From our nationally ranked Zoo to the wide-range of cultural cuisines on South Grand, those of us who live in St. Louis know that our city is a pretty well-kept secret. That secret works to our advantage though, with St. Louis consistently ranking as one of the most affordable major metropolitan areas in the United States. We have all the big-city amenities, but at an affordable price.  That makes this city, just shy of 3 million residents, the perfect place to call home in all stages of life — but it’s especially perfect for those with big-city flare who live on a smaller, fixed income.  In fact, where to live in retirement is a key factor in long-term happiness and financial stability. Unfortunately, few couples take the time to decide where they want to live and why.  In a 2013 Fidelity Investment survey, nearly 40 percent of couples said they don’t agree on, or don’t know where they plan to live in retirement. Luckily, we’re here to help facilitate that discussion, and maybe even convince you that the St. Louis area may just be the perfect place to call home for years to come.  Check out our piece on Why St. Louis is a Great Place to Rretire, and read the points below for things to consider when choosing a retirement location.

1. Cost of living – the city you choose to live in, or even the neighborhood, can greatly impact how far your retirement dollars stretch.  It’s important to look beyond housing though, and consider all the things that add to overall cost of living. Are groceries expensive? What about gas? Are there any free local attractions, or do they all cost? They may seem like small expenses, but they can add up quickly.
2. Weather – shoveling snow is obviously not ideal for retirees, but neither is a summer filled with 100+ degree days. Make sure the weather is doable all year, and that you don’t trade shoveling snow for excessive heat and humidity.  
3. Family and friends – you may have decided on the perfect retirement location at your favorite vacation spot, but keep in mind that if you move away from family and friends, you’ll want to add regular travel costs into your budget.
4. Healthcare – if you’re looking to retire to a peaceful, secluded mountain location, you might want to make sure you’re still in close proximity to excellent hospitals and doctors. Health needs tend to change as we age, and nearby quality healthcare should factor into any relocation decision.
5. Property taxes- are they higher or lower in your desired location?
6. Pension taxes - a number of states exempt in-state pensions as well as federal and military pensions from income tax. 
7. Long-term care costs – while no one likes to think about long-term care, if you’re planning on relocating permanently, looking into the cost of it by state is probably wise. There’s a lot of information out there on this, so some quick research can ensure you’re prepared should you or a loved one need long-term care in the future.