Want to relocate in retirement?

Among the popular internet searches for retirees is "best places to retire." It's fun to think about living a new life somewhere different than where you are. Many retirees will do just that—and you may be one of them.

Interestingly, the vast majority of retirees do not find themselves moving after retirement. According to a study based on data from the last census in 2010, less than 6% of people 65 years and older had moved since the previous year. Among those who did move, only 17% had relocated from a different state.*

The most common reason for not relocating in retirement was proximity to friends and family. A home can represent years of happy memories and can be filled with personal items that would be emotionally difficult to part with. If you like where you live now but just need a change or want to escape harsh weather, consider an affordable second home or rental where you spend a few months out of the year.

But if you're ready to make a retirement move, here's how to get started. Make a short list of the places you've dreamed about, and visit them long enough to see what it would be like to live there. Engage real estate agents in each place to show you available properties and answer your questions about the community. The internet is another great resource on just about any place you're thinking of settling. A little research before you make a retirement move can help you find a place to live happily ever after.

Compare costs

One of the most critical factors to consider is the impact on your finances.

• Home cost: Create a realistic budget that takes into account your income and expenses so you don't buy or rent more of a house than you can afford. If you're selling your existing home and downsizing, you may be able to purchase your new home with cash. Getting a mortgage can be more difficult the older you get, but you still have options such as shorter-term or guarantor mortgages. Try this calculator to see how much house you can afford.
• Home maintenance: If you're purchasing a property, make sure to factor in the cost and effort of maintaining the home. Simple repairs you can do yourself now may require hiring a professional in the future. Some retirees move to communities where maintenance is included, but the required homeowner's association fees can be prohibitive. If you don't want the responsibility, consider renting.
• Taxes: Ask about real estate taxes in the new location. This handy resource shows you what to expect in taxes by stateOpens dialog , including how each state treats Social Security and pension benefits, income tax, sales taxes and estate taxes.
• Cost of living: Compare the cost of living in the new area to your current area with this cost of living calculatorOpens dialog .

Consider your lifestyle

Finding your dream home in retirement is not all about the money. It's also about finding a place that offers a high overall quality of life and a fulfilling retirement. Here are some factors to consider:

• Access to healthcare: As you age, you'll want to be within a reasonable driving distance of quality healthcare facilities. Here's a ranking of the best hospitals by stateOpens dialog .
• Proximity to friends and family: Think about how important it is to be near your children, grandchildren or friends.
• Climate: If you're moving to escape cold weather, make sure you can tolerate the heat and humidity of a warmer state.
• Other quality-of-life factors: Nearby activities, public transportation, theaters and continuing adult education can ensure that you don't become isolated in your new community. If these factors are important to you, consider college towns or state capitals, which offer many of these benefits.
• Proximity to a national or international airport: Living near major airports can make travel easier—and potentially less expensive—for you and those visiting you. Consider the cost of flights from your new location if you plan to travel a lot.
• Low crime rate: Safety can be a big concern, depending on where you're looking. Check crime statistics to be sure you’re aware of any potential problems.

Find out more

Check out the Top 10 Retirement StatesOpens dialog  (AARP) and Best and Worst States for RetirementOpens dialog  (Bankrate) for ideas and inspiration on where to move after retirement.