Where should we retire?

I need the four seasons. I'm staying right here in NY.
I like it a little cold.

The nice part about these "retirement communities" in CA is that you're pretty much exempt from most taxes. My MIL pays right around $100/mo. for her place in the desert while we pay over $200 in condo fees in Alaska. I don't like it cold, I like it HOT, HOT, HOT so the desert is perfect for me when I retire.

You guys (and gals) are just the BEST. You have given us so many ideas. Buying the restaurant wasn't a bad one either but my husband would start screaming if I mentioned it....Sundancer, we hope to visit Tennessee (that is already an option, I was born in Bristol and still have some cousins there) so maybe we can stop and see you if that's okay. Many of the rest of you Roadfooders have good suggestions as well. Keep 'em coming, please. I see we have a lot of work to do. Thanks!!!!!

We have cold lovers, four season lovers and hot, hot, hot lovers. How about the least extreme compromise?

I did do a study recently more for work related rather than retirement based on heating and cooling degree days and least extreme temperature ranges and came up with two winners - Las Cruces, NM and Asheville, NC. Heating degree days are units of measurement requiring heating and cooling degree days are units of measurement requiring cooling. Combining the two Las Cruces and Asheville have the least numbers. They were both less than 3,000. To compare, Minneapolis is up around 8,600 heating degree days and has a cooling degree day load as well. Most climates balance to one extreme (heating or cooling) or the other. Depending on local cost of energy and your design energy requirements you can predict the cost. But more importantly it can be a measure of all year around comfort for outdoor activity. Also, neither has an extreme temperature range. Sundancer's Knoxville is close but being on the other side of the mountains it doesn't quite measure up to Asheville but I would not dismiss Knoxville as it is but a minor "degree" of difference. Most of New Mexico could qualify as well. On another note about New Mexico, I was told a long time ago by a soils engineer that New Mexico has the least extreme climate in terms of a balance of rain storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, heat, cold, humidity, drought, etc. I haven't verified that but given the degree day study he might have been right.

Hello all ,

First of all Ellen and Bufffetmaster , lets hook them up. I know Ellen is a great gal and you both already have roadfood in common.

Now for retirement .
Two years to go for a nice pension from the city of NY . I will be 44 years of age and , of course will continue working in a capacity of my own desire , either in my own business or a company that I can say F%^& Y&*( to if I'm not happy.
We have been looking at Western Carolina in the Charlotte area , the Pocono Mountains of Eastern PA , and Upstate NY , Sullivan and Ulster Counties ( family close by ) . Have even looked at some homes near Seafarer John and Brooklyn Bill near New Paltz.
We have a 2 year old , so one of the main reasons will be the schools .
Love the four seasons , not so hot on the winter , but thats because I'm subjected to the snow and Ice at work outdoors and would probably be more receptive if I could deal with it on my own terms ..
I love Florida but its a no from the wife.
I also love Lake George , Bolton Landing area of upstate NY , but the winters can be extremely harsh .
So for now we will keep looking .

Benzee

If U can put up with gnats and high humidity and have a lot of $$$ to spare; like fishing and the simple (but somewhat assbackwards attitudes) way of living; and NO traffic problems/congestion whatsoever; come to my area. Gulf coast about 100 miles away.

I've never been, but the Memphis/ Tenn./ Kentucky sounds appealing as does Mississippi. This Yankee gal needs Civil War history and good Q!

Where to Live After Retirement

####################
You can live in Phoenix , Arizona where.....
1. You are willing to park 3 blocks away because you found shade.
2. You've experienced condensation on your butt from the hot water in the toilet bowl.
3. You can drive for 4 hours in one direction and never leave town.
4. You have over 100 recipes for Mexican food.
5. You know that " dry heat" is comparable to what hits you in the face when you open your oven d oor.
6. The 4 seasons are: tolerable, hot, really hot, and ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!!


