Top Reasons Seniors Should Consider Chesapeake for Retirement

Hello Hampton Roads,

Today we have a speciat guest blogger, Barbara Thompson, Senior Care Advocate with SeniorHomes.com has written the following informative article on why Chesapeake is a great place to retire!  I hope you all enjoy it :)


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One of the most exciting parts of preparing for your retirement is having the freedom to choose where you want to live.  You can base your choice almost entirely on what makes you happy and the type of surroundings that will help you live life to the fullest throughout your Golden Years.  For seniors who enjoy the water, Chesapeake, Virginia provides one of the best possible environments for retirement.

Chesapekae is part of the Hampton Roads region, whihc is a group of metropolitan areas that lie where the Chesapeake Bay flows into the Atlantic Ocean.  the area offers all the attractions, events, and excitements you'd find in a larger city, but nestled in teh middle of the Coastal Virginia region.

Below you'll find just a few reasons why Chesapeake is worth a second look as you consider where you'd like to live during retirement.

Chesapeake is Home to Many Senior Friendly Activities

One thing you will have to worry about in Chesapeake is running out of things to do. There’s culture, music and, of course, the ocean and bay. You can enjoy miles of free beach access from the Chesapeake Bay to the Atlantic Ocean, as well as scenic nature trails and a national wildlife refuge. There are also three Farmer’s Markets for you to enjoy local fresh produce and goods from local artisans.

Chesapeake is home to a strong offering of outdoor activities seniors can enjoy. Some of the top attractions include:
  • Bird watching
  • Biking
  • Fishing
  • Golf
  • Kayaking and many other water activities
If you’re going to be new to the area, you could also consider getting involved with the “55 & Better” program, which coordinates recreational activities for seniors in Chesapeake. Participating in events sponsored by the program can help you meet new friends, and the program also serves as a center for any information you may need about life in Chesapeake. These activities tend to fill up quickly, which speaks to their popularity.

Chesapeake is a Good Financial Investment for Retirees.

Beyond the amazing array of activities available to you, settling in Chesapeake can also pay financial dividends for your retirement.

According to real estate website Zillow, the median home value in Chesapeake is $265,400. Chesapeake home values have gone up 4.5% over the past year and Zillow predicts they will rise 3.0% within the next year. This trend means homebuyers in Chesapeake can expect the value of their home to appreciate over the next few years. If you are looking to buy a home for your earlier years of retirement before ultimately moving into a senior living community or facility, a home in Chesapeake is a safe investment. Your real estate agent can help you target homes that will suit your present needs.

Consumer finance service SmartAsset notes Virginia is a tax-friendly state for retirees based on the following facts:
  • Social Security income is not taxed
  • Withdrawals from retirement accounts are only partially taxed
  • Wages are taxed at normal rates, with the marginal state tax rate set at 5.00%
  • Public and private pension incomes are only partially tax
All of this means more of your retirement income can stay in your pocket and ultimately be put toward the things you enjoy.

Chesapeake Offers a Variety of Senior Living Options

If you’re not looking to purchase a home for retirement, rest-assured there are many different senior living options available to you in the Chesapeake area. Choosing the best one for will involve evaluating a few different factors in your life - including amenities that are important to you, current and future health needs and any mobility concerns.

One of the options available to you in Chesapeake is a retirement community, also called an active adult living community or “55-plus” community. Retirement communities are a wonderful option for active seniors who want to remain independent, but would rather not be responsible for any form of home maintenance - such as landscaping, snow removal or sewage issues. If you opt for a retirement community, you will want to ask your realtor about a possible homeowners association (HOA) fee or any other hidden fee to ensure you understand the true cost of this option.

If you find yourself needing more help with everyday activities, you may be better suited for an assisted living facility. There are many highly rated communities in the Chesapeake area, and the specialized staff at these facilities are available to assist you with activities of daily living, as well as healthcare management assistance. Your real estate agent can help you work through financing options if needed.

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If you are considering living in Chesapeake or need to sell your Chesapeake home, please contact for a complimentary market evaluation and home buyer consultation!
Check out all the MLS listings in Chesapeake, here: https://www.hamptonroadshomes.us/

Thanks for Reading,
Liz Schuyler
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Serving your Hampton Roads and Virginia Beach Real Estate needs.

Thinking of buying a home? 
Register for the upcoming Free Home Buyer Class at:
http://Liz.Free HomeBuyerClass.us





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