The New York metropolitan area is a vast, sweeping geographic region that includes portions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, and New York state. One in 16 Americans lives in this region, making it the most populous area of the country, as well as one of the most diverse. Whether you’re already a proud New York metro resident or planning to make a move, here are five tips that can help make your retirement everything you hope it will be.
Location Is Everything
In a sprawling region, location is everything. Choose the wrong neighborhood and you could easily spend an hour or more commuting to shopping, dining, or family gatherings.
Whether you’re choosing a senior living community or a traditional home, educate yourself about the region you have chosen first. Then plan a few drives during rush hour to get a feel for how long they take. No matter how stunning the neighborhood is, it won’t improve your quality of life if you spend most of your time in the car!
For most people, the suburbs of New York are a superior option when compared to the city. They are more affordable, with less traffic and plenty of resources. Teaneck is a great option because of its low crime, excellent schools, beautiful homes, and well-tended parks.
Resources Are Plentiful
One of the primary benefits of moving to a sprawling metropolitan region is that you can take advantage of a wide range of resources—excellent senior centers, free or low-cost transportation, and more.
Before you decide where you are going to live, consider the following:
- Do you need transportation, and if so, is there accessible transportation nearby?
- Will you be living alone? If so, are there support services such as Meals on Wheels?
- How will you spend your time? Is there a senior center or senior support group nearby?
- What will the cost of living be? Consider the role of taxes, prescription drugs, and other hidden costs. New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York exempt Social Security earnings from taxes, in addition to offering other retiree-friendly tax benefits.
Quality of Life Matters
As you move into your senior years, it’s easy to worry about the specter of health issues. But quality of life matters, too. In fact, happy seniors may live longer and seniors who remain mentally and socially active are less likely to develop dementia. So finding ways to indulge your interests and nurture new relationships isn’t a trivial matter. It can help you live longer and healthier.
Consider how your chosen location may help you make new friends, embrace new hobbies, or better access community events. If you don’t drive or have mobility impairments, look into local resources that can help you become more mobile.
A Little Budgeting Can Save a Lot of Grief
Let’s face it: Finances play a big role in the quality of your retirement. Budgeting can help you plan for the future, assess various senior living options, and scale back expenses if necessary. Budgeting can feel daunting and a little scary, especially if you have few assets. Yet knowing exactly where you stand is always a stronger position than a place of uncertainty. So meet with a financial adviser and start cutting expenses where you can.
Senior Living Can Mean a Better Retirement
Most seniors say they want to remain in their homes. At first blush, this sounds like the ideal retirement—until you consider that leaky roof, the challenges of navigating stairs, the isolation of living alone, the difficulties inherent in remaining socially active when you no longer drive, and so much more.
The right senior living community gives you plenty of opportunities to make new friends, cultivate new hobbies, and engage in your community. Affordable senior living offers luxury amenities, delicious meals, and a beautiful home, without the demands and expenses of homeownership. This can add up to a better retirement.
The right community can help you age in place by offering a continuum of care for if your needs change. Don’t spend your retirement struggling with boredom and isolation. Choose a senior living community that’s as dynamic and full of life as you are. Arbor would love to help you find the right new home. Give us a call or attend one of our community events!