Relocating for Retirement: A 2024 Site Suitability Analysis for Finding the Ideal Retirement Location in Western Washington
Presentation Time: Thu, 08/01/2024 - 14:30
Keywords: Retirement Planning, Location Analysis, Mental Health, Washington State, Site Suitability
Millions of Americans retire from the workplace each year. Although countless resources for retirement planning focus on financial preparation, few consider the other aspects of retirement. When left without the sense of purpose, social interaction, or structured routines of the workplace, many retirees can find themselves bored, lonely, or depressed. Given that a person's mental health is unique to them alone, the individual needs that make up their concept of a healthy retirement are also unique to each person. Once those needs are understood, GIS tools can be used to identify the potential retirement locations best suited to fulfilling those needs. This study, limited to the western portion of Washington state, focuses on a retiring military member, analyzing their housing and lifestyle needs, along with the schooling needs of their children, through Boolean and weighted analyses to find an ideal retirement location. In choosing an area identified by the analysis, the retiree could expect to have their needs fulfilled, leading to lower stress, a greater mental wellbeing, and a more successful retirement.
