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Retiring in United States | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Clinton, New Jersey

Retire in the United States

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Feb 09, 2024

Summary: Retirees are often attracted to the United States for its diverse culture, vibrant cities, and wide range of activities and attractions. The country also offers a wide range of climates, from tropical in the south to temperate in the north. The weather in the United States varies greatly depending on the region, but generally temperatures range from an average low of 20°F (-7°C) in the winter to an average high of 86°F (30°C) in the summer.

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What is it like to retire in the United States?

"Life for a retiree in the United States and its surroundings can be quite fulfilling. There is an active expat community with ample access to cultural attractions, recreation, and nightlife. Retirees often explore the culture of the region by participating in outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and bird watching. They also enjoy visiting local sports teams and attending theatre performances, music concerts, and art shows. Whether the retiree enjoys a quiet night at home or an evening of fun with friends, there are plenty of activities and entertainments to explore in the US and its surroundings," said one retiree in United States.

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What advice do overseas retirees have for others considering retiring abroad?

"Check with a tax professional first to find out what taxes you may still have to pay in the UK when you move to the US. And vice versa," explained one retiree living in US.

What are the most challenging aspects of retiring in the United States?

"Retiring in the United States can present some difficult challenges, such as rising costs associated with healthcare and a lack of retirement savings, making it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, there can be a sense of loneliness, especially if retirees are far away from friends and family, as many of the social activities that retirees rely on to stay connected are difficult to come by. Finding suitable and affordable housing can also be a challenge, as retirees may not have the savings or income to cover the costs associated with certain areas. Furthermore, navigating retirement paperwork can be difficult and time-consuming, as there are often many rules and regulations to keep track of in order to receive the full benefit of any retirement plan," commented one retiree living in United States.

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What are the most rewarding aspects of retiring in the United States?

"One of the most rewarding aspects of retiring in the United States is having access to a wide range of social security and pension benefits. People who retire in the United States can also enjoy the security of knowing that their healthcare costs are covered by Medicare, as well as the availability of other services such as home health care and prescription drug plans. Additionally, retirees can take advantage of the numerous leisure and recreational opportunities available, such as national parks, museums, and beaches. Lastly, the ample financial services for retirees, such as banking and investment options, further add to the rewards of retiring in the United States," said one retiree in living in United States.

What are healthcare services like in the United States?

We asked retirees if they have access to good medical care in the United States. They wrote:

"Healthcare services in the United States vary greatly depending on where one lives. Generally speaking, access to healthcare is reliant on having health insurance, either through private plans or through the public programs such as Medicaid or Medicare. Most healthcare services are provided by private physicians in private clinics, though at different levels of quality. There are also a number of government-run healthcare services, such as community health centers, clinics, and hospitals. The overall cost for healthcare services in the US is typically high, with nationwide insurance plans and price regulations that vary from state to state. Furthermore, the US healthcare system is not always well-tailored to the needs of its citizens, with some areas lacking in certain services, or with care being highly concentrated in certain areas," said a retiree who moved to United States.

How do I meet people in the United States?

When we asked people living in the United States about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"I would recommend the bars and clubs here in Sacramento. They are mostly located in the downtown area. Some good clubs to visit are Blue Q and Empire. For bars we have plenty of them, some good ones are Sandbar,Pine Cove,Firehouse,Players,for the youngfolks that attend Sac State Univ. you can check out the Library, and you can also go down to the river Old Sacramento area for the riverside dining bars that are available. If you are into music we have a growing underground music community in hip-hop and rock. Finding out about shows is easy mainly because you can flyers for shows posted in every coffee shop and street corner. A good venue for music to check out is the Boardwalk. If clubbing and music isn't your thing we have 2 rivers and a lake within the Sacramento area. One can do everything from boating,swimming,fishing,mountain biking to jogging. There are plenty of outdoor activities to do," remarked one retiree in Sacramento.

