How do I decide where to retire to?

[hudde240]

I was born and raised in Brooklyn but spent most of my life in CA and dislike CA intensely. I don't function well in warm weather at all. I will have limited income once I stop working and want to rent for a while before deciding where to buy. I am single female, age 67, and far from needing a rocking chair, but more of theather/arts person. I'd like to get back to the east coast in a 55+ community with activities. I am considering CO also having lived and worked there 2x. I'd love to start a dialogue with others in my boat. The whole process is more stressful than graduating from high school or college and not knowing how to function outside the safety of everything I have ever known! Words of wisdom and suggestions are so welcome. Pleae respond and let's generate a coversation. I know I am not the only one

[lindabird]

Wow, what a great topic you have started! I agree that figuring out where to retire can be stressful. There is a lot of pressure to do it right, even if that comes from yourself. It sounds like you have several conflicts you will have to resolve. Don't like hot weather, not sure about East Coast or Colorado (2 pretty different places!). As a single woman I would think you need to be doubly careful about where you pick. Here are a couple of suggestions I have thought about. Think about retiring where you already have some single friends. You will expand your universe and chances of fitting in. A bigger community is probably better than a small one for the same reason. An apartment in a small or medium-sized city (college town?)might also be a good bet. There will be a lot more going on than other places. And be sure to visit, visit, visit, and then rent before you buy. Good luck to you!