No one mentioned retiring in Hawaii. While not officially retired, I moved to Hawaii in 2000. It's a laid back world, people generally friendly, crime relatively low.
Beautiful ocean, beaches, and volcanic mountains. Cost of living isn't the cheapest, but you don't need as much here, if you can shed some of your materialistic habits.
I so miaa the snow activities, but it's nice to have warm all year round !
Noelof HI1:22PM October 26, 2008
thanks John Griffin, did have ashville NC on my list of places to check out. my reason for wanting to relocate from central fla.been robbed once,little left to steal
eleanor ryanof FL11:18AM October 23, 2008
Having lived in S. Florida most of my life, I never pictured myself living in Central Florida, about 30 Minutes North of Orlando. My wife and I stumbled into Mission Inn, Howey-in-the-Hills, Fl. Having the opportunity to travel all over Europe and the US, we found this place to be absolutely charming. We have 2 18 hole championship courses, 8 tennis courts, pool, spa opening in Nov. Hotel, 3 restaurants, marina on lake Harris. The tempature is about 5-10 degrees cooler than Orlando, and the small town ambience we enjoy. It is not a retirement community, but a community for active people of all ages. You can check out the community at missioninnrealestate.com Enjoy!
Kurt Simonof FL8:28PM October 22, 2008
I also live in Asheville. The bicycle rider forgot to mention the outrageous crime rate perpetrated by project blacks (I suppose that makes me a racist and all this time I thought that the truth would set me free). We also have armed robberies, rapes, kidnappings, etc.just like every other city in America. Believe me when I tell you that Asheville is not paradise.
John Griffinof NC10:37AM October 20, 2008
Hawaii loves their seniors... no state income taxes on retirement income; property taxes are less than 1/3 compared to California's tax rate and starting at age 55 taxes are reduced further at each milestone birthday; senior citizens discounts offered by businesses start at age 55. Senior rates for golf on all muni courses about $6/round for 18-holes. Not to mention the year-round 80 degree weather, lush green mountains and blue sapphire oceans. Truly heaven on earth!
J. Leeof HI1:32PM October 19, 2008
During these times, with house values supposedly falling, and economic uncertainty, why think about moving? You risk selling your house at a lower value and trying to buy a house at a low price also. Trouble is, the government and the banks will be charging more for insurance, credit, selling and buying fees than they ever have before.
Why not wait 5-10 years and think about moving when the economy improves. This will hopefully give you the best price on your home and give you lots of time to "try out" various locations by vacationing in the area you are interested in moving to retire.
We were planning on moving when we retire soon, but it looks like we will stay here and shop around for a while. Since its our retirement what's the hurry? And yes, we our considering putting off retirement and just taking a leave of absence for a lengthy vacation. Yes, our 401K is worth less, but we had other savings and investments that are still stable, so we could still retie, just not at the comfort level we were hoping for. I guess we must be abnormal in that there seems to be plenty of job opportunities here. Some are overseas, but we have been around the world before, so working overseas isn't very scary to us. If you are willing to move, you will be able to find jobs, we did in the 1980's and we will do it again if needed. Surprisingly, you do not have to sell your house to move, we rented ours out. We then rented for as little as possible until the market got better.
I think you should choose a place that you feel will be a haven for you, then check out the tax structures and housing prices to see if you can live there. There is no perfect place, but if you can find a place where you feel you belong you will be happy to accommodate most challenges life throws at you. After all life is an adventure and the sun is still coming up again tomorrow.
live a littleof TX3:11PM October 16, 2008
We think that with border violence and drug wars moving into the backyards of Green Valley homes this is not the safest choice for retirees;we live in Oro Valley and that is 90 minutes from the Mexicn border,close enough. Green Valley is,sadly, much more closer to the border(30-45 minutes) and bodies in the backyards are reported now following shoot outs.
Time to do something NOW about the risk of daily border illegal crossings and drugs flowing by Green Valley. A real shame.
of AZ11:47AM October 14, 2008
Having left Silicon Valley and moved to Punta Gorda FL in February 2002, I can say from first-hand experience that life here is “the best”. With it’s low crime rate, relatively affordable home prices, great climate, recreational opportunities, and a boat dock in my backyard, Punta Gorda offers a quality of life unavailable most places. This is my opinion, a Californian born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, and I approve this message.
Garyof FL9:26AM October 04, 2008
Retire in Lithuania
rimasof 6:12PM October 03, 2008
My wife and I moved back to our native Pacific NW four years ago and decided to settle in Boise, Idaho. We have, withing 15-20 mi of our doorstep, snow and water skiing, river rafting, a university, friendly people, good restaurants, average cost-of-living, and a great four-seasons climate with low humidity.
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Noel of HI 1:22PM October 26, 2008
eleanor ryan of FL 11:18AM October 23, 2008
Kurt Simon of FL 8:28PM October 22, 2008
John Griffin of NC 10:37AM October 20, 2008
J. Lee of HI 1:32PM October 19, 2008
live a little of TX 3:11PM October 16, 2008
of AZ 11:47AM October 14, 2008
Gary of FL 9:26AM October 04, 2008
rimas of 6:12PM October 03, 2008
Dave of ID 7:28AM October 03, 2008