Final PCS: Where will you retire?

Moving every few years has become your way of life for so long, but the time is finally here to retire and call somewhere your permanent home! You've experienced quite a few areas of the United States, and even the world as a whole, and now it's time to decide what place feels like "home". Have you given it much thought yet? If not, that's okay! After all, it can be a hard choice.

We've compiled a list of the top things you should consider when deciding where you want to retire after the military!

Employment Opportunity: 

If you're planning to work after the military, it's likely that you've already been considering what job field you want to enter. As you are exploring potential job fields, look into where a majority of your desired businesses are located. However, don't limit yourself because there are employment opportunities everywhere; it's simply a matter of finding which one fits your needs the best. 

Taxes:

When deciding what area you want to settle down in, look into taxes. Some states do not have sales tax, but could possibly have a higher property tax. It's important to research the area and identify the tax structures. You should be able to estimate what you need to live to live in the place you're considering. While doing this, look at the salary for jobs you want and consider the cost of living for that area.

Climate:

This one should be an easy choice! Do you and your family prefer warmer climates, cooler climates, all four seasons? You can narrow down areas to live based on their climates! If you want to live in a place where you can be outdoors year round, a warmer climate might be a better option for you than a place where there's snow on the ground for 6-8 months of the year!

Type of Lifestyle:

What lifestyle are you craving after the military? Do you want to ski and snowboard, surf, climb mountains, or go camping at the river? Deciding what type of lifestyle you want can help you decide which areas may be a good fit for you. Maybe you want to live somewhere that you can hike year round, but you want to be within a 5 hour drive to the beach. Which areas could accommodate that? 

Distance to Family/Friends:

You're probably already used to not being in close proximity to family and friends. If this is a priority for you after the military, try to identify areas near them that also accommodate your other wants and needs! 

Buying or Renting:

If you're wanting to buy a home, look into the housing market for the locations you're considering! If you're wanting to rent, is there a variety of rental types available in that area? 

What Does Your Gut Say?

This may be the most important one, after all. Your gut is probably telling you where the "right" place is to live, you just have to listen to it. How do you really feel about that place? Can you see yourself being happy there? Will your family be happy? 

After reviewing and considering each of these important factors, you're close to choosing the right place to retire!