Ivan Gillis

                      "UNDER THE RADAR"

Since we use this term in articles, we need to share with our members what that term means to us, as we use it.  When "Under the Radar" is used in our articles on retirement home location selection, it means that location fits nearly all the factors listed below.

• Climate--Pick the wrong climate and you can be spending 6 months or more inside.  It could also cost you an arm and leg to heat, cool, and/or clean the air.  Also, windstorms, tornados, floods, and/or hurricanes could be a major cost factor.
• Total Tax Burden--There are several articles on the site regarding total tax burden.  In a nutshell know your total tax burden before committing to retirement home location.
• Safe Environment--No one wants to spend their retirement behind a set of "gypsies" bar or looking over their shoulder every time they leave their home.
• Cost of Living--There are numerous indexes that give the cost of living, but nearly anyone can understand it doesn't cost as much to live in Hot Springs, AR as it does in San Francisco, CA.
• Active Senior Center--A thriving senior center with a full range of services can and is a big plus for nearly all retirees.
• Full Range of Housing--The area should have all types of senior housing available from apartments, condos, single family home, mobile homes, to full range senior retirement community centers.
• Access to an Airport--One 2 hour trip to an airport with a car full of visitors and/or grandkids will make this point perfectly clear.
• Quality of Life
1. Access to indoor and outdoor recreation
2. Cultural and entertainment facilities
3. Service Clubs (Ones you belong to, or might be interested in joining)
4. Quality and availability of health care
5. Population size, normally under 50,000.  Larger locations tend to lose the close-knit regard for others of smaller towns.

When we use the term "Under the Radar" those sites will have reviewed for at least the first four factors, and when possible for all 8 factors listed.