement communities, to assisted living facilities, to full nursing homes, taking the time to visit each and think about which option is best short and long term is very important. If the senior in question is in good mental health, involve them in the decision and ask them what they prefer.

• Retirement community – This type of facility is generally a closed or private community where all residents are age 55 or older. A retirement community can offer the peace and quiet that seniors desire, and the comfort of having many same aged seniors who might have similar interests nearby. Often there are activities organized by the community to keep neighbors active and involved.
• Assisted Living Facilities - This type of living is still very independent but can have the benefits of the security of a close neighborhood and people watching out for one another.of the benefits of a nursing home. Seniors live independently in their own apartments but have 24 hour access to security, medical aid, and general support. Often times there are not full kitchens in these facilities, just some small appliances, because meals are served daily in a common room or area of the community. Assisted living allows seniors independence with the security of nearby support.
• Nursing Home – A nursing home can provide a place to live and care for less independent or medically challenged seniors. In a Nursing Home, residents typically live in a room within a facility. There is 24 hour staffed medical care and other forms of assistance such people to clean the rooms and provide the meals. This is the least independent of the options.

Making a Choice

Consider the retirement living options available and visit many. Tour the facilities so you can make an informed choice about which option might be best. Watch for things while you tour, not just what they tell you, but what you see and the feeling you get. Notice things like if the residents appear to be active and happy. Are they sitting alone or are staff and or other residents interacting with them? Check for cleanliness of the facility and the overall condition.

Think about choosing a facility that is near relatives and friends so that people can visit often and check in on things. Also consider the cost and be sure that financially, you will be able to afford the facility you choose long term.

photo credit: Mait Jüriado

In the golden years, many baby boomers flock to their dream retirement locations.   Times have changed.  Retirements have been postponed due to untimely cracking of nest eggs that were supposed to fund these years.  If you are still looking to buy an affordable vacation home, then you might want to consider these four locations.  The housing bubble pops painfully in many popular second homes areas and these are no exception. Median values fell 10% to 20% in the past year alone and are expected to bottom in the next 12 months.   These retirement locations might have your diamond in the rough….

1. Borrego Springs, California. Median home, $236,000.

What It’s Like:This desert community near San Diego sits in the middle of a 600,000 acre Anza-Borrego  State Park. There’s hundreds of miles and trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The De Anza Country Club and the Gated Montesoro development, which had the most historic homes.

If you go on frequent San Diego vacations, acquiring a vacation house there may not be such a bad idea at all.

2. Cripple Creek, Colorado. Median home, $133,000.

What’s it’s like: Near the foot of Pikes Peak, the historic mining town is near great hiking along the American Discovery Trail, plus fishing in the near by Platte River. Scout Cripple Creek Mountain Estates, a planned community that still has building lots available.

3. Hyannis, Massachusetts. Median home, $244,000.

What’s it’s like: You don’t have to be a Kennedy to afford a purchase in this picture perfect Cape Cod town, which boasts four Nantucket town beaches within walking distance of shops. Check out homes surrounding Hyannis  downtown, many of which have been upgraded recently.

4. Montague , Michigan. Median home, $104,000.

What’s it’s like: Popular with Chicago-ians for beauty and affordable prices. Montabeau, above White Lake, which connects to Lake Michigan and it’s broad sandy beaches. Check out Lake side property, prices there have fallen the most and already expected to rebound first.

In our journey to discover the best places to “Retire by the Water” we went from hot, to not quite as hot, to moderately cool, to make ice cubes on your frozen deck without a freezer.  Let’s face it, after St. Joseph, MI. everything looks hot.  Sorry, I’m for thawing out a little.  Our next location is 48 miles from Austin, 86 miles from San Antonio, 123 miles from Waco, and just a little over 200 miles from Dallas and Houston.  “Deep in the Heart of Texas!”  Warm enough for ya?  We’re talking Marble Falls, TX.  Heard of it?

Hill Country in Texas

Lake Marble Falls is the fourth of seven lakes in the Highland Lakes string of lakes on the Colorado river.  It is located in the what they call the Central Texas Hill Country.  The dam that was built to create the lake in 1951 submerged the falls that the place was named for.  Texas Hill Country rivers, lakes, and streams throughout the area offer the serenity of trickling water.  Some say that one of the great things about Marble Falls is that it is quiet enough to hear it.  Marble Falls Lake is almost six miles long and 1080 feet wide in the widest area.  Along with water there are beautiful rock cliffs with a variety of colorful vegetation.  And there is more.

Affordability?

Home prices are affordable by most standards averaging $250,000 near the water.  Property taxes are a little high but, the state doesn’t take any income taxes.  There is a new regional medical center slated to open in a few years.  See the Profile click here.

What is there to do?

