If you were to retire next year, where would you retire and why?

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Mar 2014 09:30:31 -0500

This seems like an appropriate question given the budget cuts and ongoing separation/retirement boards. Would you retire near a base or far away?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2014 9:34 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Mar 2014 09:34:11 -0500

I'd stay right here in the Quantico area of VA. Commute sucks to DC with traffic, but there is a stable work and housing economic situation here. Also being in close proximity to a number of installations could keep my personal costs down.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Mar 8 at 2014 9:35 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Sat, 08 Mar 2014 09:35:10 -0500

I retired this past October out of Ft. Benning, and since I am interested in going the DA Civilian/GS route I decided to stay in the area, but I moved just across the Chattahoochee River to Phenix City, AL since AL doesn't tax my retirement pay while GA does. Keeps me close to my wife's doctors on and off-post as well as allows me to still utilize the commissary, PX, gyms etc that I can use.

Response by SFC James Baber made Mar 8 at 2014 8:54 PM

SFC James Baber — Sat, 08 Mar 2014 20:54:37 -0500

I retired over 3 years ago, but I am in the process of relocating to Texas as they have a stable and improving economy and job market if you look at the right career and locations. Another plus is they don't tax my pension and Texas also offers many veteran incentives that most other states don't have or give such as tax free home purchasing based on your disability rating, the numbers vary depending on your rating percentage, how many states do that, certainly not Virginia as they try and get every nickel and dime from you to include taxing your pension as regular income, so SFC Roseland while the stable work and housing may seem good you trade off by loss of financial benefits from the over taxation and minimal benefits that the state gives or offers, and the cost of living is above the norm for most states as well especially in the NOVA area as I am already sure you are aware of this. Good luck to you in that aspect.

Every person will have different needs and perspectives, just make sure you research what is best for you and your family and what protects your benefits as well.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2014 3:45 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 15:45:29 -0400

Sir,

I would retire in WA state.

But CA is good for PH Vets free College for their kids.

V/R

1SG Haro

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Jan 12 at 2015 1:32 PM

SGT Michael Glenn — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 13:32:21 -0500

I would Pick Germany all over again, its called the gateway to Europe, has awesome culture, beautiful castles and even better cuisine.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2015 11:14 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 11:14:01 -0500

I think if I were to retire in the near future it would be either in Tucson, AZ or in Honolulu, HI. With Tucson, it's within my home state and you can easily take driving vacations. With Honolulu, it's definitely the weather and the beaches!

Response by SGT Steve Burczyk made Apr 17 at 2017 11:11 AM

SGT Steve Burczyk — Mon, 17 Apr 2017 11:11:47 -0400

Pensacola Florida, great weather mild winters, near military installations for commissary & PX shopping, tax free advantages no State income tax

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2017 10:52 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 10:52:22 -0500

Where in the world would you like to retire?
When I was growing up the idea of moving to Florida to retire was quite popular. Recently when a cluster of Hurricanes hit the Southeastern region of the USA I realized there is a disruption to that Mindset.
I am ready to move, but, to where?
In light of all the trends that you see right now, where in the world would be the best place to retire for the next twenty years? The factors that I think are most important would be:
Weather, preferably mild, (Global Warming*)
Cultural
Economics, Cost of living,
Governance, Politics
Resources, Access to food and water in the event of infrastructure collapse
Demographics
Technology, Nuclear power plants, etc
Other?
This is a tough question. We can’t avoid the wildcards, but we can avoid the neon swans, which are events that are unthinkably rare, immensely important and blindingly obvious.
I see this as a process of elimination.

Identifying neon swans and proper criteria for analysis should help us to solve this conundrum.
Texas can be omitted due to their cultural obsession with guns.
Southern California can be omitted due to fire and earthquakes.
Islands and beaches can be omitted due to global warming.*
Eastern United States has hurricanes reaching as far inland as Atlanta, GA.
Wildcards:
Blue Zones founder Dan Buettner identified Charlottesville, VAAs one of the 5 happiest cities in the world. However, since radical nationalists started targeting that location (wildcard), I think it should be taken off the list.

Please share your thoughts,
Ron

*In 2016 Futurist David Houle asked the question: “When does it become fraud to sell beach-front property?” Based on recent events I would have to say “Now.”