Moving and retirement

[SteveR]

My first ER involved a move of 1800 miles. I have no plans to move again except to a smaller home. We decided to have a vacation home here too in the mountains. We live near the city so we are close to work and shopping etc, but we are also 45 minutes away from a mountain cabin that is away from the rest of the world yet I have neighbors close by if we need anything. We get up there year round (snowmobile in winter) and would retire there if we could (water is not year round ).

We may move again someday, but not for 15 years at least. Too much family here for now.

 

[Momtwo]

Martha,

We moved a little over 2900 miles when we retired over 4 years ago. The main reason was weather. We moved from a suburban area up North to a large city in the SW. We have never regretted our decision. We love it here.

We made friends in the neighborhood and we made friends through all of our volunteer activities. We travel alot since family is in NY and FL but both places are only a plane ride away. We keep in touch with children by telephone and e-mail. And we make sure we visit each other about 4 times a year!

We moved from a 2 story 2400 sq. ft. house to a 1 story 2045 sq. ft. house. It is just right for us and gives us the extra bedroom space we need for company.

We got tired of the snow and the cold and the dreary skies. We have gotten used to desert temps in the summer and our winters are wonderful. We could never go back nor would we want to!

Momtwo

 

[Billy]

Rok said:

I always assumed we would end up with two (seasonal) residences.  Now it looks like there won't be enough resources to swing both that and the desired ER lifestyle.  We'll see... maybe our second residence will  need to have wheels.   

I read recently where that is a strong new trend. People buy these 'rolling condos' and place them in resort locations. Get tired of one location, and go to another. We personally have friends from Southern California who have been doing this for a few years now. Instead of buying a second home, they fly to this (fabulous) Class A motorhome (slide outs, full kitchen, leather furniture, recessed lighting, etc.) and enjoy the change of pace and weather. When they want to roll on... they do.

Airline tickets and gas (even now) have proven cheaper than buying a new, 2nd home, with all the maintenance and property taxes. etc. 

Not a bad idea there! If you absolutely fall in love with a location, then you can consider buying.   8)

Akaisha
Author, The Adventurer's Guide to Early Retirement
www.RetireEarlyLifestyle.com

 

[RockMiner]

We recently came to the conclusion that there's no need to own real estate in an area in order to enjoy being there...just the overhead on a second residence will pay for a lot of gas and motel rooms!  I'm not sure a big RV is very cost effective either though the freedom is appealing.  Maybe we'll start with a little Teardrop trailer for the "full" experience   

 

[Mr._johngalt]

Rok said:

I read recently where that is a strong new trend. People buy these 'rolling condos' and place them in resort locations. Get tired of one location, and go to another. We personally have friends from Southern California who have been doing this for a few years now. Instead of buying a second home, they fly to this (fabulous) Class A motorhome (slide outs, full kitchen, leather furniture, recessed lighting, etc.) and enjoy the change of pace and weather. When they want to roll on... they do.

Airline tickets and gas (even now) have proven cheaper than buying a new, 2nd home, with all the maintenance and property taxes. etc. 

Not a bad idea there! If you absolutely fall in love with a location, then you can consider buying.   8)

Akaisha
Author, The Adventurer's Guide to Early Retirement
www.RetireEarlyLifestyle.com

Yeah, but it's still a trailer My great aunt once called me a snob.
Maybe. Can you be a snob with no money?

JG

 

[haha]

Maybe.  Can you be a snob with no money? 
JG

Sure JG, clinically it's called "delusions of grandeur".

Ha

 

[Billy]

JG said:

Yeah, but it's still a trailer    My great aunt once called me a snob.
Maybe.  Can you be a snob with no money? 

Apparently, m'dear, you have proven the point!  (said in good fun...)

