Where will you spend your golden years?

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When I was starting out in real estate, it was pretty common – almost expected – for retirees to sell the family house and move to a picturesque little town for some peace and quiet. Maybe they would winterize their cottage and move in year-round, or maybe they’d join the ranks of snowbirds who headed south each winter. But the prevailing idea was that, after decades of working hard and raising a family, retirees were ready to get away from it all.
It never fails to amaze me how quickly times change. In recent years, the trend has begun to swing the other way. More and more often, I’m seeing retired clients who are ready to sell their suburban or rural homes and purchase something right at the heart of the city.

What’s the appeal of an urban retirement? Well, there are the usual suspects: arts and entertainment, restaurants and shopping, social groups and recreation, all right at your doorstep. For baby boomers who have spent huge portions of their lives driving to and from work, ditching the car and hopping on public transit feels like freedom.
Yet another big draw for some retirees is that the city brings them closer to children and grandchildren. For those who are widowed or divorced, the city often offers greater possibilities for making connections with others. The simple truth is that where some people find comfort in quiet surroundings, others find isolation.
Finally, some are attracted to downtown locations for the most practical of reasons: you can’t beat the big city for health care. Even if they’re fit as fiddles, today’s retirees are taking the long-term view.
Many boomers still embrace the classic ideal of the fishing boat, a heap of novels and gorgeous lake-side sunsets. But many others are suited to cottage life for just a few weeks a year. These clients tell me that they finally have the time and energy to pursue all the interests that have been on the back burner for so many years – whether it’s seeking out live jazz, exploring world cuisine or joining a racquetball club. And no place offers them more than the vibrant, ever-changing city.
I suggest you examine your own retirement dreams – and have fun doing it!
Marnie Bennett owns Bennett & Co., a boutique real estate marketing firm providing a full range of marketing services to developers and builders. Email your questions to mbennett@bennettpros.com
Visit www.bennettpros.com for all your real estate needs.
Original Source: METRO VANCOUVER NEW CONDO GUIDE JANUARY 9 – 23, 2015