After looking around and doing some research on areas that I thought I'd like to retire to someday, I've settled on staying put right where I am! Every place I checked out had it's good points as well as it's drawbacks. I have the same where I'm at now....the good and the bad....so why move?!
It gets hot and somewhat humid here in the summer.....but it doesn't last all that long. It also gets cold and snowy in the winter, but again, it doesn't really last all that long either. So the weather is actually pretty nice most of the time. And we have all 4 seasons! Including Spring showers & flowers, and beautiful Fall colors.
The crime rate is low to average.....usually not to much serious stuff. I can walk down any street in town, or through any of the parks, and not worry about getting thunked over the head or mugged.
The traffic is....well....pretty much non-existent! We joke that we don't have "rush hour" traffic....we have "rush 5-minute" traffic. If we want traffic, we can drive about 90 miles to Chicago.
Living expenses are are fairly cheap. Taxes are fairly reasonable....and the State income tax is 3%......best of all my pension is exempt from state tax!!!
Not a lot of unemployment, but not a lot of high paying jobs either. There are a lot of things to do around here, too. There are 3 or 4 theater groups that put on some really nice productions. About half of the adult establishments (a.k.a. bars) have live entertainment every week end.....mostly local bands (from within 100 mile radius), and most are pretty good. (though some would be better enjoyed by those who are 'hearing impaired')
There are a lot of quaint little restaurants around that offer FANTASTIC food....at reasonable prices! There's also a great community college a few miles away, and they also offer classes off-campus in several area towns, as well as online/distance studies. We also have oodles of state parks within minutes of home.....lots of hiking trails, bike paths, fishing, camping, etc.
And though it's listed here last, it's a 'top of list' item for me.....in our quiet neighborhood......we have the absolute best neighbors anywhere!!!
It may not be a perfect place, however, it's THE perfect place for me!!