Where do you want to live when you retire? Why?

[Simba's Mom]

I was just wondering, if you have thought about where you want to live when you retire, where would it be and why? Lots of retirees from all parts of the country come to our area, either year-round or as "Winter Texans", going back up north in the summer. But we want to be one place when we retire and with this climate, I don't think this is it! We're leaning toward Alabama-close to WDW to drive (my main prerequisite), good golf (DH's main prerequisite), low taxes, good cost of living, seems as if fairly good climate-seasons sort of, and yet not too hot or cold. So who's thinking of where? Where it never snows? Near the ocean? Orlando?

 

[monarchsfan16]

Somewhere that gets snow, and where the summers are only a couple months long. I HATE summer. I LOVE snow. And that will probably not change. I'd like to spend my retirement cross country skiing everyday during the winter, and using that sport as a tool to access some great photography spots.
But since I'm in my first year of college, retirement is a long way off

 

[ChrisnSteph]

We currently live in So California, and have thought about retiring to the central coast, like the Morrow Bay or San Simeon area. We love it there so much, but who knows if we'll be able to afford it. My dh would love to retire in the country, a big ranch in Montana. I don't think I could handle that much country! Gotta be near the ocean.

 

[Cyndiu]

We're currently in Connecticut and it is so GD expensive that there's no way we're retiring here. Don't know where we're going though. We're committed to stay until DS graduates from High School and that's not for 4 more years. Then, all bets are off as to whether we'll stay in New England or move someplace with a lower cost of living.

 

[jonestavern]

we have mulled over Canada, Mexico or Ireland(DLP!).
It depends on how far the retirement income will go & if Americans will be welcomed.
Snow no object!
We like houses with history, skiing, the Red Sox,kayaking etc.
Actually we love NH, but it is developing at a rapid rate & we are afraid we're going to end up living in the middle of a mall!

Jean

 

[Snowysmom]

We are thinking of Western Massachusetts. Our DS goes to college there and we really like the area. Where we live now in Northern Mass. is just getting way too expensive with property taxes and real estate. It is a little less expensive out there plus we could buy a smaller house. It will probably depend on where the kids go too.

 

[disneylizzy]

I'd like somewhere a little warmer. I've been thinking about North Carolina, but I think it will depend on the cost of housing, accessibility to medical care and taxes. I still have a few years to go - youngest is only 13. Will definitely have to leave Massachusetts - too expensive!!

My parents retired to Maine and they absolutely love it. Right near the ocean and the winters aren't as bad as you'd think.

 

[Disney Doll]

Right now, I'd stay in my current town, maybe downsize to a condo, and then do the snowbird thing to Florida, for January, February & March. I htink I would miss Fall and Winter in CT too much to ever completely leave, but my opinion may change as I get older, too. You never know!!!

My DSIL lives on the east coast, near Vero, and that is a nice area and a reasonable drive to WDW. I would probably look around there.

 

[ktink]

We'll hopefully stay where we are now. But of course enjoy many vacations and get aways. Hopefully are children will live nearby and we'll be able to enjoy grandkids. It's still many years away so I just hope we live to see retirement.

 

[barkley]

anyplace but here in california. i know too many retirees who planned REALY WELL but are struggleing due to massive increases in utility costs, property taxes, state taxes...it's realy sad when someone has worked and lived their entire life in an area and then because it suddenly becomes popular for new homes and the resulting new schools, new services, upgrades to utilities....they get taxed out!

pretty much everyone i know here is looking elsewhere (and sadly it has the effect of driving up home costs and taxes for the services they need in those areas-so someone always ends up paying for it in the long run ).

 

[wdwmom2]

Living in PA right now, and even though I do love it here, not sure that this is where DH and I will retire. We have been looking at Kentucky, around the Lake Cumberland area. We like nice warm weather, motorcycling and boating.

Any DISer's know anything about the Lake Cumberland area?????

 

[palmtreegirl]

I would like to keep my place here and also get a condo at the beach.

 

[Mermaid02]

Someplace warmer! My ds (almost 9) says he will live in Florida and I can live with him and his wife. Hope he knows I'll hold him to that!

 

[SleepyMom]

I would like to keep a home here where we live now and then get a big RV and travel. DH doesn't seem to like that idea as much as I do though, so we will have to see when it gets closer.

 

[Shelby5514]

Cinderella's Castle. why? Because it's in the happiest place on earth...Duh?

 

[WDW LOVR]

Ft. Wilderness Campground in our 5th wheel camper! At least for the really cold months. Then pull the camper back home and park it in a campground near Lake Erie and enjoy the Lake. Now we're just trying to figure out if we can afford the boat for the lake.

Do I really need to say Why?

 

[JayCT]

We are years away from retiring but DW wants to head south, at least for the winters. I don't. I do NOT like hot weather and the thought of having to deal with the heat and humidity for more than a few months a year is unbearable.

Also do not like the idea of living in one of those retirement communities. DW wants to move to one. Why would I want to live around a bunch of old people who have nothing to do but figure out where the best early-bird specials are and sit around complaining how their kids never call. i want to be near enough to my grandchildren to help raise them and enjoy them. Maybe make my kids adult life a little easier than DW and I had (no family nearby to help).

I can deal with a couple of weeks at WDW but that is all. I like the lower Connecticut River Valley. Very pretty, lots of history, yet not far from the world unless you want it to be. Near the water but less pricey. Anyway, we are a long way off from that. Jay

 

[disykat]

Right where we are! I can't imagine leaving my friends, my church, my volunteer work, etc. right at a time when I may need them most. I'd be willing to downsize if needed to make travel easier - but I don't want to move.

 

[Micca]

Central Florida works for me

 

[Pop Daddy]

as long as where dreaming , Im going to Hawii