View Full Version : Seriously, where is the best place to retire?
It has been a long time but I do still lurk around here for a chuckle from you guys now and again, I just rarely ever have the time to post (and be courteous enough to keep up with the responses required). Sorry if this one has been gone over - I'm sure it has more than once back in the day but it may be time for a fresh look - I have a serious question and I think this might be one of the best places to ask it because a lot of you have already worked this problem thru and there are a lot of us getting ready to - so, where in this great country are the best places to retire?
The last 50 or so years have been in Illinois where a few generations ago my broke ancestors found work and we've been here ever since. I used to say this is where the 'fly-over' part of the country starts up again after Chicago but that was back when it was mostly farms. Nowadays it is so developed I joke that if you can get to high ground all you get are asphalt roof shingles as far as the eye can see, and that we are just close enough to Chicago to smell it, ... (apologies). Growing up we had a horse (retired barrel racer - wow) and chickens (smarter than the horse but still dumb) and most of an acre that we gardened and put up for winter (I'd love to take that up again), and we spent endless hours between chores riding and shooting pellet guns, hunting rabbits in the evening as we walked the old railroad bed out of town (I still get the urge to go walk the woods with a rifle when there are two inches of snow). I learned how to drive on a Model A Ford pickup when I was 10 (because we had already taken it completely apart and put it back together), and when Dad wasn't looking we would dash around the block in it. By 12 or 13 he had given up and let us drive in the parades all summer, and much of my youth was spent riding around in the bed of it. Basically we grew up working hard but doing a lot of fun stuff that would be on the 9 o'clock news today. It was a great place to grow up and even though that town only exists in my memory now, we stayed on and with the Lord's help we have been really fortunate and have raised some great kids here. But now we are looking at being empty-nesters in the next few years and trying to see if the next phase of our lives might not be somewhere else (though maybe we'll keep a small place here as well for a while).
I have traveled a pretty fair amount of this country and really enjoyed all of my trips, but pulling up stakes and moving (even if only part of the year) is another thing. I always wanted some space to get away from 'civilization', and for years had the idea of building or rehabbing a remote cabin in the woods somewhere with some views so I can take advantage of some more outdoors time - someplace I can put an old candlestick phone on a table by the door, a place I can set out a 200 yard range or throw some clays, maybe a space to put in a nice garden again - but especially, someplace that I can really see the stars at night. Frisco south to Southern Cali was a bit too weird for this midwestern boy (and pricey, though mostly I think a lot of folks out there that are pretty much drunk on sunshine, apologies again but at least they don't have to shovel it, ... ;)). I would probably melt in Florida or much of Texas (though I do like the way you folks think!). I love fishing my part of the upper Mississippi and hunting the Driftless region of southern Wisconsin looks to be a good place to be lost in (always loved it but never knew it had its own name!). The southwest and the Durango/Mesa Verde area have so much unspoken history that I could really enjoy being lost anywhere around there. But also loved the gorgeous country as you head west out of DC into Virginia. I still laugh about an old poster here on CSP, Dave in Nebraska (I think) that posted a pic from his living room window looking north with the caption 'nothing between me and the North Pole' - pretty awesome. And there have been many to speak of how amazing the Northwest is for anyone who loves the outdoors. I thought about RVing for a while just to check things out better (like that Pacific Northwest), but my better half is not a fan of the RV idea. Maybe I'll just saddle up a horse grab a nice lever action and try to retrace the old Oregon Trail that starts right here, or better yet, just grab the Model A and do it at 35 miles an hour (RV looks pretty nice now, don't it, ... ;)) though I am unsure what firearm goes with a Model A.
The kids are starting to spread out, too, so it may take more of its own course eventually. But I think many of you have already worked this calculus and will have some pretty good insights and opinions, and I would love to hear them. So, seriously, east coast, west coast, Gulf coast, South eastern, high desert, Northwest, New England, Panhandle - where are the great places to retire that you guys have found? Or, where is it that you folks about to retire are looking?
Many thanks in advance and as always, best regards all.
A dozen people replying will probably give you a dozen different places they prefer. Sounds like you've been around and haven't entirely blocked out any place in particular.
You seem to know where the hotest, coldest, most humid, most dry, places are.
As far as your wife goes, some RV's are very nice. You may consider renting one vs the upkeep and depreciation of owning one. Other things to consider is traveling with pets, having somone look after your home while gone, etc.
At our age I think it would be hard to move from where we've spent most of our life. Moving near a son or daughter would be an exception.
If I were you and had thoughts of moving I would travel first and scope things out. Things are constantly changing and usually not for the better. Area's you've seen before may be much different now.
