As I’ve approached the age of retirement, which is off of the table for me by both necessity and choice, I’ve watched as friends made relocation decisions with some subsequently regretting their choice, almost immediately. While I’m not retiring, I am considering relocation. In doing so, I’ve arrived at five essential factors that should be used to evaluate an eventual landing spot. I will also admit that my list is based in large part on the turmoil surrounding our political climate, the institutional racism of the past, present and if GOP state legislators have it their way, the future. Consequently, if an African American retiree truly wants to kick back and enjoy the fruits of their lifelong labor, one must be extremely circumspect in choosing where to live. Here are five components that if weighed carefully, will contribute to an optimal outcome.
5. Climate
While this is the top consideration among many, I think that it’s highly overrated. As one who has owned property in Florida, I get the idea of living year-round in a warm climate, but have you ever been in Miami or Houston in July? Many of their residents come north in the summer, just as the snowbirds head south in the winter. Living in Washington, DC, we haven’t experienced a significant snow in several years and the temperature is fairly moderate. Moreover, the springs and falls are absolutely fantastic. So, when considering climate, do a deep dive into your lifestyle and don’t make a decision based on warm weather alone. There are so many great areas that offer a great quality of life that you may be overlooking.
4. Tax Environment
The tax environment is one of the more deceptive selling points that many states and localities use to attract retirees and other new residents. Yes, the Governor of Texas will go before the cameras and rip up a California income tax form to emphasize that there is no state income tax. However, what he and other sunbelt state leaders won’t tell you about is the high property tax rates, nor will they provide you with detail on the vast amount of use fees and other taxes. When all is said and done, the lack of a state income tax will do little to impact the pocketbook of a retiree, particularly if they aren’t working and if they are, any difference will be more than offset by the other taxes and fees that will be levied.
3. Colleges and Universities
Retiring or relocating to a city or town with a college and university is a great benefit for any new inhabitant for a number of reasons. First, these areas are student driven so the cost of living can be a lot lower than in non-university environments. Because of large student populations, housing tends to be more reasonable making it easier to obtain a quality living environment. College and university towns tend to be more diverse because of the influx of students, professors, and staff members from a variety of social, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. These locations also tend to have more cultural, entertainment, and dining options, as well as being pedestrian friendly. These characteristics make life in a college town extremely appealing.
2. Police Department
Given the era of racial reckoning amid unprecedented police attacks against people and communities of color, I almost listed this first. That being said, the perception of the police department in any city that is on your relocation list matters big time. Given the countless of incidents over the last several years that are still ongoing, I might add, some of the questions that should be weighed in examining police conduct in your future home include:
1. Does the police department’s makeup reflect the community?
2. Is community-based policing a part of the department’s tools?
3. Is the department professional and accountable?
4. What is the relationship between the police union and the local political leaders?
5. How many wrongful deaths suits has the city or county settled?
Evaluating the answers to these questions as well as performing additional research on both long and short-term periods of police behavior can provide enormous insight and go a long way to adding to one’s comfort level as a newly transplanted citizen.
1. Healthcare
This category ties into number 3 on this list. As a cancer survivor, I’m a big fan of teaching hospitals. Living in the Washington, DC area, we have access to the Johns Hopkins system, George Washington, Georgetown, and Howard among others. Because a number of colleges and universities have medical programs, the hospital care tends to be better. Moreover, these medical institutions can also represent supplemental income opportunities as a result of their research activities. These hospitals are always advertising for participants who are not only compensated for their time and travel, but also receive free screenings and checkups.
Admittedly, there are other considerations that you’ll want to investigate before making a final relocation decision. However, these five are a great starting point and by doing the proper due diligence, you will find the right location and avoid any buyer’s remorse. Me? Given the current state of affairs in America, I’m considering Mexico.