CNN Money says it ”remains a hospitable little place with a whole lot of comfort, food, country music, and cowboy character”.  The area has plenty of entertainment, shopping, boating, golf, and much more.  With all the rivers, lakes, streams, and hills, it can be also be a great place to take a relaxing days drive.  It is close enough to the cities of Austin and San Antonio.  They are only a little over an hour away.  Waco, Houston, and Dallas are not out of range.  All are within 2 to 4 hours.

Weather / Climate

If you are looking for moderate year round temperatures better look somewhere else.  Overall, the weather can be nice most of the time.  Winters are great but, it will get hot in the summer!  Temperatures in the Summer will often exceed 100 degrees but the lake will help relieve them.  If you can’t stand the heat get out of Texas.  Occasional heavy rains can cause flooding in low lying areas.

The Advantages

Small town hospitality. Located in Central Texas close enough to major cities.  Very affordable.   Weather is great most of the year.  Great place to get break from the cold in the winter.  Quiet living by the water with plenty to keep you interested!  Plenty of beauty and serenity.

The Disadvantages

Gets hot.  Temperatures often exceed 100 degrees in the summer.  As in many Texas locations, occasional heavy rains can cause flooding.  See picture.

The Verdict

One of the top six I’m not sure, but overall I like it!  I don’t mind the heat and I love the Lake.  Affordable!  I say find a little high ground and enjoy the water!  I give it a two thumbs up!  If it were closer to my grandson I would consider it myself!  I rank it right up there with Beaufort, SC.

Ready to get away? Find great beach destinations at hotels.com.

Related Articles:

1. Retire by The Water – Dunedin, FL.
2. Retire by The Water – Beaufort, SC.
3. Retire by The Water – Sequim, WA.
4. Retire on The Water – St. Joseph, MI.

Personal experience in choosing retirement Locations.

I remember when I left the company I worked for for 33+ years and had not quite yet decided to retire.  I was testing the waters for nice locations that I could continue my career and eventually retire.  I was approached by recruiters on more than one occasion to relocate to this exact area.  I thought they were nuts and would not even consider an interview.   A couple of my friends also actually moved to the Benton Harbor/ St. Joe area  when they relocated to Whirlpool Corporate Headquarters.   They stayed just long enough to get another job before they had to survive the next winter.  But, let’s try to be fair and visit St. Joe anyway!

Welcome to St. Joseph Michigan

One of the first things mentioned on the  the Home  Page for City of St. Joseph is that it is only 90 miles from Chicago.  That doesn’t sound real encouraging!  St. Joseph, also known as St. Joe, is a deep water port town that is part of a chain of small towns stretching in an arc along the southern portion of Lake Michigan.  It is a community of 8,800 people within the larger Benton Harbor/ St. Joseph area of 162,000 people.   The St. Joseph Lighthouse stands in the middle of the port activities.  Some call  St. Joe “The Riviera of the Midwest”.   I haven’t quite figured out that connection yet.  Take a tour!

According to Newsweek Showcase.com, ” Given Michigan’s reputation as a land of harsh winter weather, it is safe to assume that it will never be a destination of choice for retirees desiring to live in a warmer, more hospitable climate”  It goes on to say, “While the seniors migrating to Michigan to spend their retirement years may be minimal, there are obviously substantial numbers, in fact the vast majority of Michigan residents, who, upon retirement, choose to remain here, either to take advantage of the affordable cost of livng or remain close to family and friends”.  I guess if you decide you have to stay in Michigan, compared to the rest of the state, St. Joe ain’t so bad!

Things to do?

Golf – Summer only.  There are several golf courses in the area.  I actually played a few of them myself.  Every golf course I played in Michigan was green and lush and in very good condition.  I was told they all stay that way because they don’t get the extended play throughout the year due to the weather.  Fishing – good.  Water skiing – you are kidding, we are talking retirees!  Shoveling snow – plenty to keep you busy!

The Weather!

Weather in the winter Blows!  Today is Monday January 12, 2009.  The forecast for the rest of the week in St. Joe is best summarized as this follows:

The Positive Side … this Publicity Picture!

I was considering leaving this space blank!  But, living is affordable.  If you don’t want to be bothered by unwanted visitors most of the year, it could be a good place to retire.  If you are from Michigan and plan to stay, it is one of the best places to retire in the state.  If you need to make a little money on the side,  in the winter you can shovel snow!

And finally,  If you are a strong believer in Global warming, it may be the place to retire … in a few thousand years!

The Negative Side … the rest of the pictures!

Too cold more than half the time!  Read all of the above!

Summary

Retire on the water!  St. Joseph, Michigan?  You gotta be kiddin! … Not Me!

I’m not saying it is the worst place to retire on the water, but it is definitely not one of the top 6 or 6000.  In fact, I love the water, and if I owned a home there and was  getting ready to retire, I would probably sell it and move to Florida , South Carolina or anywhere else I could enjoy the water at least half the time.  Or, maybe that’s just Me!  Papa B.

