Advice / Info on Where to retire in the US

[perinova]

Since your kids are in the US, you already have realized that Europe and the US are not on ethe same scale. If you like traveling and want to see them. I would pay attention to air transportation access (that may take many mountain towns out of your list).
On the same idea, climate and earthquake events are not on the same scale as western Europe. So, look at the on you are willing to accept Heat spells, Cold snaps, Snow, Fires, Hurricanes, Tornadoes and Earthquake are common in some areas.
Thirdly, I would pay attention to the politics of the area to make sure you will be happy there.

 

[Koolau]

As an update--there was a crime ring operating in Denver, and focusing on the Denver airport.

This story has a copy of the indictment, and an explanation of why the Denver airport, in particular, was where they were operating. A DEA agent is quoted as saying, "This network targeted vehicles here in the Denver metro area which were desired by Mexico-based drug trafficking organizations, which could best be modified to support ballistic armor as well as be mounted with high caliber munitions and firearms."

denver7.com/news/local-news/these-werent-simply-individuals-looking-to-steal-a-car-for-a-joy-ride-17-indicted-in-denver-car-theft-ring

Although if you ask me, if the cartels have so much money, it seems to me they could just buy their vehicles. But maybe that's too suspicious. Or if your business is crime, paying for a car doesn't even occur to you if stealing one is an option.

Anyway, I've spent a significant amount of time in Denver over the last 20 years and don't find it particularly worse than anywhere else. Well, except the ugly air. That's always dispiriting.

This reminds me of either "Breaking Bad" or maybe it was "Better Call Saul." Saul Goodman (aka Jimmy McGill) was advising one of his "clients" how to launder money (including paying the appropriate taxes.). The client shot back "I'm a criminal. Why would I want to pay taxes?" Classic response.

 

[Koolau]

Thirdly, I would pay attention to the politics of the area to make sure you will be happy there.

Or to be certain you can ignore politics. Here in Paradise, we have one party which makes it very easy. Once in a while there will be a challenge in the primary. Other than that, it's like 90:10 so I simply ignore it. So far, it's been worth it to enjoy the Islands.

 

[flyoverstate]

As an update--there was a crime ring operating in Denver, and focusing on the Denver airport.

This story has a copy of the indictment, and an explanation of why the Denver airport, in particular, was where they were operating. A DEA agent is quoted as saying, "This network targeted vehicles here in the Denver metro area which were desired by Mexico-based drug trafficking organizations, which could best be modified to support ballistic armor as well as be mounted with high caliber munitions and firearms."

denver7.com/news/local-news/these-werent-simply-individuals-looking-to-steal-a-car-for-a-joy-ride-17-indicted-in-denver-car-theft-ring

Although if you ask me, if the cartels have so much money, it seems to me they could just buy their vehicles. But maybe that's too suspicious. Or if your business is crime, paying for a car doesn't even occur to you if stealing one is an option.

Anyway, I've spent a significant amount of time in Denver over the last 20 years and don't find it particularly worse than anywhere else. Well, except the ugly air. That's always dispiriting.

What you left out is that there were STILL nearly 300 vehicles stolen from DIA in 2024, and the number of cars stolen in Denver in 2024 overall was higher than 2023, over 1000 in the city limits alone. I'm guessing three times that number if you count the entire metro area. I know several people who have had cars/motorcycles/trailers stolen on the Front Range, and someone tried to steal my truck right out of the suburban office park parking lot where I worked.. The police are overwhelmed with "real" issues. How screwed up are things when a $50,000 vehicle is stolen, and the police refuse to even come out, if you call 911 they will just tell you to fill out a form on a website. I'm not kidding, and this is in the high end suburbs, not the city of Denver.

Bicycle theft is a joke. There is a fantastic network of bike paths and lanes, but you can't use them unless you have vault-level security at each end of your ride. I know a guy who had his bike stolen while he was sitting 10 feet away from the bike drinking coffee. They snipped the cable and were gone before he could get out of his chair. I know a couple who had their $5000+ road bikes stolen off the back of their car at a stoplight in central Boulder. You literally can't take your hands off of a bike in the Denver area. People have had lawnmowers stolen out of their suburban yards while they are inside taking a break. If it isn't nailed down, it is stolen. Car windows are commonly smashed at trailheads. Go to just about any trailhead in the Denver area and you will see shards of glass from the last victims.

