- 1). Start by taking a good look at the neighborhood. You may dream of a quiet home with acreage, for instance, but be sure you know what that entails. What activities do you enjoy? How close do you want to be to the nearest gym, restaurant or shopping center? If you're coming from a big city, you're probably used to a lot of action right outside your door.
- 2). Find out how close you'll be to medical and transportation facilities. If your family lives out of town or you like to travel, you may want easy access to the train or airport.
- 3). Think about your social life after you retire. Do you want a few acres of solitude or a golf course community with an activities room? The farther you live from town, the more effort you have to make to socialize.
- 4). Visit the area you're considering at different times of year. It may look great in summer but bleak in winter. And ask other retirees how they like living there. Their answers will bring up points you've never considered.
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