Sounds like you're not the type to be stuck in a condo but may be your wife's preference. A small farm, a couple of acres, not too much to keep up but not so little as to be 10' from your neighbor may be a decent compromise. Money, of course will decide a lot too on where you end up.
Best of luck.
Northern AZ, gets rain, 4 seasons, and is forested. Don't know about land prices, the CA migration has caused inflated $$$$. It has good hunting and fishing and tje state is gun friendly. If you are old with serious health concerns, depending on where you live, hospitals may be a helicopyer ride away. If you like desert, anything south of Prescott and Payson is Christmas in shorts, too cool for unheated pools tho. I live in Phoenix.
Allen, you are right; I will never be a member of a homeowners association again. Actually, I'd rather not see my neighbor's porch light at all.
Not hard to move really - everywhere I go in this country I have found amazing and wonderful people. I just want to get away from them sometimes, ... :)
As you may gather, I am not afraid of working on an old vehicle (my idea of fun) so an older RV isn't that big a deal to me, but I do understand the downsides of taking a house and trying to making it roll down the road.
It is probably not out of line to eventually end up with 2 new places - no house here at all, but a cabin in the woods for me and a condo on the beach somewhere for her if she wants - she can visit me as often as she likes. ;)
Honestly, I am hoping to hear at least a dozen different responses.
And PWC; Christmas in shorts might get my wife's attention and "too cool for unheated pools tho" made me laugh. I suggested Arizona years ago and she asked where the beach was. I told her the whole state is a beach! How do the stars look at night?
The Texas high plains might meet your specifications, especially the panhandle. Not as hot as the rest of Texas and pretty darn cold in the winter though it might not snow as much as you'd like. Amarillo, for example might be a bit warm for you in the Summer but the winters are pretty cold without being dangerous. Not a lot of snow though, average is about 10" per year.
PWC is right about northern Arizona, or northern New Mexico for that matter might be nice as well climate similar to the panhandle but drier.. I really liked the Huntsville area of northern Alabama is really nice, but it gets darned hot there in the Summer. Utah might meet your specifications, pretty conservative and beautiful country.
Major Tom
11-13-2021, 10:10
Alaska!! You can really get away from it all!
I remember visiting relatives in Chicago during the late fifties and early sixties. They lived on South Seeley a block from Archer Ave. Nice park with lake 2 blocks away and mostly German population. My Uncle was a preacher there and held German language services as well as English services. I visited that area a few years ago and WOW has it ever declined. Won't go near Chicago nowadays!
?Once upon a time?, I was anxious to move off the grid, and found a spot in Virginia that was SURROUNDED on THREE SIDES by the Washington National Forest. . . .
GREAT!, says I . . . .NOBODY will EVER build next to me!
Due to circumstances, it never came to pass, but it may be an idea for you!
Federal or state land surrounding you still sounds good to me!
barretcreek
11-13-2021, 11:57
Not here.
And PWC; Christmas in shorts might get my wife's attention and "too cool for unheated pools tho" made me laugh. I suggested Arizona years ago and she asked where the beach was. I told her the whole state is a beach! How do the stars look at night?
I have 4 astro telescopes, but the light polution is terrible in Phoenix. Gotta get way out of town to do any deep sky stuff. Moon is ok, and planets are marginal. No milky way visible. North of PHX is much darker away from city / town / village.
Alaska, ...
I hadn't thought about that one.
Hmmmm, ...
There are some obvious considerations that haven?t been mentioned. You really need to consider the availability and quality of medical care in any of your future destinations. You surely will need the potential of care as you age. A serious negative about Huntsville is it?s location in tornado alley.
Yea, the negatives haven't really been talked about, though medical care was mentioned (helicopter rides are pricey).
Every area has negatives - I think it is just whether the positives outweigh them. Even though I have grown up with Illinois dirt under my nails (and if I go too far from the sweet corn I will have to come back in late August). It just seems like the stink from the city has finally become overpowering and whole place is racing to find the bottom of the pond - there are lots of people leaving here now as all the city folk (what my son calls 'citiots') flee to the burbs. The negatives really are outweighing the positives and the wonderful place that this used to be.
Open space (that I can afford) is going to be more on the remote side, but then I think that is more what I am looking for right now. Probably keep a small place back here at least until things shake out one way or the other.
As men many of us like to visualize a huge home with a sprawling landscape where we can go out our back door and shoot or pee off the back porch.
Most places like that are hard to find now and of course costly, plus we can't control what isn't ours. That nice woods or meadow that we like to gaze at today may be one of thousands of subdivisions tomorrow.
We have to consider what the wife wants too as in many cases they outlive us.
