Pick My Retirement City!!!

[W2R]

Here are my comments about New Orleans, which is on your list:

Requirements:
1. Within a 10-40 minute drive to a city with sports teams, restaurants, performing arts, and concerts YES
2. Weather not extreme in the winter YES (very light snow occasionally every few years)

3. Trees and forests near Well, bayous and forests. This shot was taken in eastern New Orleans, in Bayou Sauvage and what it shows is typical:

Ideal:
1. Fairly conservative New Orleans is sometimes described as a liberal city in a conservative state. Some parts of New Orleans are very conservative, but no, I wouldn't call it a conservative city in general.
2. Within 40 minute drive to an ocean or large body of water YES
3. Cute, quaint towns are nice YES, very much the case!
4. House has .5 acres or bigger lot Such a lot could be found, but most lots here on the South Shore of Lake Ponchartrain are tiny by your standards. You'd have to get a good realtor and look for a lot this big; maybe you would have better luck in the far out suburbs such as those on the North Shore. But then, you are farther from the city advantages such as sports, entertainment, and so on. Maybe within the 40 minute window if you were in Mandeville or Covington, and if you aren't timing the drive during rush hour. But also, weather on the North Shore is worse than in New Orleans during the winter, and colder the further north you go. St. Bernard Parish is to the South and meets your requirements better, but it was badly flooded by Hurricane Katrina and I would not personally buy the whole parish for $1 if I had to keep it. YMMV and it does have many happy residents even though many left.
5. Near wineries or where wine grapes can be grown I have NO idea.

Summers here are BEASTLY hot and humid, although you do get used to them after a few years. Crime is a problem. Hurricanes, well, there is no guarantee. In general, based on my understanding of what you are saying I would cross New Orleans off your list. But use your own judgment.

 

[nash031]

I am researching a bunch of these areas you guys suggested!!!! Here was a list I have worked on prior to asking the question:

...
San Diego (North Solano Beach)
...
Charleston SC - cute, but not near major city or sports

I've done these two (well, not north county SD), and IMO there's little comparison: San Diego (Coronado) is far better if you can afford it. I love - LOVE - Charleston, but it's a smaller scale and frankly the weather sucks in the summer months as it is just oppressively hot.

I really like North SD County, and have talked to my wife about going to Encinitas, Leucadia, Cardiff, Solana... in retirement.

 

[AllDone]

I live in Solana Beach. To get a house with the kind of lot that you want, you'll have to dig up another million or so.

 

[haloFIRE]

San Antonio, Texas

Or for the smaller town feel, try just north in the Hill Country

 

[Mulligan]

I agree, that $15 is really going to damage Seattle businesses like bars and restaurants, etc. Weirdness just gets weirder. But overall, the politics here has never bothered me. I just do not participate in political discussions. My vote will always be nullified; I have just accepted that. IMO the trouble with conservative areas is that most conservatives are social conservatives, which tends to mean no fun. Social conservatives can think of many things to dislike one about, but liberals can only get a case going against me if they figure out that I am conservative(Libertarian)

And it is dark and gray. I moved here many years ago from California, and it took a few years before I wasn't always thinking of moving back.

Traffic doesn't impact me, as I mostly operate in my local neighborhood near downtown.

Ha

Nice to know there are other oddballs like me, Ha. I am not holding my breath to see the political landscape become fiscal conservative/socially libertarian.


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[Nords]

As I edge closer to my ER, I think after 10 years here in Seattle, perhaps a new location is in order. All opinions are welcome and encouraged.

Thanks in advance!

Scenario:
1. Late 40's couple due to ER in 2 years - no kids
2. Lived in upstate NY, OH, South FL, San Fran and WA so far
3. Retirement house will be purchased for $600k or less
4. Household income should be $130k
5. Most likely will work part time

Requirements:
1. Within a 10-40 minute drive to a city with sports teams, restaurants, performing arts, and concerts
2. Weather not extreme in the winter
3. Trees and forests near

Ideal:
1. Fairly conservative
2. Within 40 minute drive to an ocean or large body of water
3. Cute, quaint towns are nice
4. House has .5 acres or bigger lot
5. Near wineries or where wine grapes can be grown

You're describing Hawaii, where the median cost of a single-family home has just risen to about $650K. But you're going to find something in your desired price range.

If you want to hit all of your criteria (including the vineyard) then you'd be more likely to live on Maui or the Big Island. But if you want big-city culture then you're going to be on Oahu... and I'm sure someone grows grapes around here.