IMHO, there is zero reason for a retired person to live anywhere on the Front Range. Between the crime, the congestion (traffic congestion, trail congestion, lines at every turn), and the price of real estate, the sole reason to live there is that your job requires you to reside there.

 

[folivier]

There is a reason this is happening, but don't want to close this thread down.
Just for now please keep the thieves on your side of the mountain. Please.

 

[Fermion]

Seattle has Denver beat though.

Seattle, WA

• Population: ~737,000 (2022 estimate)
• Property Crimes: ~33,000 (2022)
• Rate: ~4,528 per 100,000 residents

Denver, CO

• Population: ~716,000 (2022 estimate)
• Property Crimes: ~30,500 (2022)
• Rate: ~4,285 per 100,000 residents

 

[flyoverstate]

Seattle has Denver beat though.

Seattle, WA

• Population: ~737,000 (2022 estimate)
• Property Crimes: ~33,000 (2022)
• Rate: ~4,528 per 100,000 residents

Denver, CO

• Population: ~716,000 (2022 estimate)
• Property Crimes: ~30,500 (2022)
• Rate: ~4,285 per 100,000 residents

I would be interested in the 2024 numbers, but both cites are a no go for me. In fact, there is not a single city over 50,000 in which I would reside, in the entire US. Europe, yes.

Luckily, the US population is now so urban-oriented that it is easy to find a fantastic smaller place to live. People can't stand being an hour from a major international airport or 15 minutes from a Costco/Whole Foods/Trader Joe's. Good for them. Better for us.

 

[Fermion]

Yes, I found a very small town in Washington state where you can still leave your car unlocked and the only thing that leaves poop in our yard and walks on two legs are the turkeys (as we speak, there are like 50 in our front yard including one fat "mayor of turkey town" strutting in full peacock form down the middle of our street, cars be damned). Our property crime rate is 398 per 100,000 (we don't have 100,000 obviously, but that is the 2023 number).

 

[skyking1]

We never were urban dwellers. This will be our first home within city limits and a close drive to services. It is not quite walkable.

 

[flyoverstate]

Yes, I found a very small town in Washington state where you can still leave your car unlocked and the only thing that leaves poop in our yard and walks on two legs are the turkeys (as we speak, there are like 50 in our front yard including one fat "mayor of turkey town" strutting in full peacock form down the middle of our street, cars be damned). Our property crime rate is 398 per 100,000 (we don't have 100,000 obviously, but that is the 2023 number).

Turkeys, four species of hawks/falcons, eagles, pheasant, quail, dozens of songbirds. Deer, elk, mountain lion, bear, bobcat, coyote. All have been seen on our property. I have a game camera in the driveway, and it is amazing what comes through. But hey, no Trader Joes, Whole Foods, Starbucks, Costco? How do we survive?

One interesting fact about reported property crime rates: the rates are higher in big metro areas, of course. But what people don't realize when they see "398 per 100,000" in a small rural area is that people probably reported *every* single crime there, making the numbers look higher than you might expect, whereas in places like the Denver metro, people have given up reporting many property crimes. What is point, when a $50,000 theft is referred to a website report? If your $500 lawnmower is stolen out of your yard and your homeowner's deductible is $1000, you really SHOULD NOT report it. Not only will the insurance company ding you even if they don't pay out, but insurance companies have access to police reports, and with AI, they rate your neighborhood based on reported incidents. You are raising everyone's rates including your own, for no reason. Sad but true. In our area, the theft rate is so low that the real driver of homeowner's rates is fire danger. Not the case in many other areas.

If you think about it, the massive theft problems create a "doom loop". People don't report thefts because the police can't/won't respond and it drives up their insurance rates, while the thieves get away scot-free. Lather, rinse repeat. "Welcome to Denver."