As oscars indicated, you need to consider health care services too, not just the distance but their level of competency. Then, there is fire and police protection. I have seen many nice expensive homes burn to the ground due to their location, hidden from view.
Every state has + and - features, it's all what you can afford and what weather conditions you can tolerate. If Alaska is too cold then there are places like West Virginia where land values can be found lower. As far as tornado alley areas go, no place is immune to them.
Again, if I were you I would start traveling and looking. That can be as enjoyable as finding the right place. From what you said about your wife, RV travel may not be suitable but short travels within your own state (in your car) may open up idea's.
Responses in blue
As men many of us like to visualize a huge home with a sprawling landscape where we can go out our back door and shoot or pee off the back porch. Exactly! (Well, I have always done the peeing part, ... ;))
Most places like that are hard to find now and of course costly, plus we can't control what isn't ours. That nice woods or meadow that we like to gaze at today may be one of thousands of subdivisions tomorrow. Seen it happen here, ...
We have to consider what the wife wants too as in many cases they outlive us. She would rather travel than get that condo near the beach, so the small house that is setup for getting old (somewhere) is on the table too - might be our current or not be.
As oscars indicated, you need to consider health care services too, not just the distance but their level of competency. That is a difficult part of the equation as we have cared for our elderly here already. Then, there is fire and police protection. I have seen many nice expensive homes burn to the ground due to their location, hidden from view. I'm very well versed in fire protection issues as Trustee and our town transitions from un-hydranted volunteer to hydranted full time career FF/medics - short version is that without a hydrant nearby, you are kind of on your own no matter where you live. Police is another thing and the area will dictate - it will stop us from considering some places but it will be a place that people actually like the police for sure.
Every state has + and - features, it's all what you can afford and what weather conditions you can tolerate. If Alaska is too cold then there are places like West Virginia where land values can be found lower. As far as tornado alley areas go, no place is immune to them. At any given time of year Northern Illinois pretty much gets the worst (and best) of everyone's weather in the country; other than hurricanes, you name it we get it - we even get the odd earthquake now and again, and we get tornados, too.
Again, if I were you I would start traveling and looking. That can be as enjoyable as finding the right place. From what you said about your wife, RV travel may not be suitable but short travels within your own state (in your car) may open up idea's. Motels get old quickly but are a welcome change from tenting it. I did setup the old Surburban with a Duramax so I can travel a bit - nicest rig I've ever owned and it can go places that an RV cannot. I'm not in a rush so a bit of a grand tour might be the best first step here. Heck, even driving to Alaska is not out of the question with it.
I know this is going take some time and thought and there is no magic wand I can wave, but you guys are making me think on the lists in my head already which is what I wanted - so, thanks!
I never thought that shooting off the back porch was a dream that might be common.
The huge house is not on my list though - just a small cabin. I'd rather have the space outside.
Now a big garage, that might be on the short list, ... ;)
Vern Humphrey
11-17-2021, 01:25
In 1969 I bought 160 acres south of Mountain View, Arkansas, with a creek running through it and a very nice fishing/swimming hole. In 1999 I built a nice Victorian farm house on the property, put in pasture, a pond and a stable.
You can get land and homes fairly reasonable here. We have good medical care -- a local hospital affiliated with two large hospitals in larger towns nearby. Arkansas is a Constitutional Carry state, and no one blinks to see a gun on your belt.
Search for "Land in Mountain View, AR."
barretcreek
11-17-2021, 01:29
One thing you better get through your head is 'do as the Romans do'. Go vacation in a few places winter and summer and see if the local habits suit you. Realtor was showing a house in a somewhat more isolated community when the wife asked 'what's that?'. 'That' was a euro mount 6x6 elk on the end of a barn. 'Do people hunt here? Do they own guns?' Yup, this is the Rockies. They went elsewhere.
You might want to check voter registration trends in the last couple of election cycles. Conservatives build nice, safe well run communities lefties move to after they foul their nest and need a fresh one to destroy. Which has been going on here for the decades I've resided. Even the old time Dems are complaining about the Kommiefornia Krazies and their wackjob ideas. Lefties tried to pass an 'empty house tax'. Here's the choice: if you own a house which is not your primary residence for voting and tax purposes, either rent it out to a deserving local socialist drug addict ski bum mountain biker when you are not here or pay Xthousand dollars to the 'affordable housing' fund. To build 3br/2bath sfr for people who don't want the stress of earning the kind of money it takes to buy a house here.
Closed on a house 1 April 2020. Probably gone up 20%, maybe more.
Nice place Vern.
