There're many things you need to consider when deciding where to retire.

I'm going to share with you 5 things, which are considered the most important ones which you shouldn't overlook.

1. Lifestyle

The kind of lifestyle you want to live after your retirement is definitely a clincher in choosing where to retire.

If you yearn to spend your days on beautiful beaches with white soft sands and warm, rustling winds, then you would head to places that're famed for their lovely beaches and sunny weather all year round.

If you're keen on skiing, then you would go to places where skiing is the most popular activity.

And maybe you're fond of farm land style living, with fruits, flowers and vegetable orchards and clean, clear fresh air all round you.

If you want to spend more time exploring museums, art galleries and cultural centers, then living in the cities or suburbs would be the preferred choice.

And for all you know, you might just want to stayput at where you're living now because you love the place and it has all the things you want for the lifestyle you want to live after retirement.

Think hard and long about what kind of lifestyle you want to have, before deciding where to live.

2. Weather

Weather is an important consideration because when you're older, you would like to have a warmer weather to go with as hard, cold weather wouldn't be a conducive and appealing environment for older folks.

This doesn't mean that hot weather is a good thing; since it also comes with high humidity and sometimes heavy rainfall, which can be uncomfortable for you as well.

Snow, strong winds, heavy rain......

You've to decide what type of climate you like and can tolerate and look for a place having the type of climatic condition you want.

3. Taxes

No matter where you decide to live after retirement, you will have to pay some kind of taxes.

If you decide to move to a different state, you need to know that different state has different tax laws and tax systems such as:

a. Income Tax - most state have this but some don't tax retirement income or social security benefits

b. Real Estate Tax - Most state have this but some have a homestead exemption that will lower the real estate tax for retired individuals

c. Personal Property Tax - some states have this tax and it can be quite costly if you have lots of property that're subject to this tax

d. Other Taxes - sales tax, county taxes, city taxes and so on

Research thoroughly on the taxes to decide which place offers you the most favorable tax system.

(Note: To research the tax structure of any given state, go to that state's web site)

4. Health Care

Easy and convenient access to every form of basic and advanced health care facilities should be the place's attraction to lure you to live there.

And the availability of health care service professionals like doctors, nurses, paramedics.

5. Housing

You can choose to live in a condo, an apartment, a townhouse, a farm-type dwelling or an expensive penthouse......

You'll have to go to a place that has the type of housing you want.

These are the 5 major things you would want to consider when you decide where to retire.

Of course, you could have other considerations; those that're perhaps more applicable to your unique circumstances and situations like:

-What will be the cost of living like

-Will it be easy for family to visit

-Will it be easy for you to make new friends

-Will your new home be safe and secure

-Can you enjoy the lifestyle you want

-Will the climate be pleasant all year round