| Years before my husband retired we started | | | | in a better place. Health may determine where |
| thinking about where we would live. Our | | | | you live. |
| homework included attending seminars, reading | | | | 7. WHAT ARE THE TAX RATES? Minnesota has |
| books, and seeking expert advice. From this | | | | a 6.5% sales tax and the city of Rochester adds |
| research we developed 10 key questions. These | | | | more. Our taxes are a bit high, but we are willing |
| questions helped us find our retirement | | | | to pay them for the quality of life we enjoy. |
| community and they may help you so the same. | | | | Taxes can be a big budget item so do your |
| 1. WHERE DO YOU FEEL THE HAPPIEST? | | | | research beforehand. |
| Minnesota is a vacation destination for thousands | | | | 8. WOULD YOU HAVE ACCESS TO CULTURAL |
| of people. Since we were already in "vacation | | | | EVENTS? Rochester has many cultural events |
| land" there was no reason to move. We are | | | | and if we want more we drive to Minneapolis-St. |
| happy here. | | | | Paul. Friends have moved to university towns to |
| 2. DO YOU WANT TO BE NEAR FAMILY? We | | | | take advantage of concerts and seminars. Your |
| live in Rochester, Minnesota and many relatives | | | | retirement place may depend on the arts. |
| also live here. We love being with them, especially | | | | 9. WHAT WOULD YOUR CURRENT HOME NEED? |
| our twin grandchildren. Family plays a big part in | | | | Our home is 18 years old now. To keep it market |
| where you live. | | | | ready have painted walls/trim, remodeled the |
| 3. HOW MUCH SPACE DO YOU NEED? Downsizing | | | | kitchen and master bath, installed new carpet, |
| was appealing, but we could not make ourselves | | | | added book shelves and a second fireplace. You |
| do it. We live in a three level home and it works | | | | may wish to get professional advice about home |
| for us. Determine how much space you will need | | | | trends. |
| in retirement. A smaller place may be a better fit. | | | | 10. CAN YOU AFFORD TO LIVE IN YOUR |
| 4. DO YOU LIKE THE CLIMATE? We have lived in | | | | CURRENT HOME ON A RETIREMENT INCOME? |
| the South and, though we enjoyed it, missed | | | | For us, staying put was cheaper than moving. |
| having four seasons. The Minnesota climate suits | | | | Older homes were not selling and local realtors |
| us just fine. Other climates may suit you. | | | | told us to stay put if we could afford to. It was |
| 5. WOULD YOU HAVE A SUPPORT SYSTEM? | | | | good advice. |
| We have an excellent support system: family, | | | | Many baby boomers are making the same |
| church friends, community contacts, and social | | | | decision. Sixty per cent of baby boomers plan to |
| services. Evaluate your support system before | | | | stay in their current homes, according to |
| you decide to move away from it. | | | | "Retirement Living News," an electric newsletter |
| 6. IS MEDICAL CARE READILY AVAILABLE? | | | | published by Instead of moving to a retirement |
| Rochester, Minnesota is home of Mayo Clinic so it | | | | community you may discover, as we did, that |
| is a retirement destination for many. When it | | | | you are already there. Welcome home. |
| comes to top-notch medical care we could not be | | | | |