The Best and Worst States to Live in

[Chuckanut]

Quote:

Originally Posted by REWahoo I think it's rare when anyone posts "I'm gong to retire and move to Chicago, or LA, or NYC, or any other big city (other than SF if they have the $)".

Perhaps. But, I know several former work who having lived 30+ years out in the woodsy boonies, sold their several acres to a developer or rich city slicker, and bought a high rise condo in the big city. They love the great views, no rural problems like power failures, deers in the garden, etc., the variety of restaurants and cafes, the variety of entertainment available, and not having to drive to get there.

[Big_Hitter]

Yes, but there aren't many places that have the $$$ or jobs that Houston does.

Although over the years I met hundreds of wonderful people that for some reason chose to retire in Houston. My parents among them.

[Big_Hitter]

We always thought we would retire in New Braunfels or San Mucus, until we travelled to the NW.

[REWahoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big_Hitter We always thought we would retire in New Braunfels or San Mucus, until we travelled to the NW.

+1

I'd never consider retiring in a snotty town like San Mucus...

[Big_Hitter]

Remember back in the day when Wimberley and SM were really nice small towns? Last time we drove through there I didn't recognize them.

I guess somewhere around Burnet wouldn't be that bad.

[REWahoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big_Hitter Remember back in the day when Wimberley and SM were really nice small towns? Last time we drove through there I didn't recognize them. I guess somewhere around Burnet wouldn't be that bad.

Ah, Burnet - rhymes with 'durn it'.

"I'm sorry, the Hill Country is full and no longer accepting reservations. If you'd like to be placed on a waiting list and notified when we have a vacancy, please see the front desk."

[aja8888]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big_Hitter Remember back in the day when Wimberley and SM were really nice small towns? Last time we drove through there I didn't recognize them. I guess somewhere around Burnet wouldn't be that bad.

If you want a real shock, take a drive through Big Lake, Texas, then head up north to Midland.

[aja8888]

Quote:

Originally Posted by REWahoo Ah, Burnet - rhymes with 'durn it'. "I'm sorry, the Hill Country is full and no longer accepting reservations. If you'd like to be placed on a waiting list and notified when we have a vacancy, please see the front desk."

Wait until the majors find oil under Fredricksburg and move in the trailer parks.

[Big_Hitter]

I never spent much time in West TX - I do remember when it seemed to take an eternity to get to Camp Strake from Alief

[REWahoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big_Hitter I do remember when it seemed to take an eternity to get to Camp Strake from Alief

That's only 50 miles - 'just across town' by Texas standards.

Are you sure you lived here?

[Big_Hitter]

yep, for better or for worse I lived there, a long time

in the mid-70s 59 and 45 were two lanes each side and hw 6 was one lane each side; there was no BW8 or toll road or anything, we had to scoot down Bellaire to 59 to 45 - took forever

[braumeister]

I grew up in a very big city, and have lived in large, medium and small cities, very small towns, and foreign cities of all sizes. I experienced the whole range of populations, climates, and infrastructures.

Based on all that experience, I settled down where I am, and consider it the perfect place to live.

Biggest single reason?
DW saying she can't imagine living anywhere else than here, which is where she has spent her entire life.

[REWahoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big_Hitter in the mid-70s 59 and 45 were two lanes each side and hw 6 was one lane each side; there was no BW8 or toll road or anything, we had to scoot down Bellaire to 59 to 45 - took forever

Even with all those new freeways and toll roads, population growth has choked out most gains in drive time. The worst traffic jams I've ever experienced were in Houston.

Retirement has sensitized my growing aversion to traffic. I try to avoid all major cities in our RV travels, especially Austin and Houston.

[Big_Hitter]

not much traffic in the 83702 - can't go over 30 either

[REWahoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big_Hitter not much traffic in the 83702 - can't go over 30 either

Snow and ice?

[Big_Hitter]

no the speed limit is 20 to 30 between my house and the office

we don't get much snow and ice here; however, on the ski hill that's 30 minutes away we get snow

[REWahoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big_Hitter no the speed limit is 20 to 30 between my house and the office

Office? I thought you moved to retire?

[Big_Hitter]

"till death do us part, but not during lunch"

my wife and boss won't let me

[REWahoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big_Hitter "till death do us part, but not during lunch" my wife and boss won't let me

Then why are you here?

[Big_Hitter]

various reasons

I'm interested to see what people around the country think of recent changes in retirement and healthcare legislation and specifically, how people retire without defined benefit income (i.e. they don't, usually).

Don't get me wrong, I would love to retire early, but I love my job and staying married too.