Retiring to a different state

[readergirl]

We retired to Florida. No income tax-yea! My mother-in-law died right before the pandemic started, so no relatives left to worry about leaving. But, because of the pandemic, I am very cautious of being in crowds. So although, I had investigated things to do, I don't because I do not want to be in close quarters. I found a church in the summer, but then when the pandemic started revving up again, I watch on Youtube. So, I am living in a state where I know no one, and don't want to take classes/join groups. So, before you move, be sure you won't feel like you are in prison. At least where we lived before, I had a part-time office job so I could be with people. I am lonely, but alive. Hopefully, the pandemic won't last forever, and  life will improve. 

[Tennesseer]

Try to find a group with your interests which take the pandemic seriously. No reason why the group when meeting in person cannot all be vaccinated along with wearing masks while together.

[buystoys]

I've found much to do by joining the VFW and American Legion.  This past couple of months has been a whirl wind of activity! 

[justme]

Dec 24, 2021 16:54:15 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Try to find a group with your interests which take the pandemic seriously. No reason why the group when meeting in person cannot all be vaccinated along with wearing masks while together.

Depending where they are in Florida there might not be any close. It's crazy how easily you can tell where you are in Florida based on the amount of masks you see.


Are you outdoorsy? This is prime time down here to get outside. Maybe look for hiking groups?

[readergirl]

I guess what I really meant is that I would not have moved to a whole different area if I had known the danger/difficulties in meeting new people. While I do not know anyone who died of Covid, I do know of a teenager who got it in spring 2020 and will probably be a long-hauler for life. What is the point and retiring and moving if you are sick, or cannot enjoy your new life. It may not have been my favorite place, but at least I knew people where I was. 

[mamasita99]

I have heard of this problem with kids, as well, when their family moved to a new area right at start of covid and no schools or activities to meet friends. Not the best way to form a relationship in a new state. Outdoors activities are a safer alternative to meet people, though.

[Artemis Windsong]

Our AZ friends got us into a retirement community with lots of activities. Some do require masks. Without our friends, we never would have found this wonderful, friendly community.

The land our manufactured house sits on is deeded. Very important. The next important thing is the HOA fees. Our HOA fees are reasonable and well managed.

[Bonny]

Jan 3, 2022 17:12:48 GMT -5 readergirl said:

I guess what I really meant is that I would not have moved to a whole different area if I had known the danger/difficulties in meeting new people. While I do not know anyone who died of Covid, I do know of a teenager who got it in spring 2020 and will probably be a long-hauler for life. What is the point and retiring and moving if you are sick, or cannot enjoy your new life. It may not have been my favorite place, but at least I knew people where I was. 

I've had to move five times because of my husband's job. It's never fun moving away from your friends. OTOH a new community is a chance to see the world differently. Moving from the SF Bay Area to AZ was tough because socializing was limited since I wasn't working and I didn't have kids. I was substantially younger than most retirees. I found my way through volunteering both as a land trust member and also leading hikes in the County park. I also joined a gym which I understand not wanting to do now but there are on-line and outside gym and yoga classes available.

Ditto for the move to Germany whereby I spoke no German but did start making friends on-line and then meeting up in person.

I'm someone who grew up in the same house for 22 years. Making new friends was WORK and a challenge I had to overcome. I'm still a bookworm at heart, a little socially awkward but now have friends scattered across the country and in Europe.

If I can do it so can you!

Good luck. I know it's hard.

[happyhoix]

Jan 3, 2022 17:12:48 GMT -5 readergirl said:

I guess what I really meant is that I would not have moved to a whole different area if I had known the danger/difficulties in meeting new people. While I do not know anyone who died of Covid, I do know of a teenager who got it in spring 2020 and will probably be a long-hauler for life. What is the point and retiring and moving if you are sick, or cannot enjoy your new life. It may not have been my favorite place, but at least I knew people where I was. 

Wow how unlucky your move happened at the same time as Covid.

I have my fingers crossed this is the last big wave. Hopefully by summer we can finally get back to normal and you’ll be able to start meeting people.

Between now and then have you tried zoom meeting with your old friends/ relatives? You can do a free zoom call for 30 minutes- at least you get to chat a bit with people you know.

[Deleted]

This is something I'm not looking forward to.  I've been in the Kansas City area since 2003 and DS, my only child, is in Des Moines, 3 hours away.  I'm 68 and independent but when I can't manage the house by myself I plan to move to whatever type of community I need near them.  I'm not a social butterfly but I have a good network here, mostly my church community, and I dread the idea of starting over again.  

The tax thing is tricky although my brother re-domiciled in FL and bought a fantastic house which he says will pay for itself in savings on the income taxes he would have paid to NC, where they used to live (yes, brother did VERY well at his career ).   Iowa wouldn't tax my SS income, unlike KS and MO, and they don't charge sales taxes on food, but the income tax rates are so high I'd end up paying more taxes overall.

[seriousthistime]

Have you considered joining a MeetUp group or two?  I belonged to a few of them; now, just one.  We are still doing our book group meetings by Zoom. I was just about to attend some of their lunches and brunches, but now with Omicron I'm leery of attending.  It used to be that I was good with people if they were fully vaxxed.  Now, not so much.  I also made a few friends within that group and we get together occasionally, outdoors or in a well-ventilated place with room to spread out.

I also do a fair number of things alone, and I like being alone in my house.  There is always something to keep me busy. 

[Value Buy]

Dec 24, 2021 23:01:36 GMT -5 justme said:

Dec 24, 2021 16:54:15 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Try to find a group with your interests which take the pandemic seriously. No reason why the group when meeting in person cannot all be vaccinated along with wearing masks while together.

Depending where they are in Florida there might not be any close. It's crazy how easily you can tell where you are in Florida based on the amount of masks you see.


Are you outdoorsy? This is prime time down here to get outside. Maybe look for hiking groups?

I am seeing many more masks in southwest Florida so far this winter than last year, and I believe most are being worn by Floridians as snowbirds dress differently and easy to spot.

[readergirl]

We live in a non-touristy town on the central east coast. The majority of the residents do not wear masks. It is the thought of being a long-hauler that scares me away from being with people (I know a teenager who is a longhauler from almost 2 years ago). Don't want to get political. It just makes being retired not the fun I thought it was going to be. But now and then I find something to do, or go bananas being in the house.