Retirement is more than leaving work. It’s also about where and how you’ll live. Many find their current home too big, too costly, or impractical. Others want a new location or lifestyle.
Why it matters: Your retirement home sets the stage for how comfortably, safely, and fully you’ll live in this next chapter.
Location is key
Proximity to work: Many retirees still work part-time, so age-restricted communities often sit near cities.
Proximity to family: Moving to a warmer climate can feel appealing, but distance from children and grandchildren may weigh heavily.
Plan for aging
Most retirees prefer one-story living or at least a first-floor primary suite.
Open layouts, media rooms, and guest rooms are popular.
Storage matters: extra garage space for golf cart, lofts, or hobby areas.
Outdoor living space – patio, deck, or garden – is highly valued.
Universal design features make life easier: wider halls, lever handles, slip-resistant flooring, lower counters, grab bars, zero-entry showers.
Check for nearby healthcare, senior services, and home maintenance support.
Plan for living
Retirement isn’t retreat – it’s reinvention. Think about:
Access to museums, theaters, parks, shops, and restaurants
Opportunities for lifelong learning and new hobbies
Public transit, rideshares, or walkability if driving becomes harder
Social clubs, activities, and amenities in 55+ communities
Downsizing wisely
Pat Keplinger of Downsizing by Design suggests:
Visualize your retirement home’s layout.
Sort possessions into must-haves, nice-to-haves, and items that won’t fit.
Start with seldom-used spaces like garages or attics.
Use move managers for appraisals, donations, or smooth family gifting.
Document sentimental items with photos and notes on their history.
Bottom line: Retirement planning isn’t just about finances. Choosing the right home – location, design, and lifestyle – will shape your quality of life for years to come.
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Roy Diez
Roy Diez is a freelance writer and marketing professional specializing in the architectural, building and construction industry. He is a former editor-in-chief of Professional Builder magazine.