Retiring and Moving

One million people move every year following retirement.  Most change within their state, but 38 percent relocate to another state.  Why do retirees move?


Many retirees came here on my Reno street of about forty-five families living in newly constructed homes because they wanted to be closer to family, particularly grandchildren.  Many appreciated the absence of state income tax to maintain their standard of living.  A few moved for health reasons and a love of outdoor activities like skiing and hiking.  All of these new retirees who came predominantly from Northern and Southern California ( four of us are from San Diego County ) comment they like the less crowded conditions and the fewer cars in Reno compared to large areas such as the Bay Area and San Diego County which has a population of 3.3 million.  Washoe County in 2021 was 493,014, while Reno qualifies as a smallish town with only 268,509 inhabitants.

Michele LaRue is a former San Diego psychologist now living in Reno, Nevada.

Continue reading “Retiring and Moving”