I must mention this here because it's kind of a favorite topic. Call it Peer Pressure, call it the need to fit in, or call it the desire to be mega  8) 8) - When I gave that mental set of ideas up, it was really freeing. We have traveled so much, that we have noticed that what is 'cool' in Mexico isn't happening in Bangkok. What is hot in Milano no one would be caught dead wearing in Los Angeles.  Get my drift?

Not to offend anyone here, but sometimes I look at those 'hooked' on city living, and I see the need for manicures (male and female) hair dyes (M&F), the 'right' clothing, the 'right' cars, the 'right' address, the 'right' friends, etc.. and I think to myself: those poor people! Who is it, excactly, that is underneath all that need for stuff? 

Trailer, schmailer - it's fun, frugal, and freeing.  Just one view...    from a decidedly happy "un-snob!"

Akaisha
Author, The Adventurer's Guide to Early Retirement
www.RetireEarlyLifestyle.com

 

[Mr._johngalt]

JG said:
Apparently, m'dear, you have proven the point!  (said in good fun...)

I must mention this here because it's kind of a favorite topic. Call it Peer Pressure, call it the need to fit in, or call it the desire to be mega  8) 8) - When I gave that mental set of ideas up, it was really freeing. We have traveled so much, that we have noticed that what is 'cool' in Mexico isn't happening in Bangkok. What is hot in Milano no one would be caught dead wearing in Los Angeles.  Get my drift?

Not to offend anyone here, but sometimes I look at those 'hooked' on city living, and I see the need for manicures (male and female) hair dyes (M&F), the 'right' clothing, the 'right' cars, the 'right' address, the 'right' friends, etc.. and I think to myself: those poor people! Who is it, excactly, that is underneath all that need for stuff? 

Trailer, schmailer - it's fun, frugal, and freeing.  Just one view...    from a decidedly happy "un-snob!"

Akaisha
Author, The Adventurer's Guide to Early Retirement
www.RetireEarlyLifestyle.com

The actual quote was (to my wife). "Did you know that you married the biggest snob in the country?"

I know that cutting back can be very liberating and I could do it..........
Big Time! However, after years and years of livin' large, you get used
to a certain lifestyle and want to preserve what you can. I know a lot of it
is peer pressure. Here is a real life example. I recently bought a big boat
for use only in Texas. Clearly a luxury we could easily do without.
We have 2 boats we use here, but I wanted a big one, so we bought it.
Maybe if I had LBYM for years to be ERed, I would operate differently
today. Anyway, no regrets but I am heavily influenced toward
hanging with a "better class of people". That is one reason I spend so much time on this board

JG

 

[Mr._johngalt]

Sure JG, clinically it's called "delusions of grandeur".

Ha

I had a regular Saturday luncheon group, one day per month.
It was about 90 miles one way for me. When I added the lunch and
the gas it looked pretty expensive, so I cut back my attendance.
Shortly after that they announced they were disbanding. DW
said, "Well, I guess that just proves the world really does
revolve around you!"

JG

 

[Martha]

We have a small motorhome. The problem with motorhomes is that they depreciate--enventually to nothing. However, we love traveling around the US and love being in the woods in relative luxury, so we bought it anyway. But it sure can cut into the net worth.

 

[RockMiner]

We own a plot of land in the mountains...The plan was to build a cabin and spend summers up there after full retirement.  This is still very appealing, but the sunk costs would be significant, and then there is overhead.  Unless you plan to rent it out to offset expenses it can be hard to justify this type of asset.  The appreciation potential is hard to predict.

We could do a lot of camper or motel travel for what the carrying costs on the cabin would be, and not be tied to one destination.  I'm reluctant to give up on the cabin, but reality is pretty persuasive. 

 

[greg]

We own a plot of land in the mountains...The plan was to build a cabin and spend summers up there after full retirement. This is still very appealing, but the sunk costs would be significant, and then there is overhead. Unless you plan to rent it out to offset expenses it can be hard to justify this type of asset. The appreciation potential is hard to predict.

