10 SIMPLE STEPS TO FINDING THE RIGHT RETIREMENT TOWN


Are you one of the 80 million Baby Boomers who will be looking for a retirement location? If so, a new book, RETIRE IN STYLE, 50 Affordable Places across America may be ideal for you. Written by Warren Bland, Ph.D., award-winning professor at Cal State, The New York Times and Associated Press featured book is a gold mine of vital information in an easy to use large page format. Dr. Bland, with over 20 years of teaching experience in American geography recommends this 10-step plan to help find your perfect retirement place.

1. The biggest decision you must make is where you want to retire. Do you prefer something close to your present hometown or do you want to see what else is out there? Obviously your answer to this basic question can limit your search.

2. Do you want the structured and secure atmosphere of a retirement community or would you prefer a city or town with diverse groups of people, more entertainment, and wider cultural advantages?

3. Research! You can never have too many facts and stats before making such an important move. Check books, magazines and the Internet for material you can use. Dr. Bland's book evaluates the top 50 towns and cities complete with 12 key criteria for each place. He details statistics on everything from healthcare, crime rate, climate, landscape and cost of living, even noise and air pollution. There are also maps of each place showing accessibility to the area listed.

4. Reduce your list of possible places to a manageable number, ten at most.

5. Gather additional information. Brochures, maps, economic and weather data are supplied free from chambers of commerce and tourist bureaus. Contact the local offices in the area you want to learn about.

6. Narrow your choices again, this time to five or six spots you will visit for three or four days each to get a feel of each area and general ambiance.

7. Don't rush into anything! You are moving toward a serious decision. Decide wisely and slowly, not on impulse.

8. You are close to the final cut. Eliminate all but two or three places. Visit the areas for at least three weeks each. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, including climate, cost of living and especially the people who will be your new neighbors and friends.

9. Meet with Realtors and make sure the home you want is within financial reach. There are Realtors who specialized in retirement living. They are called Senior Real Estate Specialists.

10. Take your time, get advice and opinions from friends and family members. But remember, the ultimate choice is yours.

Dr. Bland's book is $22.95 and is available at all bookstores or by calling the publisher, Next Decade, Inc. at (800) 595-5440.