Choosing a town or area for relocation

Days in a hammock on the beach?  Fishing mountain streams? Long afternoons with the grandkids?  Where you live in retirement will determine what you will do and with whom, which are big factors for your well being.

Things to consider:

Visa requirements

Climate & altitude

City or country, population density

Need for expat community

Cost of living

Vicinity of larger town: airport, costco, hospital

Language; likelihood of others speaking your language and comfortability with learning new language

Crime and safety

Culture; conservative, progressive, religious?  Museums, theaters, festivals and cultural amenities are what makes any city or town buzz.

Taxes; US citizens are required to file taxes on their worldwide income regardless of where they live. However, tools like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) can reduce taxable income. Staying compliant with both US and local tax laws is crucial.

Driving or public transportation; rules, etiquette, parking, costs, availability of busses and taxi

Social life, families, retirees, nightlife, diversity

Natural environment, hiking, biking, swimming.  If you choose a spot with nearby parks, trails, or beaches, you afford yourself an opportunity of  dramatically increasing your wellness levels and quality of life.

Beauty: does the geography, the terrain, the architecture appeal to you?

Healthcare; accessibility, cost

Access to healthy food and shopping

Chances of natural disasters; fire, flood, earthquake, tornado, hurricane, tsunami

Long term prospects and changes, population, traffic,  The town or neighborhood you are considering might look good now, but try to envision how it will hold up over time.

Infrastructure; internet, water, septic, electrical

College University town? College towns tend to have better public transportation, lower costs of living, and more cultural, recreational, and educational amenities. Maybe language classes!

Proximity to family.  One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a place to retire to is proximity to your family. This can be crucial to mental health, wellness, and stability as you age. 

Walkability

Laws of the land and political climate

Clean air; pollution, ash from volcano

Get the vibe from locals; facebook groups