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**Walt34** · 02-09-2013, 05:43 AM

I'd go for Tampa. If I had it my way the only snow I'd ever see again would be on TV.

Rich_by_the_Bay · 02-09-2013, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Koolau

Just one (perhaps) practical question, Rich. Which of these localities offers you the best health care for your particular situation? If that doesn't enter into the equation, I too would stay in Tampa and VISIT SF (often!) as well as Columbia.

Best to you. Here's hoping you good mileage.

Thanks, Koolau, and a good question. I am well-connected medically in Tampa but the SF bay area is inter-galactically recognized for excellent care. Edge: SF.

donheff · 02-09-2013, 06:23 AM

Welcome back Rich. No preference on location although I was in St Pete's yesterday cruising around the waterfront and eating downtown. Seemed like a nice location. Don't forget to keep us posted whatever you choose.

NanoSour · 02-09-2013, 06:35 AM

I obviously haven't posted much over the years, but have been a pretty avid reader of the forum since 2002. It's great to see you posting again Rich. Wish you all the best with regards to your health and happiness.

Although I suspect it's not your choice, I'm going with #1. SF is one of my top 2 cities in the world (the other being Rome) and there is just something energizing about northern California. For me anyway.

Nano

grasshopper · 02-09-2013, 06:40 AM

Health issues can throw some water on your FIRE. I was just diagnosed with T1a PC and am on expectant management.

I went to school in the Bay area, and loved it day trips to Napa excellent.

Does the Grateful Dead still have free concerts?

I am in the southern Arizona mountains now love the heat.

**Gumby** · 02-09-2013, 06:50 AM

Welcome back, Rich. My family all live in MO. Unfortunately, the last 30 years of living here in CT have rendered it impossible for me to return there, except on a tourist visa.

I'd choose SF first, but I'm betting you chose Tampa.

Midpack · 02-09-2013, 07:03 AM

Welcome back, sorry to hear about your health problems, but you sound like you're taking it all in stride.

We love SF, but we couldn't afford to live there, and with my luck I'd buy a house directly on a fault line.

We lived in Lakeland FL for 3 years, kept a boat on Tampa Bay, and visited Tampa, Clearwater and Orlando often. The novelty wore off pretty quickly and we wouldn't go back, but we also realize ours is not the majority view. We still have friends in the area who would never leave.

So I have to vote Col MO by default. The Midwest just isn't as exciting as right and left, but the COL is helpful and if you live near a world class city like a Chicago, it ain't half bad. I don't know what Columbia MO has to offer.

urn2bfree · 02-09-2013, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midpack

... if you live near a world class city like a Chicago, it ain't half bad. I don't know what Columbia MO has to offer.

COLUMBIA IS OVER 400 miles from Chicago. The nearest major airport is 2 hours drive away. I would say Tampa and SF are "almost as close" to Chicago as Columbia. I lived there for four years many years ago, but it has not changed that much from the little bland town it was back then. There are a few more chain restaurants.
No offense, as different folks like different things -but I can't emphasize enough how unimpressed my wife was on our return visits to Columbia over the last few years. She did not live there with me, so she has only seen Columbia as a brief visitor (as St Louisans we occasionally have attended sports tournaments for our kids in Columbia). She is from the northeast and we live a Midwest suburban life in St Louis county, but she would not live in Columbia on a bet...and at this point in my life I would find it sorely lacking as a retiree. But that is based on our interests in various ethnic foods, arts and culture, travel. If fishing, boating on small lakes or rivers, or hunting were our interests then Columbia might be i just fine. While Columbia is a college town, the "culture" interests of the college revolve around collegiate sports, and not the sort of college town feel I have seen in "classic" college towns.

Bestwifeever · 02-09-2013, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by urn2bfree

COLUMBIA IS OVER 400 miles from Chicago. ....

I guarantee Midpack was not saying Columbia is near Chicago! Instead, saying although a Midwest city like Chicago has a lot to offer, he doesn't know what a Midwest city like Columbia might have.

Friends who have retired to college towns have found many more cultural events than the average student is ever aware of (one said of Champaign, he can have a glass of wine at home and be at a concert in ten minutes). Surely true of Columbia, home of the state's flagship public university.

ls99 · 02-09-2013, 07:46 AM

No vote for where to go. Good to see you back.

Accidental Retiree · 02-09-2013, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich_in_Tampa

Thanks, Koolau, and a good question. I am well-connected medically in Tampa but the SF bay area is inter-galactically recognized for excellent care. Edge:
SF

That was comforting to read, I must say!

I am sure you will live long and prosper wherever you chose to retire.

RonBoyd · 02-09-2013, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich_in_Tampa

RE: choice 4, I never thought of that. NOLA would a good candidate.

As I sit here in Denver (a toasty 23º outside), listening to WWOZ as Mardi Gras gets underway, they played this and reminded me that NOLA is my favorite city.

Louis Armstrong - Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans (Live) - YouTube

JBmadera · 02-09-2013, 08:12 AM

Hi Rich,

Glad you are back and on the mend!

Grew up in Marin County and lived/worked in SF for years. Too expensive for my taste and in fact we are looking to relocating to Tampa. I'll take sultry over hyper-expensive any day (DW is going to take a bit of convincing though).

Good luck with your decision.

powerplay · 02-09-2013, 08:38 AM

Welcome back RIT! It's so nice to see you here again.

My thoughts are choosing the location that makes you the happiest.
SF sounds real good to me if the high cost of living is workable.

Best wishes on managing your health issues and continuing to enjoy your retirement (or is it semi-retirement if you are doing a bit of work?).

Moemg · 02-09-2013, 08:49 AM

Welcome back & sorry about your health problems . Kids move so make the decision on where you would be happy .

bhoferp · 02-09-2013, 08:55 AM

I grew up in Columbia, MO, and have only visited Tampa and San Fran. Columbia is often on lists of best places to retire. I think it boils down to if you like a big city atmosphere or can be content with a smaller town. I'd also take into consideration if your health issues can be well treated at MU hospital.

Anxious to hear your choice and good to hear from you again.

Dreamer · 02-09-2013, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walt34

I'd go for Tampa. If I had it my way the only snow I'd ever see again would be on TV.

+1

Also, I was just reading this to my DH and I saw that you said they were serious health issues. I am so sorry to hear this and I am glad that you are managing them. By the way, DH voted Tampa also. He said that he is thinking more and more of moving someplace warm (as he looks outside at the fresh snow). News to me, but it sounds good some day.