senior Scoops

Is the grass greener?

Moving in retirement is an option for many. Often it is done in search of a warmer climate or to escape an exorbitant cost of living.

There are things to think about before moving in retirement.

Nearly ten years ago, my wife and I moved to the Charleston, South Carolina suburbs. I am retired and she is semi-retired.

At the time of the move, our property taxes in New York had just gone beyond $8K per year. The cost of heating the house during a cold stretch could top $500 a month. We knew these expenses would become unsustainable on a fixed income. Combining the costs with mountains of snow and freezing temperatures, a move south was becoming more attractive.

My wife became convinced it was time to go when she saw me throw my snow shovel at a plow that had just blocked my driveway for the second time on a snowy day.

Aside from high costs, bad weather, and snow plows, there are serious and complex considerations that need to be addressed before embarking on such a move.

Things to consider

This is not a complete list. Other people have made the move and surely experienced challenges that we never thought of. If so, please share YOUR experience in the comment section below.

let’s get started.

1. Leaving family and friends

This is a significant consideration for two reasons. The most apparent is that you will miss the people with whom you have shared much of your life. There is no way around it; they will become a smaller part of your life when you are far away. Holidays and birthdays will be different and, in many cases, lonely.

As we grow older, our children’s friends will get married, and unfortunately, some of our old friends will pass away. How many of these events can we travel back for? If living on a fixed income, certainly not all. Difficult decisions will have to be made.

2. Making new friends

Having left our friends and family behind it became important to create a new circle to share our lives with.

That is easier said than done. Except for a gregarious few, this process can take months if not years. Our first few months in Charleston were tough in this regard.

The best solution is to put yourself out there.

We eventually joined a service group through Meet Up which is a website that puts people together with similar interests.

Volunteer and community groups are also a great way to meet new people.

Like first grade, you are starting all over again.

3. Housing/Cost of Living

To ensure financial stability, it’s important to carefully evaluate and itemize expenses such as shelter, groceries, insurance, taxes, and more. Crunch the numbers and see how they stack up. In our case, our new yearly property taxes are equivalent to what we used to pay in just two months back in New York. While the cost of housing was initially lower when we moved, it has since become more comparable. The influx of people relocating to warmer climates has impacted the affordability of many areas.

Although, property taxes and housing presented a savings. Sales tax and food did not. In fact they are both more expensive–do your homework.

4. Weather

Remember, when moving to warmer climates, it is going to get HOT! Sometimes, it stays that way for quite a while. 90-degree days for weeks on end are not uncommon here in South Carolina. And then there are the hurricanes. Since we have been here, we have dealt with Matthew in 2016, Florence in 2018, and Ian in 2022, not to mention a handful of tropical storms.

On the other hand, summer lasts until Halloween and begins again around St. Patrick’s Day. The only real winter is a few days in January. That part is nice.

5. Medical Services

Are you comfortable with switching to a new provider that you are not familiar with? This is a crucial decision that can be challenging. Much like making new friends, finding a new doctor can be a difficult process, especially if you have a chronic illness. It is always advisable to seek referrals to make the process smoother.

6. Church

My family attend Hitchcock Presbyterian Church in Scarsdale, NY, and we cherished our time there. The community was incredibly supportive, and the services and sermons were always inspiring. Being a part of something bigger than ourselves and doing God’s work gave us a sense of purpose. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to find a similar worship community that resonates with us since leaving Hitchcock. We miss it dearly.

If you are ever passing thru Westchester County in NY, stop by Hitchcock on a Sunday Morning at 10:30 and tell them Gene and Chris sent you. (10:00 during the Summer). You will be welcomed warmly.

7. Culture

People in the place you are moving to may have a different way of looking at and doing things, whether it’s how they conduct business or interact with each other.

Being a newcomer, it’s important to keep in mind that you should respect their culture and way of life. It’s not advisable to come in and try to change everything.

Failing to recognize this could make assimilation more difficult. Most people are kind and welcoming at heart, but trying to change the way they have been doing things for generations will make them bristle. It takes time to get to know and understand your new neighbors.

8. Entertainment

If you’re accustomed to a wide variety of entertainment options a large metropolitan area offers, it’s important to consider how much of that you’re willing to give up. While there are many places, like Charleston, with vibrant theater and arts communities, these choices may not be as readily available in more rural areas.

9. Food-The great pizza debate

Every area of the country has its own specialties. For instance, you probably won’t find a good hush puppy or cup of she-crab in the NYC suburbs. Nor will you find a decent bowl of gumbo in Philadelphia. And you will not find a really good slice of pizza in Charleston.

There, I said it. Let the chips fall where they may.

If you move away from Philly, you will crave a good cheese steak from time to time.

The Low-Country where we settled has its own delicious cuisine, no doubt. But they have yet to get bagels right or make a good marinara.

It’s okay, though. It makes all those things that much more special when you visit up north.

Conclusion

Making the decision to move can be difficult, as there are both practical and sentimental pros and cons to consider. It’s important to weigh these carefully, as the quality of life in your old age may ultimately be impacted.

For us, we believe we made the right decision. However, moving isn’t the right choice for everyone. We’ve known several people who packed up and returned to where they came from.

Hopefully, this sheds some light on what it takes to make the decision to move. Good luck!