Are you thinking of settling into San Diego for your golden years? San Diego is a worthy option for your golden years. From mountains to beaches, the area has a little bit of everything for everyone. If you’re considering making San Diego your retirement spot, Rock Your Retirement wants to help ensure you make a good choice. Here are a few questions to think about to help guide your decision-making.
What kind of community will you live in?
Seniors have many options when it comes to living arrangements. Some seniors choose to age-in-place and will need to make a few home modifications as suggested by Geriatric Medicine — like installing non-slip flooring and grab bars to protect against falls — to make their home as safe as possible. Other seniors may decide to live in a retirement community, where they can be social and worry less about their needs. If this sounds like your cup of tea, there are lots of options — but the two most common communities are assisted living and independent living.
In an independent living community, you may have a private condo in a building with common spaces and special services and amenities. If your health is a concern, an assisted living center might be a better choice in the long run. Here you’ll get more specialized care with everyday activities like bathing, dressing, and taking medications while still maintaining a level of independence.
What do you want to spend your days doing?
San Diego is a city that is bursting with vibrant life. The city offers options for art, music, shopping, theatre, cuisine, and cultural exploration. Visit the Gaslamp Quarter for history and the arts, La Jolla for snorkeling, Little Italy for craft beer, and world-class chefs. Sports lovers can hit the links at Torrey Pines or watch racing at Del Mar. From museums to hiking, there is a little something for everyone to savor.
But you don’t have to take our word for it. Experience the opportunities yourself by staying in a San Diego vacation rental, such as through TurnKey. You can get the lay of the land by staying in one of the city’s many unique neighborhoods and get a feel for what it will be like living in one of the neighborhoods, finding your niche among its diverse and friendly residents.
When is the right time to make a decision?
There is a lot to think about when making retirement plans. It’s important to zero in on the things that matter most to you and prioritize your needs and wants. Before you move consider:
- Proximity to family. Do you have young grandkids you want to help raise? Some seniors like the idea of giving their family some space and becoming a vacation destination.
- Cost of living (especially on a fixed income). Is San Diego a place you can afford with your savings, 401k, Social Security benefits, and any other income you can expect to pull in?
- Healthcare services. Does San Diego offer the right kind of doctors and facilities for your current and potential healthcare needs? If you aren’t sure, assess your family history and current health. Start making lifestyle changes now — like getting sufficient sleep, getting more exercise, and eating more fruits and vegetables — to make health concerns less of a challenge for retirement.
- Downsizing challenges. Will the items in your home all fit into a new space or will you need to downsize? Downsizing can be a bittersweet process for many seniors, as Mymove points out. Take it slow, and with manageable steps over time so you aren’t feeling rushed on making a decision about what stays and what goes.
Living in San Diego can be a thrilling adventure, especially for people over 65. Whether you love the city life or the great outdoors, San Diego is a place where you can have a little — or a lot — of both. Know your retirement priorities and immerse yourself in San Diego life to get a good idea of your options.
Connect with Rock Your Retirement for more tips and advice that will help make your golden years shine!
As a senior herself, Sharon Wagner understands that an older body and mind impacts the daily lives of many seniors. She created SeniorFriendly.info to offer advice geared specifically toward seniors to help them make healthier choices and enjoy their golden years.
Kathe Kline has been working with retirees for over 25 years. She discovered that retirement is not just about money and insurance, but is also about: Social & Family; Adventure & Travel; Volunteer & Philanthropy; Spirit & Soul, Sexual issues, and Sandwich Generation issues or helping your Family members as they age
This site will host the podcast interviews that we will do with people who are Rocking their own Retirement, or who provide services to you so that you can Rock Your Retirement!
Rock on!
