55+ Communities
Best Places to Downsize When Cash Flow Is the Goal
Where you land changes the math as much as how much you sell for. Here's how to compare places on the numbers that matter.
By Lisa Copeland · 6 min read
Compare four numbers in every candidate town: effective property tax rate, homeowners insurance, HOA dues including reserve health, and typical utility cost for the size of home you want.
A lower sticker price with high taxes and a strained HOA can cost more monthly than a pricier home in a stable one. Ask for the reserve study before you fall in love with the courtyard.
Weigh the walkability and healthcare access seriously. Both quietly determine whether you will need a second move in ten years, and a second move is the most expensive line item in any downsizing plan.
Rent for three to six months if the location is new to you. A lease is cheap insurance against buying into the wrong street.
Finally, count the flights. Proximity to children, grandchildren, and an airport with direct routes changes your annual travel budget by thousands.