Mark in Ottawa
11-24-2021, 11:00
This may be a surprise but several years ago when I was on a Caribbean cruise we took a train / bus excursion along the Panama Canal. Our guide told us that a lot of Americans were now retiring in Panama. He said that it was far les expensive to live there than in the USA and that the medical care was excellent and cheap. We never made it into Panama City itself but were in a town across the bay and could see the skyline. The guide told us that there was a lot of new apartment construction going on and that the almost complete tower that we could see was 103 stories tall so that there was going to be a fairly good selection of living accommodation.
Johnny P
11-25-2021, 07:03
A place where you have no close neighbors, but no more than 30 minutes from a large city with excellent health care facilities.
Vern is right. Northeast Arkansas and central Missouri have a lot going for it. I bought 60 acres in 1995 in central MO, it was a strip of land 400? wide and 1 mile long, covered in brush and trees but still close to the to the excellent U of M hospital and Columbia VA hospital.
What we did in 1995 was sell everything we had collected in 30 years of marriage and moved into a furnished apartment. It took nearly a year to find the property and we built a 1,440 square foot ranch home with a 36?X24? shop. The hunting was great and I had a 150 yd range that I could shoot from the patio.
In 2015 my wife died and I sold out for double the original cost. I miss the hunting but miss my private range more. The key is finding land then making your dream become a reality.
Johnny P pretty much summed up the problem, with a view!
Becoming an Ex-pat adds a whole new list of variables to the equation, but I have thought about it, Mark. I spent a week down in Panama and absolutely loved it. We rented a flat that was owned by an ex-pat US retired couple from New Orleans. The place was just around the corner from their President's official residence in Cosco Viejo and whole area just oozed history. Security in that area was tight and visible and most of the street corners had an officer/soldier armed with a submachine gun. Some of the girls were alarmed by this but I felt right at ease - who would try anything. I was comfortable enough that I would walk the streets at sunrise by myself with a hot cup of their amazingly wonderful coffee. There are tons of plusses for Panama like the influences really are from all directions and it has more of an international feel, and yet they speak a good bit of English and the people were wonderful. They also use dollars which do go further, the healthcare system is supposed to be on par with the U.S., and they drive on the correct side of the road (exceedingly badly but usually the correct side, ...), and, ... it is also below the hurricane zone. The downside is that it rains half the year - a lot - and when it is hot it is Texas/Florida kinda hot. Were I running solo I might go a good bit further down this road and explore a few other locations but for now I think it is limited to the States here.
Arkansas and Missouri has been suggested to me several times so I am going to have to check that area out better, as well as eastern Tennessee/Kentucky which is popular lately (maybe a bit too much). There seems to be a sweet swath a few states wide across the whole country from about Asheville, North Carolina to Durango, Colorado or so and then up the Rockies - I am just going to have to explore some more to narrow it down a bit better.
What I would like to avoid is what one younger retired couple I know did - they thought they had it all figured out when fell in love with Key West after they vacationed there a few times, so with plenty of money on their side they pulled up stakes and refurb'd/built their dream place there. A few short years later they are selling it all and moving out west somewhere, ... :icon_scratch: I don't think I will ever have enough money or energy to do that so I'd like to just do it once and I don't mind if it takes a few years. Honestly, as strange as it sounds, I started on the house design with the kitchen and have a good idea of what I want there. The rest of the house will be suggested by the location and whether it is a rehab or new build, and right now it is more what that kitchen window is going to be looking out on.
Loving the input - thanks everyone - keep it coming!
I don't see how anyone could be happy living in a building with no yard (condo) unless need be when we become older and immobile but if/when that time comes we could still pee off the balcony of the 103rd floor condo that Mark mentioned in Panama City. Still, no one would see you and there might just be some "green people" living below collecting rain water (save the planet) that would be receiving your "gift".
I personally find it hard for someone to think about moving unless things have really changed for the worse. Guess it all depends upon where and how we were raised, who our friends are, who our family was and who still lives close to us. I would never consider moving from "home" here along the Gulf Coast where I was born as well as my mother 100 years ago. Sure, we have hurricanes, tornado's, heat, humidity, Mexican's, mosquitoes, liberal yankee tourist, rain (all the time), and so forth but I could write a book on the benefits of living here.
I doubt you would be happy in a blue state so that narrows it down pretty good, I know it would for me, unless you stay out of the cities. My sister once bought a house in Grand Isle, NY and liked it. Pictures of the rural area looked nice, but it wasn't home, so she didn't stay there long.
I have found in my limited travels that people in rural areas are humans most everywhere and act like them. I'm speaking positively here as in friendly and caring when you get to know them. It's mostly the chit that has collected in our cities that needs to be flushed.
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