 

[Kimo]

You're describing Hawaii, where the median cost of a single-family home has just risen to about $650K. But you're going to find something in your desired price range.

If you want to hit all of your criteria (including the vineyard) then you'd be more likely to live on Maui or the Big Island. But if you want big-city culture then you're going to be on Oahu... and I'm sure someone grows grapes around here.

Aloha Nords, I couldn't agree more!!!!

 

[W2R]

You're describing Hawaii, where the median cost of a single-family home has just risen to about $650K. But you're going to find something in your desired price range.

If you want to hit all of your criteria (including the vineyard) then you'd be more likely to live on Maui or the Big Island. But if you want big-city culture then you're going to be on Oahu... and I'm sure someone grows grapes around here.

Maybe, but I wonder if he could get a house on a 0.5 acre lot or larger for $600K. I have no idea, actually, these days. Maybe out in the boonies on Oahu, up towards the Pali where the pig farms and other mom'n'pop farms are (or were decades ago anyway)? Otherwise it does sound like a perfect fit.

 

[kcowan]

I would start in San Diego and drive north and east until you find your price point. We did a home swap there for many years (in May/June) and I think you can find your spot but I would recommend several home swaps to target areas before moving.

When you are retired, you can always adjust your schedule to avoid traffic jambs. We were in Poway, 10 minutes east of La Jolla. You probably have to go further now.

(We live in Vancouver BC and PV MX for 6 months now because we wanted to avoid US Estate taxes back when we retired in 2003. I agree with leaving the PNW in the winter. And we hate high humidity. Hawaii would be great if you can handle island fever and the prices.)

 

[EastWest Gal]

As I edge closer to my ER, I think after 10 years here in Seattle, perhaps a new location is in order. All opinions are welcome and encouraged.

Thanks in advance!

Scenario:
1. Late 40's couple due to ER in 2 years - no kids
2. Lived in upstate NY, OH, South FL, San Fran and WA so far
3. Retirement house will be purchased for $600k or less
4. Household income should be $130k
5. Most likely will work part time

Requirements:
1. Within a 10-40 minute drive to a city with sports teams, restaurants, performing arts, and concerts
2. Weather not extreme in the winter
3. Trees and forests near

Ideal:
1. Fairly conservative
2. Within 40 minute drive to an ocean or large body of water
3. Cute, quaint towns are nice
4. House has .5 acres or bigger lot
5. Near wineries or where wine grapes can be grown

I hesitated to post this because I am passionate about where I live, it is long, hope you are entertained and inspired....

OK, I've done the East West thing too. Lived in CA 39 years, sister in and near Seattle, moved to south central PA for a better work life balance 15 years ago--allowed fore FIRE due to low cost of living--and we love it here.

I commute (for another 3 months) to Harrisburg in 15 minutes. What they call traffic here is laughable. But Harrisburg isn't the only game in town. Due to Hershey and Gettysburg attractions, there are a variety of restaurants to choose from. Not to mention the relatively close proximity of the east coast metropolis--Boston-->DC...

Susquehanna River is just east of Harrisburg. Party boats and jet skis can be found in the summer. And fishing. Many large creeks for kayaking. We have resident herons, fox, egrets, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and yes, bears have been sighted here. In backyard. we hosted a July 4th backyard party 2013--a bald eagle flew directly over our backyard pool party as if on cue.

Sports teams--minor league baseball on City Island, as well as Harrisburg Heat soccer. 2 hr from Philly, 1.5 hr from Baltimore, 3 hr from NYC.

Performing arts--my passion and my retirement life, since I am MD and musician. Professional and community theaters--downtown Harrisburg has IMAX, a children's museum, theater and concert performance venues. Hershey (10 miles away) has an amazing amusement park, and a large concert venue for major name musicians. Community theater galore (cheaper and just as entertaining)--I can think of 8 theaters within 40 minutes from where I sit right now. Bands and orchestras-pro and amateur. Holiday arts and music festivals on the riverfront the summer holidays.

Weather--we're west of the giant metropolis, so the eastern humidity is a little less of a problem-yeah-it is humid but not so polluted. Most winter Noreasters kind of miss us, no lake effect snow. Cold in the winter, but for 3 out of the last 4 winters it RAINED in January. Snow removal they have down to a science, and only once did we get more than a foot at one time in the last 15 years. Tornados and hurricanes largely lose there power once they get here. Occasional scary weather, but not like midwest and the south.

Trees and forests near--trees everywhere, I mean everywhere. State gamelands to our north please the local deer hunters. We visited New England for fall colors in 2011--they're better here.

Cute quaint towns galore. History galore.