 

[Koolau]

Turkeys, four species of hawks/falcons, eagles, pheasant, quail, dozens of songbirds. Deer, elk, mountain lion, bear, bobcat, coyote. All have been seen on our property. I have a game camera in the driveway, and it is amazing what comes through. But hey, no Trader Joes, Whole Foods, Starbucks, Costco? How do we survive?

One interesting fact about reported property crime rates: the rates are higher in big metro areas, of course. But what people don't realize when they see "398 per 100,000" in a small rural area is that people probably reported *every* single crime there, making the numbers look higher than you might expect, whereas in places like the Denver metro, people have given up reporting many property crimes. What is point, when a $50,000 theft is referred to a website report? If your $500 lawnmower is stolen out of your yard and your homeowner's deductible is $1000, you really SHOULD NOT report it. Not only will the insurance company ding you even if they don't pay out, but insurance companies have access to police reports, and with AI, they rate your neighborhood based on reported incidents. You are raising everyone's rates including your own, for no reason. Sad but true. In our area, the theft rate is so low that the real driver of homeowner's rates is fire danger. Not the case in many other areas.

If you think about it, the massive theft problems create a "doom loop". People don't report thefts because the police can't/won't respond and it drives up their insurance rates, while the thieves get away scot-free. Lather, rinse repeat. "Welcome to Denver."

I heard an estimate that property crime perpetrators are caught (on average) after almost 200 crimes. When they are, of course, they're only charged with the crime they were caught at and given a virtual walk. IOW it's low risk so why not?

If it ever gets better, it will be because it got a lot worse first IMHO.

 

[Jeffman52]

DW and I sold our house in Ohio and are moving to Ellijay, Georgia. Since I am from Georgia its coming home for me, and DW and I lived there together for about 14 years before moving to Ohio to take care of her dad. He passed two years ago and we retired last year, so its time.

 

[imjustawarrior]

IMHO, there is zero reason for a retired person to live anywhere on the Front Range. Between the crime, the congestion (traffic congestion, trail congestion, lines at every turn), and the price of real estate, the sole reason to live there is that your job requires you to reside there.

I have lived on the Front Range for 25 years in the same house. I agree that the Denver metro has a problem. I also agree that real estate costs and COL in general are high along the Front Range.

Where I live the crime, traffic, and trail congestion are a non-issue. Being retired and hiking during the week certainly helps. I see very few people while hiking on trails within 1 hour of my house in FoCo. If I go 2+ hours away, I can have trails all to myself. I'm sure that trails near Denver and Boulder are very different.

The Front Range is much more than the Denver metro area. Did you know the Front Range runs from Casper Wy to Pueblo Co? Front Range

 

[Koolau]

I have lived on the Front Range for 25 years in the same house. I agree that the Denver metro has a problem. I also agree that real estate costs and COL in general are high along the Front Range.

Where I live the crime, traffic, and trail congestion are a non-issue. Being retired and hiking during the week certainly helps. I see very few people while hiking on trails within 1 hour of my house in FoCo. If I go 2+ hours away, I can have trails all to myself. I'm sure that trails near Denver and Boulder are very different.

The Front Range is much more than the Denver metro area. Did you know the Front Range runs from Casper Wy to Pueblo Co? Front Range

Much larger than I thought. Thanks for the education.

 

[folivier]

This winter we had a crime spree at our Colorado mountain cabin. In winter there are about 50 cabins who live full time, in summer up to 100 RV lots and 150 cabins occupied. We're there usually in late January through mid March. There is also a lodge that occasionally brings in "outsiders" along with a few VRBO's. We have to park in a community lot then drive either snowmobiles or SXS on tracks to our cabins. Our community is in an uproar because we had a set of lights on one sxs stolen and a truck had a hook off of their winch cut off. Travesty! We love it here and leave our keys in our vehicles and many leave their cabins unlocked.
We are in a hidden paradise and hope to keep it that way as long as we can.
BTW the animals have the right of way.
This is a traffic jam:

 

[Fermion]

May have to check out on of those VRBO's, we love riding snowmobiles but have done most of the trails here in WA state many times.

