38M – Can I Retire at 38 or Do I Need to Leave NYC?

Hi all,

38M, recently laid off from a senior tech role. I’ve earned high comp for years but feel burned out. I’m trying to evaluate whether I can retire now — and whether that requires moving to a lower cost area (Canada), or if staying in NYC is still financially viable.

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Net Worth (~$3.6M total)

Liquid / Taxable – ~$1.4M

•	\~$1.4M cash + taxable brokerage

•	Mostly broad market ETFs

Retirement – ~$780k

•	\~$650k 401(k)

•	\~$110k Roth IRA

•	\~$20k HSA

Other Assets

•	\~$250k collectibles (likely less if liquidated)

Real Estate Equity – ~$1.25M total

•	Property A: \~$700k equity

•	Property B: \~$400k equity

•	Property C: \~$150k equity

If I sold the properties, I estimate I’d walk away with roughly ~$2M+ liquid after fees and mortgage payoff.

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Spending

Current burn in HCOL U.S. city: $170–180k/year

($3k/month of that is principal repayment to primary)

If I relocate to a lower cost area in Canada:

•	Estimated \~$60–75k USD per year lifestyle

•	Could reduce further short term by living with family

•	No kids planned

•	Comfortable with a simpler lifestyle

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Main Question

1. With ~$2M invested at age 38, is retiring now realistic?

   2. Is staying in NYC completely out of the question at my current burn?

   3. If I want to make this work, does relocating to a ~$60–75k lifestyle make it viable?

   4. Over a 20+ year bridge to 59.5, what major risks am I underestimating?

I’m not focused on preserving principal forever — I’m comfortable drawing down significantly. My priority is time freedom, not legacy.

Appreciate direct feedback.