You are approaching retirement and might want a quiet location to retire, and the West Coast – with its ocean, vibrant cities and relaxed image – may be a good place to start. But as glamorous as it might seem, that can be anything but the case, particularly when you get older. Aging requires convenient access to healthcare, affordable housing and the flexibility of an accessible pace – all things not easy to find on the West Coast. The West Coast isn’t quite the answer if you need simplicity, safety and ease as you get older. Here are 10 reasons why I could never live on the West Coast.
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High Cost of Living
The West Coast – and particularly California – is one of the most expensive places in the country to live. You pay too much for your home, too much in property taxes and you run up a large bill for groceries & gas every month. In retirement, on a fixed income, these costs can be tough to cover — you’ll have less money left for other activities or necessities.
Wildfire Risk
The wildfire seasons are longer and hotter than ever – in California and Oregon for instance. The smoke from such fires can also impact local air quality, and that can be a problem for seniors with respiratory or heart problems. As well as the physical harm, it is stressful to live with the possibility of evacuations and possible property destruction.
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Traffic and Congestion
Traffic snarls in big West Coast cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle makes life hell. There are long commutes and clogged freeways that can be tiring to drive – even if they are only for a few miles. Older adults would probably prefer less crowded places with better traffic flow, so driving or other modes of travel will not be so burdensome.
Higher Taxes
California and Oregon have some of the highest state income taxes in the country. Washington does not have an income tax, but it has a sales tax, which can be painful. These additional taxes will eat away at income for retirees trying to save for retirement — leaving not enough to fund activities or medical care.
Earthquake Risks
The West Coast is on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is thus very earthquake-prone. They prepare for earthquakes, of course, but the fear of a quake — and the money needed to retrofit homes to ensure that they’re protected — could be disturbing to retirees who are looking for a peaceful & stable life.
Cooler Coastal Climate
In some West Coast cities, the summers can be very warm here and there, but the weather is cool and cloudier all year round. I like regular sunny days and hotter weather — foggy mornings, rain and chilly breezes in places like San Francisco, Seattle & parts of Oregon can feel humdrum and dull.
Lack of Retirement-friendly Communities
There are fewer independent living facilities on the West Coast than you find in the Southwest or Florida. It can be tougher to live as an older adult here because fewer communities specifically provide seniors with facilities such as bus routes, social clubs, and healthcare.
Expensive Healthcare
Medical care on the West Coast can be costly – in California for example. The best hospitals in the country are found here, but appointments, surgeries, and medications cost more than average. If you have regular visits or other specialty treatments, they can eat into retirement savings.
Limited Public Transportation Options
Seattle and San Francisco may have great public transit, but most areas of the West Coast are still lacking comprehensive or seniors-friendly services. Driving gets harder as you grow older, and if transportation is limited, it can be challenging to get around by yourself.
Fast-Paced Lifestyle in Major Cities
West Coast cities are packed, especially tech-heavy Silicon Valley and Seattle. These spaces can be stressful, especially if you’re in search of something less stressful. Some smaller cities provide a serene, pastoral ambiance but little to no access to medical services, entertainment, or social activities, which are the lifeblood of an enjoyable retirement.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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