However, even before then if moving to a second or third tier city, one of the most important things to consider is good medical care within 30 minutes driving time. That means full service hospitals. While you can leave town for a planned surgery if needed to get to a better hospital, if what occurs is a medical emergency, that local hospital will be critical. And, for people with chronic ailments, many second and third tier cities have a shortage of doctors and especially specialists. So before you make a move, make sure there are doctors available that can take you and that will accept your medical insurance coverage. Many have practices that are full. Don't move where you can't get good medical care.
Next, are amenities like shopping, restaurants, sports, live theater if that is important to you and continuing education. Can you get your car serviced nearby. Believe it or not, there are some smaller towns that do not have all brand dealerships. My rule in retirement is that I like everything within 10 miles of where I live so if I have to drive further, I am not interested in living there. Sometimes people choose to live in very rural areas in retirement far away from medical care and other amenities. That is not likely to be a good long term decision. Don't do it because it will result in another move in the future.
At Paragon Home Resources, we often work with Seniors both moving to retire and also Seniors moving into Senior Care Communities. We are in a position to assist with life decisions as people consider their options. It is important to think about life today and life tomorrow to make the right decision when choosing a place to retire.
