Where to retire early

jtmax

Recycles dryer sheets
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Mar 24, 2024
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Newark
One year from now I will retire early in my early 50's so I'm planning. I live in Silicon Valley and enjoy the weather and can afford to retire here but will cost me $10k a month. I'm looking at Austin suburb (Williamson County) where I own a house and would cost me $4k a month to live comfortably. I'm also looking at Utah. I like natural beauty/outdoors and all 3 places offer the same level IMO-mountains, waterfalls, lakes, rivers. Austin is music capital of US so the cultural scene seem as good as Bay Area. Not sure about Utah. All 3 places been just as hot this month July so far so not sure big difference there. I think Austin has 6 weeks more heat than silicon valley but less cold from fall to spring. Cost of living in Utah is probably same as in Austin suburb. Low crime in Williamson and Utah are nice. Water sports, hiking, biking, soccer, basketball, dining, football games, live music are things I want to continue to enjoy. Also like to be around open, independent minded people. Any advice on where to live would be appreciated.
 
One year from now I will retire early in my early 50's so I'm planning. I live in Silicon Valley and enjoy the weather and can afford to retire here but will cost me $10k a month.
It sounds like you have some fantastic options to consider for your early retirement. Given your interests and values, here's my advice:

Stay in a place you love, with great weather and open-minded people. Silicon Valley offers the lifestyle and environment you enjoy, even if it comes at a higher cost. If you're comfortable with the expenses and value the vibrant cultural scene, diverse community, and mild climate, staying in or very close to Silicon Valley could be the best choice for your retirement.

Ultimately, prioritize what makes you happiest and where you feel most at home.
 
My impression is that the natural beauty in Utah exceeds the other two spots, but that's totally subjective. The cultural differences - especially in Utah - may well be significant.

Where ever you are thinking about, you might want to rent for several months first. Try them out and also check out other areas. You should have lots of time. Best luck.
 
Both great places - I agree with the above statements that Utah is likely more scenic but there are cultural differences that may make it a little awkward for some people. On the other hand fly fishing is better in Utah 🙂. Not to mention skiing!
 
A western state with a population of 13 and you will make it 14.
Less people less stress and less problems.

Good Luck!
 
Good choices. Not sure about your family situation but proximity can matter, particularly as we all age and kids lives become complicated so visiting them is easier than them visiting you.

Are you "done" with work or mostly done? If the latter, staying near where you were can make it easier to keep connected with people who can help you find consulting, etc.

Congrats.
 
Austin is quite busy with people, imo. Not to mention the humidity. We're in DFW and would not be if not for DD & kids. This one is my second choice.

I would think Utah to be pretty conservative with less people & dry air. Natural beauty is a given & just a road trip to anywhere in the west. I'd pick this one if not for family to consider.

I love Cali but the taxes & COL are crazy now. Short drive to the Sierras, Yosemite, wine regions and coastal places are a positive, but an extra $6k monthly can fund lots of travel too. This would be the last on my list, personally.
 
I visited Scottsdale (near Phoenix) last year and the weather in October was perfect for sightseeing outdoors. The scenery in Sedona is beautiful, but the housing prices are higher.
 
I also live in Bay Area and retired for almost a year. I also considered other options but did not finalize on them. Austin, and entire Texas has never been on my list. Too much property tax, too hot and humid in summer. Utah is a nice place to retire, but you may be able to find a quality health care near SLC or may be St George only. It has a beautiful nature but not arts or cultural events. Also I did hear about serious air quality issues in SLC area.
 
I visited Scottsdale (near Phoenix) last year and the weather in October was perfect for sightseeing outdoors. The scenery in Sedona is beautiful, but the housing prices are higher.
Summers in Scottsdale are brutal. I would pick Utah. St. George is lovely and has a ton of restaurants and good medical facilities. We live in the greater Las Vegas area and St George, Utah's weather is similar to Summerlin in Las Vegas, about 10 degrees cooler in the summer than proper Las Vegas and Henderson. We visit St. George every year in September to golf when our home course closes for maintenance.
 
Too much property tax, too hot and humid in summer. Utah is a nice place to retire, but you may be able to find a quality health care near SLC or may be St George only. It has a beautiful nature but not arts or cultural events. Also I did hear about serious air quality issues in SLC area.
Definitely on the property tax. Forgot to mention different tax situations. Most of TX is ~2-2.25 of property value (minus homestead exemption) and (for us) can go up 10% annually if the assessment goes that way (like the past few years). So this depends on the level of cost of your primary residence cost. If you are interested in working here, the 0% income tax by far benefits you more.

Not having income makes you look more at the things you will be taxed on, property and sales tax come to the front of the line. Also what is considered income (pension, 401k withdrawal, dividend and interest come to mind)
 
Good choices. Not sure about your family situation but proximity can matter, particularly as we all age and kids lives become complicated so visiting them is easier than them visiting you.

Are you "done" with work or mostly done? If the latter, staying near where you were can make it easier to keep connected with people who can help you find consulting, etc.

Congrats.
good questions. I'm done working but if I miss work, it's easier to go back in Austin and Silicon Valley as there are alot of companies doing what I do. Kid gone to college in Austin. Family and friends too busy with their own family so not a priority. Just text for the most part anymore. Priority is quality of life for my wife and I and freedom to go and do whatever we want.
 
Of the choices presented I'd pick Utah.

Texas property taxes have people leaving for my state, which is just as humid as Austin but not as hot.
 
