Are you thinking about retiring and are wondering where to go when you do? Many people retire and stay right in the state where they have lived for years. Others look for places where they can enjoy a quiet life in their twilight years, looking for different scenery, a change of pace, new activities, and new friends.
Many places come to mind like Florida, Tennessee, Arizona, and North Carolina all rank among the most popular places to retire, but not all of those places are for everyone.
We are here to convince you to consider a State that you may not have thought of. Montana can be a great place to lay down roots in the later years of life. The long summer days are known for their beautiful sunsets and scenery, fresh air, and open spaces.
Here are six reasons why you might want to retire in Montana. Also, learn more about how the elder law attorneys at Tanko Law can help you with your estate and end-of-life planning to make retirement even easier.
TAX-FRIENDLY RETIREMENT
One of the best reasons to retire in Montana is that it's one of the most tax-friendly states for retirees in the union. Not only does this state have an overall lower tax burden than the rest of the United States, but its income tax rates are also capped at 6.65 percent. Certain amounts of social security payments and pensions aren't taxed, and there is no sales tax in Montana at all.
For retirees looking to stay comfortable late into life, the value they get out of their dollar is important. In Montana, the cost of living is significantly cheaper than the US average, meaning that your dollar will go farther here.
BEAUTIFUL AND TRANQUIL SETTINGS
As we get older, we start to look for a life that moves to a better pace. We have spent most of our time moving as fast as possible for our working carrier.
There needs to be time to enjoy the sunlight in summer and the company of friends and family at the dinner table. There is no need to hustle any faster than you want to when you retire in Montana.
Montana is consistently rated as one of the most naturally beautiful states, featuring a long stretch of the Rocky Mountains and beautiful seasons.
If you're looking for a place to live your life in peace and harmony with gorgeous vistas, mountains, lakes, and a great community, Montana has some of the best retirement towns around. The most popular is Whitefish, with its upscale sensibilities and beautiful mountain and lakeside location. Other great retirement locations are Missoula, Helena, and Bozeman.
RECREATION AND ACTIVITIES
The natural setting of Montana offers a range of great recreation and activities to keep you healthy and active in your later years. There is no shortage of things to do with like-minded people your age, like hiking, birding, fishing, hunting, photography, golfing, and more. With a temperate climate, Montana is a state where there is always something to do.
If you want to get away to town or make a day trip out of visiting one of Montana's larger cities, there is always something to do inside too.
FOOD FRESH FOOD
Though it may not come to mind at first, but it is true. There is an abundant food culture centered around farm-fresh ingredients with many farms and wildlife, including fish and game, like elk and deer.
You'll never be short fresh fruits or vegetables for your cooking. When you eat at local restaurants, you'll get to experience the freshest ingredients.
Around August through September, locals like to pick the wild huckleberries that grow in parts of our great state.
As we age, it becomes increasingly important that we eat well and maintain regular exercise. The locally-sourced food we are known for in Montana can help you eat healthily.
GREAT HEALTHCARE
Doctors are like attorneys; you need someone you trust to ensure that you are given the best care you can get. In retirement, we have to plan around our health needs and the eventual decline of our health. Having access to the best medical care available is non-negotiable.
In 2014, CNN Money and Bankrate ranked Montana among the best states to retire, citing plenty of room to move about, large lakes, and one of the top hospitals in the nation in Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Healthcare is a vital part of the equation for those looking for a great place to retire. Planning for what may happen later in life is critical, and having access to the medical care you need right now can make all the difference.
The question isn't why you should move here, but why you wouldn't move somewhere boasting such a highly-ranked hospital.
MONTANA ELDER LAW ATTORNEY
You wouldn't settle for less than the best from your doctors, don't settle for less with your law attorney.
One of the most important parts of retirement is planning for your future and the generations after you. This means getting your affairs in order with the help of an attorney you trust.
When it comes time to plan your will, manage your estate, and determine who will make vital decisions for you in terms of finances and healthcare, should you become unable to do so, you'll want the services of an experienced Montana elder law attorney.
An elder law lawyer isn't just someone to sign off on your will; they're someone who knows how to make tough decisions and can be a trusted advisor and confidante on these issues.
Many planning solutions are available that can help uncomplicate the complicated issue of end-of-life planning. Not only will a well-made estate plan put your mind at ease, but it will also help make the lives of your family members much easier too.
If you're thinking about retiring in Montana and would like help with your estate planning, you can trust Tanko Law to help. Contact us today to get started or for answers to any questions you might have today!