Community Chat

[henderson]

We moved in 2002 to the Las Vegas area from Sacramento, Ca area.  We downsized and are in a small gated community of 120 homes.  We don't own our front or backyards which is fine with us.  The HOA takes care of all common areas.  We both get retirement PERS checks from Calif. and since there is no state income tax we come out ahead.  It's much less expensive to live here (especially homes).  Gasoline is a little less than Calif. and so are our utilities.  It's not as cold during the winter as Northern Calif.  We're close to an International Airport.  And yes, we live a normal life.  We hardly ever go to the Strip.

[Bri21]

Somewhere South.  I do not enjoy the Chicago winters one bit. 

[ALRATIBA]

Last time I moved ... it was 1989 ... from San Francisco back to New York.  I'm not moving anywhere.  I live in the best place in the world.

[adamlambert]

Oregon is beautiful, but not retirement friendly money wise. I love Seattle and the area by Bremerton, but scared about earthquakes. We are going to look into Spokane or somewhere in Nevada due to no income tax. From Florida, definitely do not want to go back.  Live in beautiful Colorado now.   

[adamlambert]

we love the San Diego area for vacations, but can't afford it. 

[Shogirl]

Seems like alot of us near or at retirement age think about this.  My husband said wouldn't it be nice if we could sell our home and buy a motorhome and toodle around the country for six months and see if we find anywhere to settle.  While I have lived in different parts of the country and visited much of the country in my lifetime, he has not, so he has always dreamed of living 'somewhere else.'  There are alot of considerations like being near family/friends, cost of living, climate, etc.  I envy the person who has it all figured out and where they want to live in retirement!

[maestra]

@nyc1

Raleigh has terrible traffic problems and it depends how much $ you want to spend for housing. NC also has income tax, county taxes, sales taxes and is hotter than blazes in the summer.

The arts and culture are very good but also expensive. Medical care and universities abound. Crime can be a problem in some areas.

Asheville is in the mountains and does get snow.

[ScrapHappy]

I suggest doing a google search.  Search "best cities to retire" and "most senior friendly places to live."  Just wondering...do you have children and would you prefer to be closer to them?  That will impact and narrow your choices. 

[151949]

@Shogirl  I think your DH is right - except I'd buy a fifth wheel camper because it is not always easy to sell a motorhome when your ready but fifth wheels sell easily. They are easy to tow and you still have your truck, once you park the trailer, to drive around. We travelled with fifth wheels for years - very comfortable and easy. Anyway - I can't think of any better way - or less expensive way to see the country than camping. You'll know in your heart when you've found the right place.

I would love love love to take a camper and go see all the national parks. My Dad was in the CCC in the late 30's and help build those parks. It meant a lot to him that he had contributed that. However, my DH is not healthy enough to undertake a trip like this anymore.

[Laura14]

I've had plans for a few years now to move to Iowa.  I fell in love a few years ago and have kept vacationing there ever since.  It's a sign for me to go be where I want to be.

I second the Asheville and wintry weather.  I don't live that far from it and it is up in the mountains.  You will definitely have winter there.  

You may want to make a trip during this period and maybe all four seasons if you have the time to make sure it's really what you expect.  Not just for Asheville but everywhere you are considering.  

Also, keep in mind that Asheville is a high tourism area at certain points of the year and you will deal with "outsiders" who may crowd the place if that's at all a consideration for your traffic wants and needs.