 

[aja8888]

This winter we had a crime spree at our Colorado mountain cabin. In winter there are about 50 cabins who live full time, in summer up to 100 RV lots and 150 cabins occupied. We're there usually in late January through mid March. There is also a lodge that occasionally brings in "outsiders" along with a few VRBO's. We have to park in a community lot then drive either snowmobiles or SXS on tracks to our cabins. Our community is in an uproar because we had a set of lights on one sxs stolen and a truck had a hook off of their winch cut off. Travesty! We love it here and leave our keys in our vehicles and many leave their cabins unlocked.
We are in a hidden paradise and hope to keep it that way as long as we can.
BTW the animals have the right of way.
This is a traffic jam:

Foliver, just a story here from my past: A couple I worked with at ARCO in Los Angeles for years retired and moved to a remote area in new Mexico and built a nice house in the sparsely built community. They hired a couple of guys to do some heavy work and after a week or so, their kids couldn't get a hold of them. What happened is the two workers came back and killed them (shotguns) and stole the cars and other goodies. Yes, they got caught.

A word to the wise here in those "remote" locations: Be and stay prepared!

 

[folivier]

That's why we bought into an existing community and not remote property. We do watch out for each other here. We're on our volunteer fire dept. so know more than others what is going on here. It helps since our cabin is vacant a couple months throughout the year.

 

[Pluperfect]

You literally can't take your hands off of a bike in the Denver area.

We've parked bikes in Denver and Boulder locked with a cable lock and left them unattended lots of times, so your statement is literally untrue.

I did like the theft prevention measure a friend of ours took when we were riding with him in Phoenix and went to dinner afterward. He has a bike rack on the back of his car and he backed in to a parking space with cactus at the end, nestling right up to the cactus. Bike was still there when we came out.

As for glass from broken car windows littering trailheads and parking lots, it's been like that for a long time, in many places. And it actually might not be from theft--we managed to lock TWO sets of keys in the car at a trailhead and they guy who was sent to get into the car accidentally broke the window. I cleaned up as much of the glass as I could, because I knew the next day there would be warnings on Next Door about rampant car break-ins at the trailhead.

The only time I've had a bike stolen was my birthday-present ten-speed when I was a teenager fifty years ago; I'd left it in our open garage in my population 55,000 town in Texas and went inside, and when I came back out, it was gone. I'd gotten it a couple of days early, so it didn't even make it to my actual birthday. Then again, the town did exceed 50,000 population, so perhaps I shouldn't have been surprised it was crime central.

I don't have a thing against big cities, and understand there are trade-offs. But no matter where I live, I'm not going to drop theft insurance on the bikes because you just never know.

 

[Koolau]

We've parked bikes in Denver and Boulder locked with a cable lock and left them unattended lots of times, so your statement is literally untrue.

I did like the theft prevention measure a friend of ours took when we were riding with him in Phoenix and went to dinner afterward. He has a bike rack on the back of his car and he backed in to a parking space with cactus at the end, nestling right up to the cactus. Bike was still there when we came out.

As for glass from broken car windows littering trailheads and parking lots, it's been like that for a long time, in many places. And it actually might not be from theft--we managed to lock TWO sets of keys in the car at a trailhead and they guy who was sent to get into the car accidentally broke the window. I cleaned up as much of the glass as I could, because I knew the next day there would be warnings on Next Door about rampant car break-ins at the trailhead.

The only time I've had a bike stolen was my birthday-present ten-speed when I was a teenager fifty years ago; I'd left it in our open garage in my population 55,000 town in Texas and went inside, and when I came back out, it was gone. I'd gotten it a couple of days early, so it didn't even make it to my actual birthday. Then again, the town did exceed 50,000 population, so perhaps I shouldn't have been surprised it was crime central.

I don't have a thing against big cities, and understand there are trade-offs. But no matter where I live, I'm not going to drop theft insurance on the bikes because you just never know.

Local police have taken to parking an empty cruiser at some of our more touristy area parking lots. I've pulled in to these lots a few times, only to see 4 or 5 piles of broken side-glass on the ground. Our criminals aren't lazy. Nor are they easily fooled by empty cruisers.

 

[Ronstar]

We've parked bikes in Denver and Boulder locked with a cable lock and left them unattended lots of times, so your statement is literally untrue.

