Best Places to Retire study

[Want2retire]

Originally Posted by Wags

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I left Texas in the late 70's and I entered the military and then (after I left the military) I worked for the government. During almost 27 years plus of service I traveled and lived all over the world. Thus it was hard to really have a place to call home. The things that I brought up were all based on my experiences from being away from home/TEXAS, and my family, and never having a place of our own.

In early 2006 I retired at the age of 48. We moved from NJ to TX for the purpose of taking care of my parents and grandmother. Unfortunately my mother died the day that I left NJ. Now my wife, my kids and I look out for and take care of my father and grandmother. We spend most of our time doing things with the kids, attending school activities, doing charity work and participating in church events.

Living in a small West Texas town is wonderful and being close to family is the greatest gift that I could give to my children. I am also within 150 miles of my older daughters and my grandchildren. Most of the people that I grew up with have moved but I am making friends and becoming aquainted with their parents and relatives. This is a little hard to do because I to am a shy person.

It sounds like we have more in common than I thought, when it comes to having to move a lot and being shy. You knew exactly what I was talking about, didn't you! And yes, living where you do, with family nearby, is a wonderful gift for your children.

Originally Posted by Wags

I have read some of your other posts in these forums and you sound like a wonderful person. You have alot to offer this world and I hope that where ever you end putting roots down, that the community will know just how lucky they are to have you.
GOD BLESS and GOOD LUCK

Thank you so much! You sound pretty terrific yourself. I am thinking of probably moving to Springfield, Missouri but I am still looking at places (ruled out Huntsville, Alabama last week) and now and then I start to waffle about moving at all. I probably will though, to seek a healthier, happier, and longer retirement than I might find here.

[Orchidflower]

I did think the list was somewhat different, and that is why I posted it. I was hoping someone would maybe get an idea from one of the places...maybe not, but worth a look...just maybe?
I am looking for the obscure information other than Money magazines Best Places lists, because everyone sees them and then zip! the real estate prices have gone up every time and quickly. By the time I can get there, I can't afford the place anymore.
Other than travel/live in SE Asia, Central America and S. America for some time, I have no idea what city or State I will finally settle in yet (other than a tax free or low income tax one). Keeping an open mind, but still looking to make a plan and work it when the time comes that I am thru eldercaring my aging parent. There are a few of us on this board still looking I think.

[Want2retire]

Orchidflower, yes there are a lot of us still looking for a retirement location. What constantly amazes me, is that we aren't all looking for the same type of place. The last thing I would want to do is to move the same place to retire as every other boomer. There are a certain number that will run to the Money Mag. places like lemmings, leaving the rest of this beautiful country for the rest of us!

We are not yet sure about what city or state either... we just have them in order, and right now Springfield is on the top. We are also interested in seeing Fayetteville, Arkansas and maybe some places in other states.

[Orchidflower]

I have personally not read anything bad about Springfield, Mo. My only problem with the area was the high State income tax on investments. Other than that, the area really sounds ideal with lots of friendly, caring folks, low utility bills and fun in Branson close by. I can't see where you would go wrong there myself.

[Moemg]

Thanks orchid Flower ,
I reread the list today. I found it interesting that three of the best places in Pa. to find a bargain is where I grew up .Fun place to grow up but to live there now BORING !!

[youbet]

Originally Posted by Orchidflower

Youbet: What does your dots and dashes say at the bottom of your posts? Just curious if you do not mind revealing.

As dessert mentioned, it's Morse Code for F-I-R-E. Despite code no longer being a requirement for either amateur or commercial FCC radio operator licenses, it continues to be popular as a means of communications over the airwaves. I have a collection of telegraph keys which are not only fun to look at, but I use them to chat with other radio operators around the world using equipment I primarily build myself.

Now FIRE'd, I have a lot more time for this kind of stuff!

[dessert]

Youbet, ...also "extra class" myself but currently inactive. Maybe one day start up again. My favorite was code.

[Ed_The_Gypsy]

I blow hot and cold on this. I love the Pacific Northwest. I hope that we can afford to live here when I ain't bringing in the big bux anymore. A lot depends on whether or not we pay off our debts (kids' college, etc.) by then.

If not, I will settle for a view of the Pacific hanging off some other part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. If I can't get that, the new place better be a heck of a lot of fun!