Fairly conservative. Two local jokes (I'm a Berkeley grad, so forgive my liberalism):
1. This part of PA is known as "Pennsyltucky"
2. Central PA has been described as Alabama sandwiched between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Harrisburg is all Democrat/liberal but the area surrounding is all Republican/conservative. Yet extremism here seems largely absent.

House prices and lots--lots are large outside of town, in the suburbs and rural areas. $600K will get you a near mansion and a huge lot here. Frankly you shouldn't spend that much in retirement. That is a west coast view of housing--outside of NYC, Washington DC, and the west coast, you won't find such pricey accomodations.

Two more perks and why I won't move:
1. Low flat state income tax. Pensions, SS, and 401K/IRA withdrawals are not taxed AT ALL. Property tax varies but is not unreasonable. I consider it important to support the schools and the towns anyway. The tax downside--they have an estate tax that applies to the entire estate. But I'll be gone--not my problem.
2. I can take a train to Manhattan and get back the same day. I can enjoy the Chesapeake, Baltimore, DC, Annapolis, Philly, Gettysburg, without the hassles and expense of living in the east coast metropolis.

 

[meierlde]

Many places in the south might fit the bill (except perhaps for the wine thing). Perhaps somewhere around Houston, Atlanta, or Charlotte, NC.

Actually west of Austin and northwest of San Antonio you find the hill country winery area (centered around Fredricksburg but does go east to Johnson City). Here is a link to a site about hill country wines: Texas Hill Country Wineries
Of course there is also one winery near Lubbock but then its a long way to the sea (10 hours by car, and Lubbock is only 200k in size, and flat flat flat), but it does have Texas Tech.

 

[MRG]

Eastwestgal,
Nice write up on Harrisburg, I grew up 85 miles north of there up the river. While I'd never go back to the town I'm from, Harrisburg sounds interesting.

Brings back a bunch of great memories. One is fishing the river in February, off TMI (we didn't eat any thing we caught). I fell for my future DW at Hershey Park. I'm ready for a plate of scrapple now.
MRG

 

[Gunny]

I'm headed for the Georgia Mountains north of Atlanta. Forests, fly fishing, lakes, rivers. Atlanta is a bit further of a drive than you specify (1hr+), but it has professional sports and culture. No state taxes on most retirement income, moderately conservative community and very quaint small towns. A couple of wineries as well. Georgian Merlot, anyone?

 

[daylatedollarshort]

I am researching a bunch of these areas you guys suggested!!!! Here was a list I have worked on prior to asking the question:

Sonoma or Napa - perfect except for the house prices
Delray Beach, FL - great, but no mountains or trees
Pinehurst, NC
Tampa, FL - again no trees
Jacksonville, FL - again no trees
New Orleans
Denver - can I deal with no ocean?
San Diego (North Solano Beach)
Arizona-Phoenix
Charleston SC - cute, but not near major city or sports

Sonoma County was #2 on our ever changing retirement list. Orange county came out #1. San Diego would probably be right up there, too. But today we took walk along a stream in a Redwood forest and it never gets old. I am not sure it is something I am ready to give up for milder winters, warmer beaches and less expensive housing further south. We weren't in Sonoma County today but there are some pretty spectacular parks and Redwood forests there. Plus to the west is the coast, to the east is Napa Valley and San Francisco with all the museums and entertainment options is to the South.

(Correction for Sonoma County)

 

[Huston55]

I am researching a bunch of these areas you guys suggested!!!! Here was a list I have worked on prior to asking the question:

Sonoma or Napa - perfect except for the house prices
Delray Beach, FL - great, but no mountains or trees
Pinehurst, NC
Tampa, FL - again no trees
Jacksonville, FL - again no trees
New Orleans
Denver - can I deal with no ocean?
San Diego (North Solano Beach)
Arizona-Phoenix
Charleston SC - cute, but not near major city or sports

As I edge closer to my ER, I think after 10 years here in Seattle, perhaps a new location is in order. All opinions are welcome and encouraged.

Thanks in advance!

