Urban vs. Rural Living In Retirement

When thinking about starting your retirement journey, one of the first things you consider is where you’re going to live. For many people, this means choosing between an upbeat, urban lifestyle, and a quieter, rural location. Both of these locations present many benefits and possibilities of a fulfilling, vibrant life, but they both also require sacrifices. Whether you want the bustle and life of the city, or the peace of the countryside, the location you settle down in will reflect on how you live your life. There are a few important factors to consider when deciding on where to spend your retirement years. 

COST

One of the biggest things to consider when deciding between urban and rural living is going to be the cost. Typically, it is more costly to live in urban areas than rural areas. Living in a city often means higher property taxes, higher housing prices, and everyday expenses such as food and gas are going to be more expensive as well. Rural areas will typically offer the opposite—lower cost of homes, property taxes, and overall living expenses. If your aim is to make your money last in retirement, a rural community may help allow this while still promoting a fulfilling retirement. 

LIFESTYLE

Your lifestyle and the one you desire in retirement should play large parts in your decision on where to move. When moving to an urban area, you can almost always expect excitement, entertainment, and a fast-paced lifestyle. City living offers more amenities such as museums, art, restaurants, shopping malls, and parks. It also provides more opportunities to take advantage of public transportation, which can be extremely important to retirees who have a hard time behind the wheel. If you desire a vibrant, lively retirement, the city may be a good fit. If you enjoy a quieter, slower paced life, a rural location may be appealing to you. Rural areas are typically associated with privacy, a peaceful environment, and less noise. Although it’s not as bustling with life and activities, rural communities offer deeper ties with nature and plenty of opportunities for those who love spending time outdoors. After a lifetime of working hard, rural life may be just what a retiree is looking for. 

COMMUNITY

Lifestyle is closely related to community and social ties, both of which are essential for a fulfilling retirement. You can anticipate a wide variety of individuals and social groupings in urban environments. You can always stay in touch with people in urban regions thanks to events like art festivals and get-togethers. Although you can build strong connections in urban communities, you’ll have more interactions with neighbors and other community members in rural areas. Rural areas typically mean smaller populations and more tight-knit groups. This may sound appealing to those who appreciate a quiet setting and deeper connections with smaller groups of people. 

ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE

Another critical factor of consideration for retirees is access to healthcare, which can vary in urban and rural areas. It’s important to think about how often you have doctors appointments or seek medical attention in your later years. Urban areas typically offer a wider range of health care services, ranging from urgent clinics to hospitals with top specialists. Larger cities will have more options for advanced health care services, making it easier for retirees to find services quickly. While in rural areas, retirees may not have as many options regarding health care, and the ones they may have may be farther away. Some smaller towns, however, do have well-established health care facilities, and may even offer telehealth services with doctors from other areas. 

TRANSPORTATION

Something to consider that often gets overlooked is your mode of transportation when you retire. Urban areas are known to have better public transportation systems and more designated walking paths, while rural areas are spread out farther and typically require cars to get around. Living in an urban area means you have access to buses, subways, and trains, so you’ll no longer need to stress as much about having to drive or sit in traffic. In rural areas, however, the traffic patterns tend to be slower, with slower, scenic driving routes. Considering your desire to continue driving and owning a car can help direct your decision between living in an urban and rural area. 

Choosing between retiring in an urban or rural area is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Your long term plans should be taken into account when making this decision. Depending on when you’re starting your retirement, your preferences and needs may change over time, prompting another move. Urban areas boast higher levels of healthcare, social activities, and experiences. They also come with higher living expenses, taxes, and a faster pace. Rural areas, oppositely, offer privacy, quiet, and peace. However, they lack certain amenities such as various healthcare options and large communities. Taking into account your budget, medical needs, and long-term goals are important when deciding where to retire. Both options offer unique opportunities, so wherever you choose, make sure it is going to lead you to a fulfilling retirement.