Pitfalls to Watch For When Relocating

Avoiding the worst cities for retirees is only half the battle. You must also avoid common strategic errors when making your move.

• Buying Sight Unseen: Never purchase a retirement home without spending extended time in the city. Rent an apartment for a month during the location’s worst season—whether that is the heat of a Vegas summer or the dead of a Boston winter—to see if you can genuinely tolerate the environment.
• Ignoring the Total Tax Picture: A state with no income tax often makes up the revenue elsewhere. Texas and Florida, for example, have notoriously high property taxes. You must calculate the combined burden of state income, local municipality, sales, and property taxes.
• Overlooking Healthcare Networks: If you move out of state, your current Medicare Advantage plan or Medigap policy may not provide optimal coverage in your new zip code. Always use Medicare.gov to verify the availability of top-rated hospitals and in-network specialists before signing a deed.
• Underestimating HOA Fees: Many retirees flee high-tax cities for planned communities, only to be hit with aggressive Homeowners Association (HOA) fees that increase every year, effectively functioning as a shadow tax.

“Retirement is not just about the money you saved; it is about finding a place where your money, your health, and your sense of purpose all align.” — Mitch Anthony, Retirement Lifestyle Expert