I did like the theft prevention measure a friend of ours took when we were riding with him in Phoenix and went to dinner afterward. He has a bike rack on the back of his car and he backed in to a parking space with cactus at the end, nestling right up to the cactus. Bike was still there when we came out.

As for glass from broken car windows littering trailheads and parking lots, it's been like that for a long time, in many places. And it actually might not be from theft--we managed to lock TWO sets of keys in the car at a trailhead and they guy who was sent to get into the car accidentally broke the window. I cleaned up as much of the glass as I could, because I knew the next day there would be warnings on Next Door about rampant car break-ins at the trailhead.

The only time I've had a bike stolen was my birthday-present ten-speed when I was a teenager fifty years ago; I'd left it in our open garage in my population 55,000 town in Texas and went inside, and when I came back out, it was gone. I'd gotten it a couple of days early, so it didn't even make it to my actual birthday. Then again, the town did exceed 50,000 population, so perhaps I shouldn't have been surprised it was crime central.

I don't have a thing against big cities, and understand there are trade-offs. But no matter where I live, I'm not going to drop theft insurance on the bikes because you just never know.

I like the cactus theft deterrent!

During our last decade of snowbirding in the phoenix area (2009-2019), there were quite a few thefts at hiking trailhead parking lots around Phoenix. We were never a victim of trailhead theft.

Since then, most of our hiking and biking activity has been in northern Illinois. We ride 2 fairly expensive e-bikes that I lock on my truck trailer hitch bike rack. That said, we never let them out of our sight. We go from our house straight to/ from trailhead parking lots. No problems with anyone trying to steal our bikes.

When hiking or running, I normally take my Jeep to the trailhead parking areas. No problems with attempted theft from my Jeep, even in the summer when I have the top off. I keep the doors unlocked when topless, and only have the glove box locked with registration docs inside. I never leave my wallet in a vehicle. When running, I have my drivers license, single credit card, and keys with me. I take my phone hiking, but not running. Sometimes I leave it at home. Sometimes locked in the vehicle.

The important thing is to leave nothing valuable in your vehicle while it's parked in a parking lot. Anywhere.

 

[Pluperfect]

Local police have taken to parking an empty cruiser at some of our more touristy area parking lots.

Our car was broken into in Seattle about 15 years ago, in the parking lot for viewing some locks. There was a cop car right by there, which was occupied...by an officer filling out the paperwork for another vehicle break-in.

We had a folding bike and Camelbak in the back (2-door hatchback), and they broke the back window and took only the Camelbak, leaving the bike. Maybe they noticed the on-the-fly and not very effective repair with a piece of rebar that had been performed earlier that day, when the bike frame cracked in half. This burly little folder had been on lots of gnarly mountainbike trails, but the mean streets of Seattle finally killed it.

 

[Pluperfect]

Since then, most of our hiking and biking activity has been in northern Illinois.

The parking lot where the lock guy accidentally broke our window was at the Atwood trails in Rockford.

We ride 2 fairly expensive e-bikes that I lock on my truck trailer hitch bike rack. That said, we never let them out of our sight. We go from our house straight to/ from trailhead parking lots. No problems with anyone trying to steal our bikes.

Our "real" mountainbike is expensive, and it goes on a rack on top of the car. The rack has a lock for the front fork, which is not super secure but prevents just picking it up and carrying it off. And the rack itself is held on only by bolts. We leave it unattended when getting something to eat for half an hour or so, and prefer to have it in eyesight but don't insist on it.

So far, so good. You can take measures, but at some point I think it just becomes a matter of luck.

About the same time as the Seattle car break-in, we were in Portland, Oregon, and locked two bikes together downtown. Then the combination lock wouldn't open, so we found a bike shop that loaned us a hacksaw and we sawed through the cable, which took a good while. The bike shop guy said nobody would bother us, but some people did, kind of. They'd make comments as they walked by, and one guy actually stopped and was quizzing us, which I of course had no problem with. This was before we had a smart phone, but we had a website of our travels and figured if somebody became insistent, or if the cops got involved, we'd direct them to the site and they could see pictures of us with the bikes we were trying to free.