One of the most crucial retirement decisions is deciding where to retire, because not only will your retirement location have a big impact on you, it can have a big impact on your family and friends. There’s certainly no shortage of retirement options in New Jersey, but the temptation of a warmer climate like Florida is always there. Each individual or family ultimately makes these choices, but there are plenty of great reasons to retire right here in the Garden State and remain close to home.
Family is a big reason many seniors choose to stay in the Lakewood and Toms River area. On one hand, living at a community with Life Care, like Harrogate, offers the peace of mind of knowing everything – including skilled nursing, rehab and higher levels of care – is close by. On the other hand, putting a smart plan for your future health care in place also lets you focus on enjoying time with your family and grandchildren. Many seniors wouldn’t trade being around their loved ones for any tropical climate in the world.
Of course, family isn’t the only reason local seniors choose to remain close to home. There simply aren’t many parts of the country with as many intellectual and cultural attractions so close by. Ocean County offers a long list of fun and interesting activities. And Washington, D.C., New York City and Philadelphia alone offer more activities than most people could fit into a lifetime.
Due to the misconception that New Jersey has higher taxes than most states, it can often be overlooked as a retirement option.While local taxes are a legitimate point of discussion, seniors who’ve chosen to retire in a Life Care Community like Harrogate are usually surprised by the number of available tax breaks. A simple visit with your financial advisor or the finance department at most senior living communities will point you in the right direction.
Seniors who choose to retire close to family and friends are typically very happy with their decision. No matter what you decide to do, make sure you do your research, look at your priorities, have a heart-to-heart conversation with family, and choose the option that feels right and makes the most financial sense. Everyone has a unique idea of what retirement looks like, and New Jersey offers countless options to choose from.
To help you make a more informed decision, stop by Harrogate and pick up our helpful guide. We can help you get a better understanding of all your retirement options. You can also schedule a personal appointment by using our contact form.