Retirement always draws out two distinct reactions from seniors—it is either a much-awaited moment or a dreaded stage in life.
It makes sense to get nervous about retirement as it does entail many significant changes in your life. You will always be wondering whether you will be happy or not, will your money be enough, and of course, the grandest question of them all—where will you retire?
It is tempting to postpone and let the future you deal with these retirement problems. But that will only leave you unprepared and in a rush, which is a much bigger dilemma, right?
To help you get started, here are seven factors you need to consider when deciding where to spend your retirement money.
- Living expenses
- Money savings
- Living preferences
- Climate
- Medical condition
- Tax environment
- Quality of life
From these factors, you should determine which one is your top priority because no single place has it all. You should choose whether to go to a location where taxes are cheap or move to a city close to your grandkids.
However, there is a place that offers both affordability and a family-friendly vibe—Macomb, Michigan!
Retiring in Michigan: Why You Should Do It?
The term Michigan, which means “large lake,” is a fitting name for the state since it is one of eight states in the US located in the Great Lakes region. It is also surrounded by the most magnificent water bodies you can find—rivers, lakes, and freshwater seas.
One of the most senior-friendly cities in the state is the township of Macomb, which is a part of the northern metro Detroit.
Here are some of the excellent qualities that make it an ideal place when retiring in Michigan.
Low-Cost of Living
According to research, the county’s cost of living proves to be lower than the US average. This is true for all the daily expenses you will incur once you live there, such as:
- Groceries
- Utilities and bills
- Transportation
- Services and entertainment
- Health-related bills
- Miscellaneous
Macomb’s housing and real estate cost might be slightly higher than the average median home value, but it is still relatively affordable.
For $165,000, you can already acquire a three-bed, two-bathroom gorgeous estate in a nice suburban neighborhood.
There are also plenty of affordable senior communities in Macomb or in its neighboring towns if you prefer that than buying or renting a house on your own.
Health and Safety
The next most essential factor to consider is your health and safety. Are there good hospitals around the area? Can they cater to your particular medical needs?
As a senior, it is important to live in a place with high-quality healthcare services that are easily accessible.
Even if you do not have an underlying medical condition, considering your healthcare needs should still be a top priority.
Fortunately, Macomb’s healthcare industry is currently on the rise with all the health-related establishments surrounding it.
It houses several hospitals and specialty care that offers quality service in different areas like cardiac care, orthopedic, surgery, cancer treatment, and trauma centers.
Senior Retirement Facilities
If you are looking for cheap yet quality retirement facilities, then you are in luck. Retiring in Michigan gives you access to several senior living communities that only costs $3,161 a month, lower than the average US cost.
You have a lot of choices when it comes to these facilities, some include:
- Assisted living facilities
- Independent living facilities
- Retirement villages
- Senior living
- Nursing homes
- Home care
Nearby regions in the county also offer an affordable rate while still giving a high-quality service such as assisted facilities in St. Clair County.
Economy
A city’s economy is a significant consideration, especially if you plan to spend some of your savings money on a start-up business.
The county had seen an average rise in their economy, as well as in their job market by 0.2% since last year. One of the thriving business industries in the area includes:
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare and social assistance
- Retail trade
- Hospitality and accommodation
- Food Service
- Education and related services
If you want to increase your life savings by starting a business, it would be best to stick within the industries mentioned above to ensure that your start-up will hit its sales goal.
Moreover, Macomb has a remarkably low sales and income tax rate compared to its neighboring states. Affordable tax rates have a considerable amount of impact in helping you save every penny in your account.
Family-Friendly
The township located in Detroit’s suburbs boasts a welcoming atmosphere perfect for your grandkids and other family members.
If your family wants to relocate, the area is surrounded by the most adequate public and private schools. The University of Michigan is also nearby if you have collegiate level grandkids with you.
The crime rate is basically non-existent, making it safe for you to live in or for your family to visit and hang out.
Recreational Activities
Your dream retirement would not be complete without having loads of fun places to visit, right? Fortunately, retiring in Michigan means living near fantastic parks, freshwater seas, outdoor activities, scenic views, and great restaurants.
Water may be the city’s ultimate attraction, but there’s more to it than beaches and waterfront fun. Some of the best activities you can do here include:
- Visiting 3 of their Metroparks (Stony Creek, Walcott Mill, and Lake St. Clair)
- Pick some fresh fruits and produce in the Westview Orchards and Winery or Blake’s Orchard.
- Get in touch with different plant and flower species in the Olejnik Farms and Greenhouse.
- Play your favorite golf game in one of their many golf clubs (Sycamore Hills, Cracklewood, Hickory Hollow, and Bellow Woods).
- Shop and do your groceries in Partridge Creek, Macomb Mall, or Lakeside.
- Take your grandkids to amusement parks like CJ Barrymore’s Sports and Entertainment in Clinton. Then visit Dave and Busters to grab some snacks with a little bit of fun on the side.
- If you enjoy the thespian pursuit, then you can visit the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts.
- There’s also the Dodge Park, Anatomy of Death Museum, Emagine Theater, Ford House, and Sanders Chocolate Factory Tours.