Sounds like Utah is the winner here. Have to give in serious consideration. I've been to Austin throughout the year and surprisingly it's not humid at all during summer. 20-30% humidity during hot days. Must the hill country on the west and north. Silicon valley have become somewhat homogeneous blue. Utah may be opposite? I run into liberals alot in Austin and conservatives in suburbs of Austin and everything in between so I like diversity there. Skiing in Utah is a nice perk. I do worry about dryness and can cause skin problems and dried nose for me sometimes so not sure if it's something to get used to.
 
Sounds like Utah is the winner here. Have to give in serious consideration. I've been to Austin throughout the year and surprisingly it's not humid at all during summer. 20-30% humidity during hot days. Must the hill country on the west and north. Silicon valley have become somewhat homogeneous blue. Utah may be opposite? I run into liberals alot in Austin and conservatives in suburbs of Austin and everything in between so I like diversity there. Skiing in Utah is a nice perk. I do worry about dryness and can cause skin problems and dried nose for me sometimes so not sure if it's something to get used to.
You'll like Utah. :) I have the worst skin, chronic urticaria etc. I use nasal saline spray (Arm and Hammer) to add moisture to the nostrils to prevent nose bleeds during the winter. I would also apply lotion in the winter a couple of times a week. Summers are fine.
 
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Of the choices presented I'd pick Utah.

Texas property taxes have people leaving for my state, which is just as humid as Austin but not as hot.
I pay twice as much in property tax in silicon valley compared to my house in Austin because assessment is 4x for same house. Utah is the best in terms of $ amount for property tax which is what matters. New law in Texas now limits how much taxes can go up so that will help.
 
If Utah then what's the best place to live in Utah if you're retired? Prefer most moderate weather-coolest in summer. Read that Park city is one of the best but seems expensive with median home value is $1.5 million. That's like Silicon Valley.
 
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If Utah then what's the best place to live in Utah if you're retired?
I visit St George every year. I have only passed through Salt Lake City. I like St. George and it's ahout a 2-hr drive from where we live in Henderson NV. We live in a beautiful area as well. You can check it out, lakelasvegas.com. We are 10 degrees hotter in the summer. St George, Utah's weather is a little cooler. We do go away for the summer for a month or two to get away from the heat.
 
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I'm eyeing Cedar Park in Austin. 3 degrees cooler than Austin. Low humidity in summer as it is at 1000' elevation. Politically diverse as it is right at the center, battleground. 0.1 percent crime rate. Next to Apple campus and big shopping center and biggest lake there. I'll give it a try while exploring Utah. Utah seems like it's getting really expensive now so that's an issue.
 
I visit St George every year. I have only passed through Salt Lake City. I like St. George and it's ahout a 2-hr drive from where we live in Henderson NV. We live in a beautiful area as well. You can check it out, lakelasvegas.com. We are 10 degrees hotter in the summer. St George, Utah's weather is a little cooler. We do go away for the summer for a month or two to get away from the heat.
looked into St.George. Seems reasonable cost of living. median home price reasonable at $415k.
 
.. I like natural beauty/outdoors and all 3 places offer the same level IMO-mountains, waterfalls, lakes, rivers. ..
Not sure about mountains near Austin. We have hills surrounding Santa Clara Valley but the Sierra is also at least 3-4 hours away. Salt Lake City is nearer to Mountains.
 
Mount Bonnel https://austin.culturemap.com/news/...ell-is-a-steep-climb-through-austins-history/ is pretty nice in Austin but there are some nice mountains further out with waterfalls.

I'm also looking at Tampa Metro and Nashville. Both half cost of living compared to Silicon Valley. Nashville is another music capital of US and has lots of mountains, lakes and rivers and moderate climate. May get slightly cold in winter.

Tampa, nice beaches and perfect weather in winter with low crime rates in suburbs. Summer does not get as hot as Texas or Utah due to rain and clouds. No hurricane for 100 years. Knock on wood.
 
It's great you have choices, and your list has places that have appeal, for different reasons. Respectfully suggest you give some thought to what is really important.

I lived half my life in the Inter-mountain west, traveled extensively, and spent the last 25 years in FL, both down the peninsula as well as the panhandle. Not sure there are places more different in climate and culture than the ones you have mentioned.

There is water everywhere in Tampa, humidity is high, it is flat as a pancake and the nearest "hills" are 100 miles north, inland, and consequently even more uncomfortable in the summer. It's also a lightning capital with spectacular thunderstorms in the summer. It was the first place in FL I had my sunglasses fog up upon exiting a hotel in the summer. Yeah, it's "moist" :ROFLMAO:

Austin is in the middle of the continent with weather dependent upon what blows across from the Pacific or comes up from the Gulf. Nashville mostly gets whatever is cooked up inland.

Based on my experience in those places, here's how I see your list to give you a few ideas as you evaluate. Your priorities will be different:

-Bay area - Would if I could. Traffic, congestion, CA tax and governance all manageable with enough $$. If I'd stayed in SoCal 25 years ago, would probably still be there. Yeah, SoCal is different, but once you're in, you're in. And if you leave, you can't afford to go back.
-UT - only if outdoor rec was the top priority
-Nashville - too cold for me. Immersion in the music scene would only last a few years for me. Good people, helps to be a college football fan.
-Austin - Could make it work. Weather OK, plenty to do locally and good proximity to other things in TX that I like,
-Tampa - Like it, would have been a good choice when I was working and had kids. Plenty to do, good govt in that area, climate is good for me. Plenty of water for boating, kayaking, paddleboards. At 60+ and kids gone, don't see any reason to move there now and deal with the traffic and crowds everywhere. Although the refrigerated bar countertops at Ford's Garage have a lot of appeal:)

Good luck, hope this helps. It's wonderful to have choices!
 
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