One of the most exciting parts of entering life beyond traditional work is realizing you’re no longer tied to a single location. With kids grown, office commutes behind you, and a new sense of freedom, you can finally ask: Where do I truly want to live?

This isn’t just about finding “the best place to retire.” It’s about designing a lifestyle that maximizes your 8 Life Essentials—health, relationships, purpose, passions, finances, learning, career opportunities (if you’re still working), and mastery of time. Choosing where to live next is one of the most important decisions you’ll make to ensure your 100-year life is as fulfilling as it is long.

What Really Matters in Choosing Your Next Home?

Many people default to lists of “Best Places to Retire,” but those rankings can miss what’s most important—your personal priorities. For some, proximity to adult children or grandchildren is non-negotiable. Others crave a walkable community, lower taxes, or access to world-class healthcare. Climate preferences, opportunities for volunteering or part-time work, and even cultural diversity all shape where you’ll thrive.

Start by asking yourself:

• What lifestyle do I want in this next chapter? Quiet small town? Coastal village? Energetic college city?
• Who do I want to be near? Family, friends, or an entirely new social circle?
• What are my health needs? Will I need high-quality medical care nearby—or want outdoor spaces for daily activity?
• What are my financial realities? Can I comfortably afford housing, property taxes, and cost of living for decades to come?
• Do I want adventure or stability? Some choose to relocate every few years; others want to find their “forever community.”

The Value—and Limits—of “Best Places” Lists

Lists can inspire you to explore new options but shouldn’t be the final word. They often emphasize metrics like affordability or weather, while your happiness might depend more on local social opportunities, access to lifelong learning programs, or proximity to a thriving arts scene.

Popular sources to start exploring include:

Interestingly, across most lists, five factors consistently appear: cost of living, quality healthcare, climate, safety, and opportunities for social connection. These are a great starting point—but you’ll want to personalize further to ensure your decision reflects what you truly value.

Test Before You Commit

Before uprooting, consider “test-driving” a location for a few months—renting an apartment or doing an extended stay. This lets you experience daily life beyond tourist impressions: what the community feels like midweek, whether the social vibe aligns with you, and how accessible amenities really are.

Your Decision Is About More Than a Place—It’s About a Lifestyle

Moving post-career isn’t just relocation; it’s reinvention. Think about how this next home supports your passions, purpose, and evolving identity. Will it give you space to explore new hobbies, build intergenerational friendships, or continue meaningful work? The right location can make aging not just longer—but better.

What matters most to you as you consider your next move? Have you found a hidden gem—or discovered a surprise when test-driving a new city? Share your insights and reactions to these “best places” lists in the Post-Retirement Exchange so others can benefit from your experience.