Retirement is an exciting time to take up a new hobby, travel and explore the world, or simply take life a bit slower. But before you make your retirement plan, it’s important to decide which city is the best fit for you. It could be your current city or a location across the United States.

How to Pick the Best Place to Retire for You

Choosing the right place to retire is harder than it looks, but with enough research and planning, you’ll find the city for you. Here are some tips to help you choose the right city to retire in.

Research Your Options

The first step to finding the best retirement spot for you is to research your options. Consider the costs of living, both in terms of rent or owning a home and taxes. Even if you’re retired, you should still look at the housing market, as that’s a direct indicator of the state’s economy.

If you don’t plan to drive, public transportation will be necessary. It’s better to research the climate, housing market, and neighborhood in person, so consider speaking to current residents to get a sense of the city. Finally, consider the range of activities available and local amenities.

Think About Your Lifestyle

When you’re deciding on your retirement city, think about your lifestyle needs. Are you the type of person who wants a more urban environment with plenty of restaurants and cultural events to choose from? Or would you rather a rural setting with access to a beach or nature reserve?

Also, how do your daily activities factor into your decision? If you love playing golf or tennis, make sure the city you’re considering provides ample access to these activities. This list of the 10 best states to live in the US can give you an idea of what state may fit your lifestyle.

Set a Budget and Stick to It

Your retirement budget is an essential factor to consider when selecting your city. Whether you plan to move nearby or to a destination far away, keep a budget in mind, so you can plan accordingly. Think about the cost of utilities, housing, food, entertainment, and transportation.

Additionally, factor in the cost of any travel expenses and health insurance. With the cost of living in your new city, will you be able to afford sudden medical expenses or yearly trips? If you’re dead set on moving to a certain city, you may need to make some sacrifices in comfort.

Consider Family and Health

As you get older, easy access to healthcare becomes a necessity. Since rural areas typically don’t have immediate access to hospitals, you may need to be flown into the city. If you have considerable health problems now, you should stay close to a city with plenty of doctors.

Don’t forget to consider your family before the move. If you move far enough, you may not have access to your grandkids or children, and there’s a low chance your family will move with you. If you want to live close to your relatives, don’t move more than an hour’s drive away from them.

Stay Flexible

Finally, try to stay flexible when choosing your retirement city. Many retirees like to switch cities every few years or seasonally in order to take advantage of different climates or activities. The key is to find a city that you love but also one that you can change based on your needs.

When you’re retired, it’s a lot easier to get up and move at a moment’s notice, but that doesn’t make it easy. If you’ve narrowed down your options to a single state, consider moving to a place that’s close to another city you enjoy. That way, you won’t have to deal with an interstate move.