Im working on this too. I retired 12 years ago. Before looking for a new location....you may need to think about HOW you want to spend your retirement. Your goals? your interests? Remember, the weather will be more important now that you no longer have to spend 8 hours a day in a cubicle. I'm TIRED of all the traffic especially rush hours.......looking to move AWAY from commuters.
Vancouver WA? Really? I'm born / raised 100 miles north of there.......better like rain and HATE the glare of the Sun! We go 90+ days at a time Without seeing the Sun.......and a few years ago everyone got their nickers in a knot for 90 days without rain.
I'm looking to buy out on the coast. Oceanfront property in WA state is still reasonable. Underdeveloped coastal towns keep it that way.....Weather can still be crappy but a storm out on the coast is still a cool thing to see....until your house washes away!
Also looking to spend a few months every winter in maybe AZ.
Financial standpoint......get set up in a small beachouse in WA State....Approx...$150K.
RENT property in AZ in winter Approx $3.5K per year. WA state has No State Income Tax. Use as a primary residence. Renting properties you live in only 3 months / year is cheaper than buying.
I
do not need movie theaters.....sports events....schools / universities.....commuters.....coffee shops......malls......close to Family (I have no spouse / offspring)
I
do need......fresh air........no crowds.......outdoor activities.......electricity to run the stereo and Bass amps......roads to ride the Harleys..........
Maybe you should Start with the above lists......Do Need / Do Not Need.......then you have a better idea HOW you want to spend your retirement. AVOID RV's and timeshares.........you can spend DECADES renting for the price of an RV. This can be a good thread to learn from each other.
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