Scenario:
1. Late 40's couple due to ER in 2 years - no kids
2. Lived in upstate NY, OH, South FL, San Fran and WA so far
3. Retirement house will be purchased for $600k or less
4. Household income should be $130k
5. Most likely will work part time

Requirements:
1. Within a 10-40 minute drive to a city with sports teams, restaurants, performing arts, and concerts IS AWASH IN COLLEGE & MINOR LEAGUE SPORTS AND CHARLOTTE (PRO SPORTS) IS 1 HR
2. Weather not extreme in the winter. YEP, ALSO NOT EXTREME IN THE SUMMER
3. Trees and forests near. RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF IT

Ideal:
1. Fairly conservative YEP
2. Within 40 minute drive to an ocean or large body of water 3HRS TO OCEAN BUT HUMONGOUS LAKES ALL AROUND
3. Cute, quaint towns are nice YEP
4. House has .5 acres or bigger lot AND THEN SOME
5. Near wineries or where wine grapes can be grown YEP, YOU'D BE VERY PLEASANTLY SURPRISED BY THE QUALITY OF KY/TN WINERIES[/QUOTE]

OK, despite the fact that DW and I love the SF Bay Area and are relocating there for retirement (our criteria are different than yours), there's way too much west coast focus here IMO.

Your list at the top gets close to what would be ideal but, not quite there. I suggest you try the Greenville-Spartanburg, SC area.

 

[Shabby]

moved to south central PA for a better work life balance 15 years ago--allowed fore FIRE due to low cost of living--and we love it here.

Thanks for the input. Which town is the cute, quaint one in that area?

 

[timo2]

I just noticed this 'map my retirement' place from Prudential

Prudential - Map My Retirement Tool
Prudential - Map My Retirement

 

[nuke_diver]

Pardon my ignorance but why would the politics of an area determine why you would or would not move there. In a long term situation the political climate could change as could yours.

I know I should stay out of this but I just had to ask...I am rather apolitical so it seems a rather odd requirement from my standpoint

 

[Huston55]

Politics is just like any other characteristic of a location. I think people are naturally attracted to places where others share their views. It's not at the top of my personal list but, it is a factor.


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[timo2]

Politics is just like any other characteristic of a location. I think people are naturally attracted to places where others share their views. It's not at the top of my personal list but, it is a factor.
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People that share a reasonable portion of your views will have created an environment you may be more comfortable in. That's about the extent of it. IMO. Just one factor of many.

 

[Brat]

While all of those 'tools' are interesting there is a point when a retiree looks for a home close to those they love and who love them. That is more valuable than any other factor.

 

[timo2]

While all of those 'tools' are interesting there is a point when a retiree looks for a home close to those they love and who love them. That is more valuable than any other factor.

Good point. That should be one of the criteria for 'tools' like that.

 

[Huston55]

Good point. That should be one of the criteria for 'tools' like that.

Yes, it should be one of the factors. But, it's not the most important to everyone. Some are more influenced by other things.


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[Chuckanut]

Arkansas. Just about any small town within a 45 minute commute to a bigger one.

 

[haha]

As I edge closer to my ER, I think after 10 years here in Seattle, perhaps a new location is in order. All opinions are welcome and encouraged.

Thanks in advance!

Scenario:
1. Late 40's couple due to ER in 2 years - no kids
2. Lived in upstate NY, OH, South FL, San Fran and WA so far
3. Retirement house will be purchased for $600k or less
4. Household income should be $130k
5. Most likely will work part time

Requirements:
1. Within a 10-40 minute drive to a city with sports teams, restaurants, performing arts, and concerts
2. Weather not extreme in the winter
3. Trees and forests near

Ideal:
1. Fairly conservative
2. Within 40 minute drive to an ocean or large body of water
3. Cute, quaint towns are nice
4. House has .5 acres or bigger lot
5. Near wineries or where wine grapes can be grown

If you can do without conservative population, buy or rent one of the new condos or apartments in SODO.

You live in Redmond. Just try to get to a Seahawks or Mariners or Huskies' game in 40 minutes, door to seats, from anywhere farther away than SODO, or International District or Pioneer Square or maybe downtown if you take the LINK.

From there, the rest is a shoe in. Trees, check. Wineries, check. Right on Elliott Bay, less than 40 minutes to Lake Washington. Cute quaint towns all over- the San Juans, LaConner, Tulip festival in Mt Vernon, summer concerts in Port Townsend, go visit some ships in Bremerton. Even Carnation just east of your present abode. And don't forget ,mountains, Not phony Eastern mountains either, real mountains that rise 14000 feet right off sea level.

Plus distilleries all over town, hundreds of excellent restaurants, Symphony, Opera, Ballet. Art Museum good for West Coast ex LA. Plenty of young gazillionaires to hang with

Just pretend you love Kawana Sawant and talk to your friendly realtor. Even the weather is great. I was walking down the street just after noon today and a very attractive young woman was walking toward me wearing a bikini and flip-flops.

You not likely to find this anywhere else for what you would pay here . Good Heavens, I just reminded myself how wonderful this town is!

Ha