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Thinking Retirement? Don't Miss Montana's Flathead Valley, "The Last Best Place"

By
Real Estate Agent with National Parks Realty of Whitefish, Montana

For many people, retirement is a no-brainer.  They finish their career and end up living in the same town they spent their final working years.  Others, however, feel the urge to reconnect with nature and one's self and find themselves seeking out beaches, rivers or ski slopes that are far enough removed from "the old" but close enough to stay connected with friends, family and many aspects of the business world they left behind.  "A lower cost of living is the major factor behind retirement mobility," says David Savageau, author of Retirement Places Rated.  "I don't know anyone moving from Kansas to Hawaii."  So how does one make the right decision and help stretch the nest egg?  Here's a few things to consider when determing if the "Last Best Place" is the right spot for you to retire:

  • Taxes.  Tax rates fluctuate considerably all across the U.S.  From income tax (there are currently seven states that don't have an income tax) to property tax to sales tax, Montana has some of the lowest rates of any state in the union.
  • Health/medical care.  By virtue of default, your healthcare rates will increase with age.  Research your top spots to make sure they have adequate health care facilities nearby.  Make sure you can find a doctor able to treat any condition you may have and "...call and see how difficult it is to get an appointment," says Michael Perskin, a geriatrics physician at the New York University Langone Medical Center.  "If you're on hold for more than 10 minutes or you leave a message on voice mail and you don't get a call back, then you know."
  • Proximity to friends and family.  For many retirees, it's important to be involved in their children and grandchildren's lives, and being located next to a central hub that has easy access via airplane or train travel is a big draw.
  • Recreation.  Now that your free from your job you have the flexibility to tele-commute (for those who continue to work part-time) or spend your days pursuing any leisure activity you see fit.  Golf? Fly fishing?  Hiking?  Skiint?  Art galleries and fine dining?  You name it, Montana's Flathead Valley has it!
  • Downsizing.  Downsizing to a smaller or lower maintenance property can help stretch your nest egg a long way.  It also frees up time that would otherwise be spent maintaining a property so you can get out and play!  It may also allow you to buy two smaller low or no maintenance properties allowing the "snow-bird" lifestyle.  Montana in the summer and Arizona in the winter!
  • Weather.  How do you feel about shovelling snow?  We do have a long winter here, but with warmer climates also comes large air-conditioning bills.  The Flathead Valley has 4 distinct climates and the warmer months are mild in comparison to summer in more arid climates.
  • Basics.  Crime rates?  Low.  Healthcare facilities?  High quality.  But what about libraries, communication access, shopping and religious institutions?  Covered.  Plus we have Glacier Park International Airport with direct daily flights to most major metropolitan areas in the west.

I think I've covered the basics, but it's impossible to make a decision of this magnitude without experiencing Montana's Flathead Valley in person, first hand.  Make a plan to get here, then make a plan to stay.  I can help, I live it every day.  Don't just buy real estate - invest in a way of life!

Posted by

John Middleton

Your Guide to Flathead Valley Real Estate

National Parks Realty

406.270.5187 (Mobile)

406.862.8458 (Office)

877.4.BIG.SKY (Toll Free)

www.FLYREELtor.com

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