We could do a lot of camper or motel travel for what the carrying costs on the cabin would be, and not be tied to one destination. I'm reluctant to give up on the cabin, but reality is pretty persuasive.

My brother has owns a small 2-bdrm cabin in northern Michigan for over ten years. He rents it out at times to off set the expenses. For the most part it has worked out well for him--especially when he has good, well screened, and long-term renters. He's adjusted to the importance of this "fact." When he has a good renter, he doesn't kick them out so that he can use the place at his convienence. H e just lets the good renters ride and banks the money. When they leave, he uses the cabin more frequently while he waits for better renters.

With bad renters and short-term ones, the main problem has been the septic. He's had to fix it numerous times times at a fairly steep cost, and he doesn't find out till the tenants are long gone. It's a real education experience , so he's adapted to the first strategy.

--Greg

 

[Sheryl]

We have a small motorhome.  The problem with motorhomes is that they depreciate--enventually to nothing.  However, we love traveling around the US and love being in the woods in relative luxury, so we bought it anyway.  But it sure can cut into the net worth. 

We've considered this - not seriously yet, though. How small is your small motorhome?

 

[Martha]

We've considered this - not seriously yet, though. How small is your small motorhome?

It is a 23.5' Lazy Daze:

 

[tozz]

As I might have suspected! A high end aluminum clad Class C with almost a cultish following. Lots of windows, airy wide rear view views, reknowned quality. I have never actually seen one in person, but it was on the short list during the research phase. Which version do you have? Front/rear lounge? Front dinette?

My RV is the supposedly the same size, but the exterior photos make the 23.5' Lazy Daze look much larger.

 

[Billy]

MRGALT2U said:

"Well, I guess that just proves the world really does
revolve around you!" 

Your wife should be cherished for her sense of humor! I do hope you realize the gem you have! 

Martha said:

The problem with motorhomes is that they depreciate--enventually to nothing. However, we love traveling around the US and love being in the woods in relative luxury, so we bought it anyway. But it sure can cut into the net worth.

When we first returned from Nevis, West Indies, we bought a 5th wheel,.. uh, .. trailer to tour around the US in..     We bought a used one in cherry condition for almost nothing. For the years we owned it, and the rent and maintenance costs we saved, it paid for itself over and over and over. For us, at that time, it was a very good decision and a profitable/rewarding one.  8) We did change the carpeting, and wallpapered the inside, and eventually replaced the refrigerator, so the insides were new..

Akaisha
Author, The Adventurer's Guide to Early Retirement
www.RetireEarlyLifestyle.com

 

[haha]

MRGALT2U said:
Your wife should be cherished for her sense of humor! I do hope you realize the gem you have! 

Martha said:
When we first returned from Nevis, West Indies, we bought a 5th wheel,.. uh, .. trailer to tour around the US in..     We bought a used one in cherry condition for almost nothing. For the years we owned it, and the rent and maintenance costs we saved, it paid for itself over and over and over. For us, at that time, it was a very good decision and a profitable/rewarding one.  8) We did change the carpeting, and wallpapered the inside, and eventually replaced the refrigerator, so the insides were new..

Akaisha
Author, The Adventurer's Guide to Early Retirement
www.RetireEarlyLifestyle.com

Akaisha, how big was it, and what did you pull it with?

Ha

 

[Outtahere]

Dh and I have discussed this over and over. He started out wanting to buy a second home in FL...I on the other hand don't like it there for more than the two weeks we visit. I would prefer to travel to different areas of the country. So that dicussion spawned the motorhome idea which I considered at first as a possible option. I've since changed my mind and feel that a trailer would be a better idea for two reasons. First you need to tow something to drive once you arrive so if you're going to tow something then tow the home instead of a vehicle. Second, why have two vehicles you need to register, insure and maintain and I believe that the insurance and registration of a trailer is going to be much less than say a small car or pickup truck. Dh has finally come around and more so now that he's found a trailer that he can load the bikes into as well.

