Debra Taylor has had quite an eventful year, managing a divorce, preparing for retirement, and relocating from Southern California to Portugal with one of her daughters.
After deciding to live abroad, Taylor shortlisted potential countries based on tax implications (Spain was rejected due to wealth taxes), climate (Costa Rica was too hot), and ease of travel within Europe, a region she adores. She toured Portugal with Expatsi, a relocation service, and chose to settle in Aveiro—a picturesque west coast city known as the "Venice of Portugal" because of its charming canals.
From there, the process turned logistical. Taylor secured a one-year lease (required to proceed), engaged Viv Europe to handle paperwork and government procedures, completed an FBI background check, and scheduled a visa appointment for late September.
Her youngest daughter inspired the move. “After our current president was elected, my 18-year-old transgender daughter told me she wanted to leave the country ASAP,” Taylor shared. “I was completely on board.”
Her elder daughter, 20, will remain in the U.S. to finish college. Taylor emphasized that this move isn’t permanent: “I’ll use it as a base to explore the region more deeply. I plan to buy a home eventually, but only after spending more time living in various communities.”
Experts on aging and relocation say Taylor is making wise choices.
Retirement relocation trends
Relocation rates among retirees vary due to factors like politics, housing affordability, and living costs. Though seniors move less frequently than younger people, over 3 million Americans aged 65+ relocated within the U.S. in the five years before the pandemic, per Census data.
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Among those moving abroad, U.S. politics now tops the list of motivations, according to Expatsi co-founder Jen Barnett. However, many popular retirement destinations prefer working-age immigrants over retirees.
Most American retirees stay put, but aging in place presents challenges such as rising housing costs, expensive home modifications, and limited community services like healthcare, utilities, and safety. AARP’s Rodney Harrell stresses the importance of planning for future needs, including health, mobility, and income changes.
By 2034, the U.S. will have more people over 65 than under 18, marking a demographic milestone.
More than just climate and family
Choosing a retirement spot involves more than weather or proximity to grandchildren. Consider lifestyle priorities like access to universities, religious institutions, and community engagement. Harrell advises weighing social dynamics—whether neighbors are friendly or private—and using resources like the AARP livability index.
If being near family matters, retirement planner Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons recommends clear communication about involvement expectations and checking how settled adult children are before moving.
Casey and Dave Bowers, who relocated to Portugal’s Silver Coast, appreciate the area but find being far from family difficult despite the beauty and routine adjustments.
Retirement coach Sarah Friedell O’Connell reminds retirees to think about how they want to spend newfound free time.
Assess your lifestyle carefully
Wealth manager Chad Harmer advises retirees to begin with a "lifestyle audit," envisioning their ideal daily routine years ahead, including climate, social life, hobbies, healthcare, and family visits, before focusing on taxes.
He warns to budget for hidden expenses like insurance in disaster-prone zones and frequent travel costs. Parsons encourages trying short-term rentals to test living conditions before committing to a permanent move.
Harmer’s guideline: If 80% of your desired daily lifestyle is achievable at your new location for 80% of the year, you’ve likely found the right place. Less than that might mean chasing unrealistic expectations.
Source: Agency