'Do You Really Want to Rebuild at 80?' Rethinking Where to Retire.

[Uncle Joe]

It’s a small yet noticeable shift, experts say — but climate change is causing retirees to start reconsidering moves to disaster-prone dream locales.

(snip)

A small but growing number of older people like the Hoaglands are taking climate change into account when choosing a retirement destination, real estate agents and other experts say. Armed with climate studies, many retirees are looking for communities that are less likely to experience extreme weather events, such as wildfires, drought and flooding.

David Dew, a real estate broker who sells homes near the Rappahannock River in and around White Stone, Va., said a larger number of retired clients were voicing concerns about weather patterns. With many waterfront properties in minimal danger of flooding there, the area is attracting retirees from the flood-ravaged Outer Banks of North Carolina as well as other Atlantic Ocean communities, he said.

“At first, they will say they want big views and deep water, but then they ask whether a hurricane or a nor’easter will wipe out the dock,” Mr. Dew said. “They want to be on the water but more protected.”

In an analysis of nearly 1.4 million home sales along Florida’s coasts, for example, University of Pennsylvania researchers found that the sales volume of homes in areas where 70 percent of developed land was less than six feet above sea level dropped by up to 20 percent between 2013 and 2018, while sales rose on less-vulnerable coastal land. Prices on homes in riskier areas declined between 2018 and 2020.

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https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/18/business/where-to-retire-climate-change.html

[ProudMNDemocrat]

1. We moved into a Senior Living complex in September and LOVE it.

After over 4 months deep cleaning and getting rid of stuff that had been accumulated over 46 years, we turned our house over to my DIL and son that they are buying, fixing up to rent out as a rental property. The move was hard, but a good choice. We pay a steep rent as compared to a Mortgage, but still manageable. Underground parking was a must have as well a closet space big enough for my costumes and tubs of Renaissance related stuff.

We looked at at least 10 different Senior facilities and chose one right across the street from a large shopping Mall, restaurants, other shopping, Medical facilities, and a Lifetime Fitness health club within walking distance. Minutes where our daughter lives and has her Chiropractic office so we can visit the younger granddaughters as well. This move puts us closer to things and events in and around the Twin Cities. Family still down in Rochester can come up for a visit and vice versa.

The people for the most part are older, but fun none the less and come from all backgrounds. There are quite a number of residents in their 90's. I am the 2nd youngest female resident at 70. The youngest is 58. There are numerous planned activities each day to keep residents on a schedule. We eat down in the dining room now and then, though I do still cook our meals. Happy Hour with Alcohol is on Fridays, with coffee and cookies each day from 2 to 4 at an actual Pub. We head there on Saturday nights to play games, watch football on Sundays on the very big screen. Nice digs and a nice community of people.

[Basic LA]

2. Thanks for sharing...

...I'm about to make a similar move, so it's good to hear other experiences. Hope mine goes as well as yours did!

[ProudMNDemocrat]

3. Life should be easier and as hassle free as possible.

Our complex had Independent Living, Assisted, as well as Memory Care. An in house Nursing Staff, Assistance Staff, Exercise room, small Movie theater, a large community room, etc. The lobby resembles a Resort/Hotel lobby.

[Basic LA]

4. My reluctance is that I enjoy being a loner.

Is there a possibility that a friendly introvert can be happy in such a group-activity-centric environment?

[childfreebychoice]

5. Hubby and I are childfree, and loners too. Looked at sev retirement

Communities, too busy for us. Moved to Panama, lots of Americans, but will keep their distance if they suss out u are not the joining type.

[Basic LA]

6. Thank you!

So there's hope. I'll widen my search.

[appalachiablue]

7. Good article, thanx. We enjoyed childhood summers near the Rapp. River & White Stone, nice area.

[OldBaldy1701E]

8. And, then there are those of us

Who will only be allowed to retire when they bury us in the ground. Not everyone can consider a 'retirement'. Just sayin'.