You can Live in California where...
1. You make over $250,000 and you still can't afford to buy a house.
2. The fastest part of your commute is going down your driveway.
3 . You know how to eat an artichoke.
4. You drive your rented Mercedes to your neighborhood block party.
5. When someone asks you how far something is, you tell them how long it will take to get there rather than how many miles away it is.
6. The 4 seasons are: Fire, Flood, Mud, and Drought


You can Live in New York City where...
1. You say "the city" and expect everyone to know you mean Manhattan.
2. You can get into a four-hour argument about how to get from Columbus Circle to Battery Park, but can't find Wisconsin on a map.
3. You think Central Park is "nature,"
4. You believe that being able to swear at people in their own language makes you multi-lingual.
5. You've worn out a car horn.
6. You think eye contact is an act of aggression.


You can Live in Maine where...
1. You only have four spices: salt, pepper, ketchup, and Tabasco.
2. Halloween costumes fit over parkas.
3. You have more than one recipe for moose.
4. Sexy lingerie is anything flannel with less than eight buttons.
5. The four seasons are: winter, still winter, almost winter, and construction


You can Live in the Deep South where...
1. You can rent a movie and buy bait in the same store.
2. "y'all" is singular and "all y'all" is plural.
3. "He needed killin'" is a valid defense.
4. Everyone has 2 first names: Billy Bob, Jimmy Bob, Mary Sue, Betty Jean, MARY BETH, etc.


You can live in Colorado where...
1. You carry your $3,000 mountain bike atop your $500 car.
2. You tell your husband to pick up Granola on his way home and he stops at the day care center.
3. A pass does not involve a football or dating.
4. The top of your head is bald, but you still have a pony tail.


You can live in the Midwest where...
1. You've never met any celebrities, but the mayor knows your name.
2. Your idea of a traffic jam is ten cars waiting to pass a tractor.
3. You have had to switch from "heat" to "A/C" on the same day.
4. You end sentences with a preposition: "Where's my coat at?"
5. When asked how your trip was to any exotic place, you say, "It was different!"


AND You can live in Florida where..
1. You eat dinner at 3:15 in the afternoon.
2. All purchases include a coupon of some kind -- even houses and cars.
3. Everyone can recommend an excellent dermatologist.
4. Road construction never ends anywhere in the state.
5. Cars in front of you are often driven by headless people.

Very interesting topic. I'm learning much. As stated previously, I've been retired just over eight years. Nancy and I bought this small ranch in southern New Mexico simply to enjoy open space and get away from the hectic lifestyle we lived. Then our children decide to give Mom a Texas Longhorn calf for her 50th. birthday. Boom, here we are dealing with a cattle breeding program! We breed, show and sale show quality registered Texas Longhorn animals. About 4 years ago one of our animals, Cisco Kid, won a world championship.
My point is NOT to impress anyone, rather to say, retirement can be the greatest ride of your life!
Dean Lollar
Carrizozo, New Mexico

Hey, rouxdog, I'm IMPRESSED! Congrats!

I'm still voting for Desert Hot Springs. Good Lord, I love it down there!!

quote:

Originally posted by Davydd

We have cold lovers, four season lovers and hot, hot, hot lovers. How about the least extreme compromise?

I did do a study recently more for work related rather than retirement based on heating and cooling degree days and least extreme temperature ranges and came up with two winners - Las Cruces, NM and Asheville, NC. Heating degree days are units of measurement requiring heating and cooling degree days are units of measurement requiring cooling. Combining the two Las Cruces and Asheville have the least numbers.

I've gotta wonder about that. First, where's San Diego? I know for a fact that it's right around 70 there almost all year around--ZERO "degree days" (heck, even in cooler San Francisco I almost never use heat and don't have A/C). But then, when you drive across the country on I-10 as I have done a number of times, you find Las Cruces to be blending together with El Paso, Texas--and it sure does get hot THERE. Asheville, on the other hand, does have delightful spring/fall seasons and cool summers (I went to school in North Carolina), but they get snow in the winter--I'd want heat (I used it a lot in warmer Durham).

quote:

Originally posted by mollydingle

I've never been, but the Memphis/ Tenn./ Kentucky sounds appealing as does Mississippi. This Yankee gal needs Civil War history and good Q!

Seriously--if that area attracts you, check out northern Alabama (around Gadsden--see http://www.city-data.com/city/Gadsden-Alabama.html). I drove through there one time and was really amazed how pretty it was--southern end of the Appalachians so you have some altitude keeping the summers cooler.

