Moving is a stressful process in and of itself, but deciding where to retire can be even more so. For many, the permanence of the decision is not taken lightly, nor should it be. Quality medical care, access to shops and an active senior community are important factors to take into consideration. Fortunately, the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex has all this and more.

The Dallas Advantage
Dallas and Fort Worth are among the top cities flocked to by retirees-and who can blame them? We boast of our warm climate, busy communities and friendly people. With more shopping malls per capita than any city in the world, Dallas has a lot to offer consumers and business owners alike.

Enjoy the arts? The Grammy-nominated Dallas Symphony Orchestra has toured all over the world and can be seen weekly at the stunning Meyerson Symphony Center in Downtown Dallas. Fort Worth's Kimbell Art Museum is home to a number of significant works and hosts exceptional exhibitions throughout the year. Botanical Gardens, a first-class zoo, museums, opera houses and theaters are all located in this thriving metropolis.

If you are looking to stay fit or get back into shape, there are the beautiful trails around White Rock Lake in Dallas and the Gardens in Fort Worth. Any number of walking and running marathons are held each year and pervasiveness of health clubs ensures a convenient way to keep you feeling your best!

Most importantly, DFW is home to many first-class hospitals and medical facilities. Some of the best doctors in the country are in practice right here and the field is continuing to grow.

Assisted Living
While it can be nice to have so many options available in assisted living homes, the choices can seem overwhelming. The best thing to do is to assess your needs or the needs of your family member and determine what the essential services you need are. Some homes will provide transportation, clubs and activities, while others stick to basic housekeeping and meals. How much are you willing to spend? How big of a home do you want? How big a room? You want to make sure you get something that will not be overwhelming to take care of. Should the living area have its own kitchen, or do you want all meals provided in a dining hall? Also consider what kind of medical attention will be needed-certain homes are associated more with personal care than others.

Always visit the home before deciding on it. It is best to sit down with one of the directors and ask him or her personally about any concerns you have or needs you want to make sure would be met. Also make certain the facility has a state license for quality assurance. Get brochures and a price list so you can refresh your memory later when making a final decision.

As with anything, cost is a serious consideration. You will want to look over the contract to determine what the final monthly fees will be, and keep in mind they will probably increase over time due to cost of living adjustments.

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