For the most part, the military tells you where your next location will be. Sure, you may get to choose occasionally, but you are used to the PCS drill. You make the best of the location you are headed to: you research the installation, houses, schools, jobs, etc. BUT, when it comes time to decide where to lay down roots, the decision can be daunting! Most of us are so addicted to change, that residing in one location for more than a few years seems odd. For spouses, the retirement location decision can be extremely difficult, because the move has always been tied to the soldier's job...and may still be.
Potential Options:
- Move back to home of record - i.e. we are from Texas, duh.
- Move where family or friends are located.
- Stay near your current duty station.
- Move where the best job offer is.
- Move to a region or country your family felt the most comfortable in the past.
- Move to a region or country you identify with, but have never lived in.
Stuff to consider:
- Have you lived in the area recently? The political and cultural landscapes may have changed over the years. Your own values, needs and wants may have also shifted over time.
- Do you and your spouse hail from the same or different areas? This can be an issue if you are closer to one family or another.
- Are your family and friends supportive? Are you trying to appease their desire for you to be closer? Maybe you have grown children who also want you closer to them.
- Are there custody or visitation considerations for children from a previous relationship?
- Is there a major military installation nearby, or does it matter? If you are used to all that an installation has to offer (medical facility, shopping, leisure activities, schools), you may want to make sure you are close to one.
- Does the area take military retiree insurances (Tricare, Delta Dental), and is there support for veteran issues (Veterans representative, Legion, VFW, MOAA chapter)?
- What are the schools like? Are there any military kids at the new school? How diverse is the school's population, how open are they to new students, and how will credits transfer? Military brats are used to moving, but it gets harder as they become more involved with friends, sports and activities. Does the school/area offer the sports and activities your children enjoy? Sometimes you don't know the culture of a school until you get there. Meet with the administration and schedule a visit/tour with your kids. Talk to parents of children that attend the school and look at educational reviews.
- Do you have a job where you are currently located, and will you be able to find another position if you move? Will your certifications or licenses transfer, and what is involved if they don't? Sometimes you end up being the income "bridger" before your spouse finds the perfect fit. Maybe your spouse wants to take a break for a while or go back to school. Make sure you are on the same expectation page.
- What is the cost of living and tax structure for the area? Are there unique perks for veterans and their families? Special educational incentives, tax breaks, and other benefits are state (or country) specific. You may be surprised by what the location does or does not offer. Indiana, for instance, has a state income tax and high vehicle tax, but has real estate tax reductions for veterans, as well as free tuition at participating state colleges for children of veterans with any disability rating (all retirees get one) after being a resident for three years. Check out: http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-state-benefits/state-veterans-benefits-directory.html?comp=7000022779939&rank=1
- If you want to live in another country, have you talked with military expats in the region to find out what it is like to live there when you are not active duty? The experience may be different for your family once you retire from the military.
- If you move to a location ahead of time, will you have enough reserves to support your family until jobs are found? Searching for a position from your current location can also be tricky, and you may end up settling for one job while until something better comes along. Also consider if you are willing to have one spouse move ahead for a position while the other wraps things up. A job might be offered, but kids may still need to finish out a school year.
- What is the housing market like? If it is an unfamiliar area, renting might be a good option until you find the best neighborhood in which to build or buy a home. Remember the changes in BAH and COLA allowances when you retire.
- What is the current job market trend for the area, and how is the competition? Many companies say that they give hiring preference to veterans or their spouses, but getting a foot in the door (even with GS positions) is easier said than done. Does the location you are going to have networking options for military families, or do you have contacts in the area that can help you secure a position?
- Consider any additional issues specific to your family: a special needs child, health issues, religious or political considerations, homeschooling options, etc. Research what area will have the best resources and support systems.
This is by no means a complete list to consider when choosing a retirement location, but it can get you started. Many of us are planners, and want everything set up way ahead of time for the next move. Just because it is supposed to be your final PCS, doesn't mean it will be. If you don't get it right the first time: make another change. Military spouses are the most resourceful and adaptable people I know! My best advice: lead with your heart and follow up with your head. You got this!