Also Read:

If Michigan is too cold, consider retiring in a foreign country.  Fellow baby boomer blogger Go To Retirement shares about retiring in Panama.  Check it out!

Related Acticles:

1. Retire by The Water – Dunedin, FL.
2. Retire by The Water – Beaufort, SC.
3. Retire by The Water – Sequim, WA.
4. Retire on The Water – Marble Falls TX.

So far we visited Dunedin, FL and Beaufort, SC as two of the top six places to retire on the water.  If these first two locations didn’t catch your eye, our third just might.  Just 3,048 miles from Beaufort and 3,236 miles from Dunedin is our third place of interest.  It offers coastal living, majestic mountains, and no hurricanes.  If you really don’t like the east coast lifestyle, or you are concerned about the threat of tropical weather you just might love retirement in Sequim, Washington.  Try a Virtual Tour!

West Coast Living for Boomers

Sequim, (pronounced “skwim”) lies in the Dungeness Valley, between the serene waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains.  Its natural beauty may be unsurpassed.  It has small town charm with big city amenities.  In addition to large retail shops and coffee shops, you will find antiques, gallaries, murals, and restaurants ranging from five star establishments to roadside stands.  In the Sequim Open Aire Market local growers sell produce and artisans sell their handcrafted items.  You can pick your own berries, dig clams, and don’t forget Sequim is famous for their Dungeness crab.

What is there for a Boomer to do?

Sequim has three local golf courses, boat launches, public beaches and offers biking, kayaking and much more.  If you prefer just bring your binoculars and enjoy the majestic beauty.  It is just about a half hour from the ferry to Victoria, British Columbia or an hour and a half from the Seattle Ferries.

I hear it rains a lot in Washington

Sequim has been dubbed the “blue hole” by pilots as they fly over.  That is not to say it doesn’t rain there, but the sun shines more in Sequim than anywhere else in western Washington.  It gets about 18 inches of rain per year with enough mix of sun to keep it lush and green most of the time.  Although the Olympic Mountains are snow capped for most of the year, very little snow falls in Sequim Valley.  Residents start complaining about the heat when the temp hits 80 degrees.

The good stuff

Mild temperatures and climate, majestic mountains, coastal advantages.  Small town charm with big city amenities.  No Hurricanes or tropical storms!  May be just right for Boomers who can’t stand the heat!

The not so good

If you plan to swim, the water is a bit nippy.  If you like to visit places like our first two locations you better buy plane tickets or have plenty of time to drive (two days drive time).  Hope the kids live near (or maybe not!)

Ready to get away? Find great beach destinations at hotels.com.

Related Articles:

1. Retire by the Water – Dunedin, FL.
2. Retire by the Water – Beaufort, SC.
3. Retire on the Water – St. Joseph, MI.
4. Retire by the Water – Marble Falls, TX.

Where is your dream place to retire?  Is it the town you currently reside?  Maybe you have visions of living in the wilderness?  What about a nice college town? If that’s not for you, then maybe a beach front property is calling your name.

photo credit: Soulcow TMM

Recently CNN Money did a piece on the top 6 waterfront places for boomers to retire that won’t break the bank.  First stop on the list is Dunedin, Florida.

West Coast of Florida

While Dunedin Florida (pronounced DONE-EE-DIN) has a small town image, it is actually a bustling city of 37,000 residents. One of the oldest towns on the West Coast of Florida, it has a wooded and subtropical setting with almost four miles of picturesque waterfront, a relaxed lifestyle, and activities for all likes and ages, making Dunedin a truly delightful place to live or visit.

Something for Everyone

Dunedin offers something for everyone. A quaint and active downtown, beautiful parks, recreational activities for all ages, history, culture, educational opportunities, a wide range of housing choices, and much more. For the dog lovers, they even have a special parade and its own park that is dedicated to their canine friends.  Who can’t love a town that loves dogs!

The Plus Sides

One of the plus sides of Dunedin, FL is less crowded and less expensive than most of the other towns on the Atlantic side of the state.  Also, if you are into a baseball, being in Florida puts you in the middle of 18 major league teams that host their spring training. Dunedin plays host to the Toronto Blue Jays at Knology Park which Sports Illustrated named one of the top 5 parks to catch a spring training game.

The Down Sides

If you don’t like the sun, then Dunedin is not the place for you.  Their beaches are ranked top in the U.S.  And don’t forget about the hurricanes.  Tropical weather is a constant in this beach community.

Still not sure?  Check out this video on Dunedin, FL.

Ready to get away? Find great beach destinations at hotels.com.

Wanting to visit Florida, here’s a good deal going now:
Florida Beaches on Sale: Save up to 25% in Naples. Rates from $69! Book now for travel through 2/28/09.

Related Articles:

1. Retire by the Water – Sequim, WA
2. Retire by the Water – Beaufort, SC.
3. Retire on the Water – St. Joseph, MI.
4. Retire by the Water – Marble Falls, TX.