I've always joked I'd retire (whatever that is) in Spearfish SD. Congratulations on the next chapter wherever it is.

Hendersonville / Asheville NC would be good.

So would Williamsburg VA. Lots of history in that area.

Good luck-

----------------------------

I would also give it more thought before moving to the far side, I totally agree with the CA exit though.

I'd start with evaluation of where any family members or close friends(either side) that you may want to hang with some. If well connected in CA, NV or AZ are obvious choices. Also consider hobbies and second, at least partime, job prospects.

I've seen about 5 extended family members move far after retiring, only to move back a handful of years later. Also, NC may not be the tax haven you think it is.

The State I keep in the back of my mind is SD. I can only handle the South a few months of the year.

quote:

Originally posted by jimmy123x:
I wouldn't consider SC or TN warm.

I'd recommend the west coast of FL. Lot's of places on that coast where you could get a house in your price range.

Neither would I consider Florida warm. Nine months out of the year it's hot and humid. I was told you get used to it when I moved here 18 years ago. They lied.

If you like seasons, Tennessee is the place you want to be. I'd look in East Tennessee around Johnson City.

quote:

Originally posted by Sig209:
...So would Williamsburg VA. Lots of history in that area...

Ten years ago I would have wholeheartedly agreed with you but not now. Virginia has become a blue state due to a population explosion in the north (near DC) and a decreasing population the rural areas. Think of Virginia as Massachusetts Lite.

I'll vote for East Tennessee where I grew up and wish my old ass was there still.

quote:

Originally posted by BigWhup:
....

Charleston reminds me a lot of Savannah, lots of history in both, but you would need to live 30 miles or so outside (east)of Charleston to get a decent sized house for your stated budget.

....!

Wouldn't that be in the Atlantic Ocean?

We lived in Hendersonville for 6 years and liked it a lot. I don't know if you can find the house you're looking for in that price range though.

Re avoiding Memphis. A wise decision however Bartlett is Memphis. Lived in Germantown for years and watched the decline. My nephew still lives in Bartlett and is actively looking to escape- to East Tennessee

Southern Indiana suits me. Lots of great small towns within an easy drive from Louisville. Money goes a long way, great gun laws and central location puts 1/2 the country a days drive away.

quote:

Originally posted by Skins2881:

quote:

Originally posted by BigWhup:
....

Charleston reminds me a lot of Savannah, lots of history in both, but you would need to live 30 miles or so outside (east)of Charleston to get a decent sized house for your stated budget.

....!

Wouldn't that be in the Atlantic Ocean?

LOL, yes it would, my bad!

quote:

Originally posted by sourdough44:
p
The State I keep in the back of my mind is SD.

OH yeah. Sunny and warm there all year long. The OP needs to see sourdough44 lives near the arctic circle, just like SD. Not much wind, either. Especially in winter. It keeps the temperature down.

One issue to consider beyond the financial is the health insurance. Strangely enough a friend is planning his retirement from the NY area. He considered TN except his health provider stated his coverage would not be effective in the state. Odd but a deal breaker.

Auburn/Opelika Alabama area.

You and your wife are smart to avoid NY.
The taxes, politics, politicians and gun laws suck.
We do, however, offer great welfare benefits.
Good luck in your search.

I'd be headed for the Carolinas.

Don't forget your escape to a free state karma!!

quote:

Originally posted by trapper189:

quote:

Originally posted by jimmy123x:
I wouldn't consider SC or TN warm.

I'd recommend the west coast of FL. Lot's of places on that coast where you could get a house in your price range.

Neither would I consider Florida warm. Nine months out of the year it's hot and humid. I was told you get used to it when I moved here 18 years ago. They lied.

If you like seasons, Tennessee is the place you want to be. I'd look in East Tennessee around Johnson City.

I live in Pompano Beach,FL. I'll take hot and humid over cold ANY day. If he wants cooler, the Panhandle area of Florida can be nice and is reasonably priced with nice beaches.....perhaps Pensacola.

On that Memphis thing, you could look at living in
Desoto county, MS. You'd get the benefits of a smaller community (though still around 150K), more "down home" attitudes, and great quality housing for reasonable costs. Plenty of room to get some room between neighbors. Gun friendly....

If I weren't anchored here, I'd be headed for eastern Tennessee. My only grouch with it is the high sales tax rate. But do the math before complaining much, it might still be a win due to the lack of income tax.

quote:

Originally posted by GWbiker:
Why not consider Arizona? Prescott is nice and cooler in Summer than Phoenix or Tucson.

This..Prescott. I retired after 30 years and I have been researching Prescott. All 4-mild seasons, they have more stores and restaurants in a town of 40-50 thousand than we have in our town of 140 thousand!

Humidity and bugs would keep me out of the SE states. Congrats on the retirement.

quote:

Originally posted by urbanwarrior238:

quote:

Originally posted by GWbiker:
Why not consider Arizona? Prescott is nice and cooler in Summer than Phoenix or Tucson.

This..Prescott. I retired after 30 years and I have been researching Prescott. All 4-mild seasons, they have more stores and restaurants in a town of 40-50 thousand than we have in our town of 140 thousand!

Humidity and bugs would keep me out of the SE states. Congrats on the retirement.

In 1987, I moved to Prescott sight unseen based upon some reading and thinking about what I'd like in a place to live (and I'd already lived in a number of different parts of the country). I liked it. Most of the good things I'd heard or read were true. However, I was born and raised in St. Louis, and found that I actually like a fair amount of humidity; it was too dry in Arizona. I did gain an appreciation of the desert (Not that Prescott is desert; it's not. But it's in a desert state and region, the SW). It's worth considering if dry doesn't bother you.