"Expats often join social and cultural clubs to meet others and learn about their new home. Examples of very popular clubs and activities include community choirs, running clubs, youth sports teams, and language classes. Expats can also meet others by attending local lectures, musical performances, art and book exhibitions, festivals, and even charity events, which offer a great opportunity to socialize and make friends. Additionally, expats often get online to more easily connect with people who share similar interests, join online expat networks, or even sign up for social media pages dedicated to expats living in the area," said a retiree who moved to United States.

"I might recommend looking into local high schools (Brookline High) for continuing ed classes- you can take everything from Spanish to cooking to woodworking. There is also Junior League of Boston, and different business networking opportunities. (None which come to mind by name- but we belong to the Boston College Club- those types of places are great- although expensive) I would also suggest looking into the alumni department of the college you attended- I know there is a whole network of colleges that sponsor events together. (wine tasting, a capella concerts, ball games, etc.) One other suggestion is Boston.com and citysearch.com -- they summarize all the events in the city- free concerts on the river, events in the park, shows, etc. The Improper Bostonian is a free weekly magazine - they usually list great stuff in there, as well as the Boston Globe publishes a calendar section each Thursday. It highlights the events going on for the weekend, new restaurants, bars, etc," said one retiree in Boston.

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What is life like in the United States?

When we asked people living in the United States what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"It is a bit of all of this- but work and socializing are big on a daily basis. Sports- depending on the season -are big too. Specifically the Patriots and Red Sox. I don't see a huge family emphasis at all," said one retiree in Boston.

"People's lives revolve mostly around working all day to pay the bills, then coming home and socializing. Family isn't really a big priority here mainly because most families here are dysfunctional or broken," commented one retiree living in Sacramento, US.

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What do I need to know before retiring in the United States?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to the United States, they said:

"Before retiring in the United States, expats should familiarize themselves with the US visa and immigration requirements in order to determine their eligibility to stay and work in the country. It is important to also research state and federal tax regulations, and investigate the cost of living in the region they plan to retire to. Understanding the health care system is also essential, including what kinds of health insurance options are available and how they differ from home country plans. Additionally, expats should make sure they have sufficient savings and resources to cover the costs of retirement. Finally, research the cultural, social and recreational activities in the area to gain an understanding of how life will be in the US for retirees," commented one retiree living in United States.

"Real estate advice- renting an apartment is expensive- the rents are high and in addition you have to pay first, last, security, and a finders fee - usually equal to one month's rent. The suburbs are a bit less expensive- and many still have an urban feel," explained one retiree living in Boston.

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What type of recreational activities are there in the United States?

"Water-based activities are very popular in Annapolis - sailing, yachting, kayaking, paddle boarding and more. Mears Marina is just across the bridge in Eastport, with tennis courts, a swimming pool and marina. There are many golf clubs nearby as well.

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"The beaches are the most popular recreation in the area. The nearest golf course is at Humacao. Hiking is best at El Junque. If you hear of a football game you can watch it will probably turn out to be soccer," explained one member in Patillas.

"In the United States, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as parks, beaches, lakes, rivers, trails, and golf courses. Parks often feature playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields. Beaches provide opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Lakes and rivers offer fishing, boating, and other water activities. Trails provide a great way to explore nature and get some exercise. Golf courses provide a challenging and enjoyable way to spend an afternoon," said one retiree in United States.

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Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in the United States?

"People living in the United States typically buy groceries and do other shopping at supermarkets, convenience stores, department stores, and online retailers. Many people also shop at farmers markets, specialty stores, and discount stores," explained one member in United States.

"There are many grocery stores in Annapolis - Whole Foods, Sam's Club, Graul's Market, Giant, Shoppers, Fresh Market, Trader Joe's and Safeway. There are several Asian grocery stores in nearby Bowie, MD. Annapolis Towne Center is an outdoor shopping center with clothing stores like Anthropologie, lululemon and Talbots, restaurants and even the Whole Foods. Westfield Mall has furniture stores (Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel), clothing stores, restaurants and an 11 cinema movie theater. ," said one retiree in Annapolis.

"Their are great bakeries in the centro of Patillas and one well stocked supermarket but most people drive 20 minutes down the road to Pueblo or Amigo for grocery shopping in Guayama," remarked one retiree in Patillas.

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About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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