When you think of moving after retirement, you probably consider that you’ll move to a freshly built retirement community or a relaxing resort area like the beach. What usually doesn’t come to mind as a popular alternative for retirees is to move to a city. Most people associate city living with one chosen as a young, single professional who either lingers after starting a family or migrates to the suburbs in which to raise their children. However, moving to cities appeals to more and more empty nesters, and here’s why.
Go Where You Wanna Go
Moving to a city guarantees convenience and the ability to walk to stores, points of interest, jobs, and eateries. Public transportation is plentiful and reliable, and you no longer need a car, eliminating costly car insurance and maintenance. Walking also gives you the chance to get acquainted with your city and what it offers.
No More Mr. Fix-It
Apartment living does mean you must downsize and reside in less space but removes the responsibility of ensuring it’s in working order at all times. If you live in an apartment, someone else takes care of interior issues like faulty plumbing and exterior ones like snow shoveling and landscaping. All you need to do is contact the responsible party in the building and wait for them to fix the problem.
Lifestyle Choices
Being in a city means there’s so much to do, and you can easily embrace so many different cultural and intellectual pursuits that the only thing you must worry about is how to fit everything in. There’s no reason to stay in your apartment when you can visit museums, and absorb theater, music, art, and sports while dining in an array of fantastic and unique restaurants. Outdoor markets and stores you never knew existed populate the streets for browsing or shopping. Educational opportunities abound, too, so take advantage of learning something new.
City Dwellers
Philadelphia Magazine states that many parents follow their city-dwelling children to live in the big city. Since the demographic shows a variety of ages and socioeconomic statuses, it’s perfect for both groups. Some parents help out their kids by purchasing a nice apartment, says CBS News, so that they can stay in the city themselves without giving up their suburban spread.
Here’s to Your Health
You may assume that living in a city is not as healthy as living in greener pastures, but that isn’t necessarily true. In some cases, living in a city is more environmentally sound because you’re not using as many resources as you would in powering a large, suburban home. Since you are walking to more places, you’re getting built-in exercise without completely acknowledging it. Also, living in a city positions you closer to major hospitals, reputable and experienced doctors, and state-of-the-art medical facilities, says Philadelphia Magazine, which satisfies older adults who eventually will need more consistent medical care.
Big Spenders
If your investments and retirement savings paid off or you received a good amount on the sale of your home, you’ll have more money to spend on things you like and want to do. With no costs associated with child-rearing and a paid-off mortgage, you’re in the money. Possibly you are still working but expenses you once had like property taxes dry up, and you have disposable income to burn. Watch what you spend, though, and continue to pad your nest egg for the future.