The West is getting no love round these parts; that's probably OK with the folks already out here.
Lot's of retirees all over Southern Oregon:
http://www.southernoregon.org/

quote:

Originally posted by BT

quote:

Originally posted by Davydd

We have cold lovers, four season lovers and hot, hot, hot lovers. How about the least extreme compromise?

I did do a study recently more for work related rather than retirement based on heating and cooling degree days and least extreme temperature ranges and came up with two winners - Las Cruces, NM and Asheville, NC. Heating degree days are units of measurement requiring heating and cooling degree days are units of measurement requiring cooling. Combining the two Las Cruces and Asheville have the least numbers.

I've gotta wonder about that. First, where's San Diego? I know for a fact that it's right around 70 there almost all year around--ZERO "degree days" (heck, even in cooler San Francisco I almost never use heat and don't have A/C). But then, when you drive across the country on I-10 as I have done a number of times, you find Las Cruces to be blending together with El Paso, Texas--and it sure does get hot THERE. Asheville, on the other hand, does have delightful spring/fall seasons and cool summers (I went to school in North Carolina), but they get snow in the winter--I'd want heat (I used it a lot in warmer Durham).

BT, the numbers come right out of the ASHRAE published figures. San Diego is only 70 on the coast. Go inland 10 miles and you get an entirely different climate. San Diego on the coast was a disappointment to me. 70 degrees is not comfortable especially in a breeze for outdoor summer activity in my book. I like it closer to 80. That was my experience sailing in San Diego Bay. I had to wear a jacket and when I asked I was told it was always like this.

The big difference between Durham and Asheville is the humidity. Durham is a sweat land. The altitude of Asheville makes a big difference.

Snow? Give me a break. It is but a minor nuisance compared to heavy rains and major flooding, tornadoes and hurricanes. Snow is gone the next day. Ice storms though are something else and rather treacherous because the southern climates are not equipped to deal with them or snow. Snow in Minnesota is not a nuisance many people imagine. Generally my street is clear plowed before I get up in the morning. Same with my 400 foot drive way. The only place it is a major nuisance is in Minneapolis where everyone parks on the streets and the plows can't do an adequate job despite the city having a so called snow emergency plan.

I was in Dallas when they had their ice storms last winter. I understood better why it was such a problem. They have to many spaghetti like freeway ramps that quickly freeze over in the elevated condition and trucks were inadequately sanding them with men and shovels. Dallas was paralyzed. And I didn't pretend I knew how to drive in that stuff. Minnesota does not design many elevated freeways and have automated sanding trucks to tackle ramps immediately. Minnesota rarely shuts down for snow in the metro areas. Blizzards on the rural plains can be crippling.

Holy Granola Bars !!!!

I'm falling off my seat in laughter here .
Milwfoodlover you hit it on the head buddy .
I've been to all parts of the country you mention and I have to say you hit it right on the head.
Funny stuff

Benzee

quote:

Originally posted by MilwFoodlovers

Where to Live After Retirement

***Too Long to repost***

I am still laughing; how true, how true.

quote:

Originally posted by rouxdog

Very interesting topic. I'm learning much. As stated previously, I've been retired just over eight years. Nancy and I bought this small ranch in southern New Mexico simply to enjoy open space and get away from the hectic lifestyle we lived. Then our children decide to give Mom a Texas Longhorn calf for her 50th. birthday. Boom, here we are dealing with a cattle breeding program! We breed, show and sale show quality registered Texas Longhorn animals. About 4 years ago one of our animals, Cisco Kid, won a world championship.
My point is NOT to impress anyone, rather to say, retirement can be the greatest ride of your life!
Dean Lollar
Carrizozo, New Mexico

That's cool to accidentally step into a new career from a birthday present.

I retired Friday and by Tuesday morning I was in a coffee shop meeting with strangers and to help organize a masonry seminar presentation for the University of Minnesota Extension College. By the end of the meeting I was all of a sudden the main speaker and one of the participants gives me his business card and says he may have some independent consulting for me. I guess I might be retired from employment with W2 forms, paid vacation, etc. but I may not be retired from working.