I moved from LA to a northern New England state to be closer to aging parents(not in the same state) and the fact I like this state and its weather.
Knowing that retirement was coming up, I made trips up in the previous two summers and simply drove around, noting areas I wanted to live and areas I refused to live in. I did, and am still doing, extensive research on the tax structure and COL factors of the individual towns. City Data Forums was a great starting point.
This year before I retired I secured a somewhat pricey rental house to use as a jumping off point for home buying/building and am now casually looking for land to buy and then build on.
*I did have the fortune and cushion of 100 days of paid time off and the fact that I will receive a generous pension.
Knowing that retirement was coming up, I made trips up in the previous two summers and simply drove around, noting areas I wanted to live and areas I refused to live in. I did, and am still doing, extensive research on the tax structure and COL factors of the individual towns. City Data Forums was a great starting point.
This year before I retired I secured a somewhat pricey rental house to use as a jumping off point for home buying/building and am now casually looking for land to buy and then build on.
*I did have the fortune and cushion of 100 days of paid time off and the fact that I will receive a generous pension.