Retirement is an opportunity to change things up. Whether that be taking up a new hobby, living life a little slower, moving house, or all of the above, this golden time of life offers lots of opportunity! One thing you may be considering is a sea change.

What is a sea change?

The phrase sea change typically refers to retirees moving to the coast or country, hobby farmers or people ‘opting out’ or downshifting. At its core, it is about changing your lifestyle to have more time, less stress, better life balance and can be for people from all walks of life. In this article, we are discussing retiring to the oceanside.

Why you should retire by the sea

Some of the benefits of making a sea change when you retire are:

• An easy-going and relaxed lifestyle in a more natural environment
• Creating new community connections and friendships
• Greater ability to engage in leisure activities such as fishing, swimming, and walking along the waterfront
• Down-sizing could lead to more affordable living
• What to consider when moving during retirement

While it is easy to get lost in the excitement of moving to your dream location, it is important to ask yourself some questions to ensure it is the right move:

How much will it cost?

We all know how expensive moving can be. While that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it, it is important to consider the cost of moving to the sea and if this is reasonable for you. Weighing up cost and reward can help you make a decision that makes you happy far into the future.

Are there health facilities and amenities you may need later in life?

As we age, we have new things to think about. Don’t let it be an afterthought – with the right location, any health facilities and amenities you need later in life can be catered for, so you don’t have to worry about it when you need it most.

Is there a community you can be part of?

Retirement villages often have lots of great extracurricular activities and social events so you can spend time with likeminded people. Spend some time touring the place you are interested in moving to and see how current residents enjoy the space – does it fit with your ideal lifestyle in retirement?

Do you want to live near family and friends?

Finally, moving is not just a financial cost, but also an emotional one. Depending on how far you move, you may end up far from loved ones, or you may end up closer than before! Make sure to factor this in if you want to be close to relatives or friends.

If you are looking for a retirement community near the waterfront to call home, why not book a tour with BallyCara? Our Retirement Village in Scarborough is just a few minutes from the shore, with great facilities to ensure you can make the most of your golden years.