As more and more baby boomers reach retirement age, many of them are following a similar trend: downsizing. Boomers are trading down to simplify, fund their retirement lifestyle and get the most out of what they’ve worked so hard for. Obviously, such a huge change requires much thought and planning. If you’re heading for retirement soon, here are some questions to ask yourself as you contemplate your next move:

• What sort of lifestyle do you want to lead? Are you a “bright lights, big city” person, or do you prefer the suburbs? How important is walk-ability to you? Do you need/want a yard? Do you want to be part of a community that offers recreational opportunities (think golf course), or do you prefer finding fun on your own? Do cultural amenities like museums or theaters need to be part of your regular routine? Determining the answers to these questions will help you target the type of community you will thrive in.
• Where can you get the most bang for your buck? Moving from an expensive area of the country to one with a lower cost of living (like Indianapolis and Central Indiana) can enable you to pay off your mortgage and have extra money for the lifestyle you envision for yourself. Additionally, most of our clients downsizing don’t want to sacrifice the neighborhood quality or home features they had in their larger home. They simply want less space and one-level living.
• Realistically, how far away are you willing to be from your family and friends? Sure, living in the Sunbelt has its appeal, but how often will you be able to visit your grandkids in the Midwest? If you’re used to seeing family on a weekly basis, moving hundreds of miles away could be difficult. It’s a trade-off, and only you can determine what you will be satisfied with. Central Indiana offers a mild climate, affordable housing and a myriad of choices for those 55+ looking for a lifestyle move.

Indianapolis and Central Indiana offer a diverse array of housing and community options for retirees. No matter your wants and needs, the Indy Homes Team can help you find the right home for this exciting time. Contact us today!

About the Author
Kristie Smith
Kristie Smith is the founder and CEO of the Indy Homes Real Estate Team. She is a REALTOR, and is one of the most recognized and accomplished Indiana real estate agents. Ranked among Central Indiana's top 10 real estate teams, the Indy Homes Team specializes in relocating families moving to the Indy area, as well as Helping People on the Move locally in Indy.