6 Tips for Finding an Affordable Place to Retire

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Sunny and warm,animal[pet] friendly,close to a city,some contempory dwellings,beauty services.I don't want much do I?

Susan Morin of CA 3:03PM April 20, 2009

I have searched a lot of these so-called affordable places,yikes! So far it looks like I can live under a bridge. However,I have discovered Virginia and west Virginia. No doubt one of the hidden places for affordability.The housing is affordable,the people are friendly and you can get to so many other famous places,D.C.,Philadelphia,Atlanta, Virginia beach...plus you have change of seasons,but not like the North(New York State or Georgia). It is a blend of nationalities and racism is mostly non existent.But please everyone don't rush there leave a space for me.

Betty Thompson of NY 3:46PM April 10, 2009

While Texas has no state income tax, the property taxes are extremely high. Watch out for Municipal Utility Districts also. They have high tax rates in addition to your county taxes. Many of the nicer areas in Texas average around 4.5 - 6.5 per 100 value by the time you add in all the taxing authorities. That's 6750 - 9750 per year in taxes.
I was born in Texas and lived there about 50 years total. We recently moved from Texas to Mo. because of property taxes. Yes we'll pay state income taxes until we retire, but after retirement those will drop and we won't be faced with the high property taxes.

Bucky of MO 3:17AM April 03, 2009

No discussion of Property tax?
Mine have gone from $800 to $12,000 ($33 / day)
That's a bit steep, even in a state with no income tax. BTW, income tax is usually a minor concern to retirees, tho important to consider if you have much income (which few of use do anymore).

Jim boot of WA 3:11AM April 03, 2009

We are a low income family who has lived an hour & a half west of Omaha for the past 8 years. My husband is a life-long Nebraska who has been retired for the past few years. We're living only on Social Security retirement.
We can't begin to live in Omaha, Nebraska which was mentioned as being #6 on affordable places to live. The cost of renting a home is much more than we can afford, the cost to buy a home is much more than we can afford unless we'd like to remodel a home that is literally falling down & that even takes a lot more money than we can afford. The property taxes in Omaha & in Lincoln are literally astronomical.
We're being forced by circumstances to move because of a rural housing development going up in our area & as a result, the home we've been renting for the past 8 years has been condemned as have all the homes in our area that are valued at less than $200,000.
We can't afford to live anywhere in Nebraska so we're buying a home in S.E. Missouri where the cost of new homes is low & property taxes are extremely low.
Oh, and by the way, I should mention that there are a lot of businesses in Omaha & Lincoln, Nebraska that are either going bankrupt or moving out of Nebraska to another state because businesses cannot afford to remain in business in Nebraska, either. What does that tell you about this state?

Grandma B. of NE 10:17PM April 01, 2009

You missed Tennessee, which also has no state income tax

Bob of TN 12:16PM March 31, 2009

Great suggestions - also be sure the home you are buying (or building) is age-in-place friendly (universal design concepts). Things like a first floor master (or elevator), wide hallways, curb-free shower, "comfort height toilets" etc. Once you've found your ideal place - you want to be sure you can stay there as long as possible! And,be sure to consider homeowner/condo fees.
Many new, large communities offer "Discovery Tours" for a very reasonable rate - stay within the development (or close by) take a tour, and sample their amenities. You want to be sure you feel comfortable living in a location. Talk to residents to see what they like (or don't like) about a place.
Jan Cullinne, author, The New Retirement: The Ultimate Guide to the Rest of Your Life (Rodale)

Jan Cullinane, author of The New Retirement of FL 2:12PM March 28, 2009