 

[Martha]

As I might have suspected! A high end aluminum clad Class C with almost a cultish following. Lots of windows, airy wide rear view views, reknowned quality. I have never actually seen one in person, but it was on the short list during the research phase. Which version do you have? Front/rear lounge? Front dinette?

My RV is the supposedly the same size, but the exterior photos make the 23.5' Lazy Daze look much larger.

Yeah, but we refused to join the cult. We have the twin/king where the two couches in the back turn into a king size bed. It is fairly wide, which adds considerably to the space. Very nice floor plan for the size. We considered various sprinter chassis motorhomes, but felt they were too small. The one you bought wasn't out yet. We also considered Born Free. We are very happy with what we got and the size is about perfect. Fits two people and two dogs just fine.

 

[JWV]

We own a plot of land in the mountains...The plan was to build a cabin and spend summers up there after full retirement. 

We also bought a plot of land in the mtns of CO-except ours had 4 log walls.  I just can't resist things with potential.  Anyway, we finished it and are hoping to rent it until we get to where we can spend summers there and winters here (so AZ).  We own 2 acres and may (and that's a big may) build a small cabin/cottage on one of the acres for a place to spend time until then. Maybe something like this
http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/houses.htm# I think they've been mentioned here before.

However, I still like the motorhome/5thW travel option. My backyard could change anytime I want.

Judy

 

[Billy]

Akaisha, how big was it, and what did you pull it with?

Ha

28 foot 5th Wheel, and we pulled it with a 1Ton Chevy Silverado, (towing package).  It had the kitchen in the center, and it was the largest room in the, uh...  trailer   - but for us, the kitchen is very important, since Billy is a chef, and we used to own a restaurant... 

Outtahere

I've since changed my mind and feel that a trailer would be a better idea for two reasons.  First you need to tow something to drive once you arrive so if you're going to tow something then tow the home instead of a vehicle.  Second, why have two vehicles you need to register, insure and maintain and I believe that the insurance and registration of a trailer is going to be much less than say a small car or pickup truck.  Dh has finally come around and more so now that he's found a trailer that he can load the bikes into as well.

Our feelings exactly. Plus, if one has a class A and something goes wrong, then the repair men must come to your site - or - if you are able to drive to the repair places,... then you have no place to stay and no vehicle (unless you have towed one) until they finish.

When the engine goes out in an Class A or C, you either have to rebuild the whole thing, or 'lose your home.' 

With the 1Ton, and separate 5th Wheel, we can sell either at any time, repair either at any time, or upgrade either. More options.  

Akaisha
Author, The Adventurer's Guide to Early Retirement
www.RetireEarlyLifestyle.com

 

[kowski]

We bought a 31 foot HILO trailer off rvtrader.com. It tows easy. Removed one side of the bench seat from the kitchen table since I'm in a wheelchair. Had the hallway widened so chair will fit through mid position bathroom to the bedroom in the rear of the trailer. Wife wanted the dedicated bedroom, hides all the mess and if you want privacy you've got it. Stay at Army Corps parks and National parks. They are usually in the most beautiful places and we get half off on our camping fees. 8)

 

[Mr._johngalt]

I had a regular Saturday luncheon group, one day per month.
It was about 90 miles one way for me.  When I added the lunch and
the gas it looked pretty expensive, so I cut back my attendance.
Shortly after that they announced they were disbanding.  DW
said,  "Well, I guess that just proves the world really does
revolve around you!" 

JG

DW has an excellent sense of humor. Once I was on the phone
talking about financial matters and mentioned that my brain
was "working 24/7"......... DW was nearby and said "So's your mouth!"

My mother would like to have central air. Dad won't hear of it.
Mom joked that she would get it "when I'm a widow".
My Dad was ailing and I couldn't reach Mom on the phone to
get his status. DW opined that she was talking with the local HAV
people, placing an order.

JG