Enjoying the JourneyWhat is your dream retirement location?
September 10th 2008 01:20
What is your dream retirement location?
Money Magazine has published their six choices for terrific retirement towns on the water. Keep in mind that their choices are all on a lake, river or ocean, and are places to save some money on your budget. I thought I would share their picks and add some of my own dream spots.
Money Magazine’s Top Six
Dunedin, Florida
Pros: Less crowded and less expensive than many towns on the Atlantic side of the state.
Cons: Hurricanes are possible.
Beaufort, South Carolina
Pros: Great medical care -- the local hospital is affiliated with Duke University.
Cons: Taxes can take a bite out of your savings.
Sequim, Washington
Pros: Water, mountains, culture and a small town all at once.
Cons: The Pacific is a tad nippy for a swim.
Durango, Colorado
Pros: Outdoor paradise with mild four-season weather.
Cons: Home prices aren't cheap.
St. Joeseph, Michigan
Pros: Great medical care; lots to do.
Cons: Winter winds off the lake can be mighty chilly.
Marble Falls, Texas
Pros: Plenty of affordable property right near the water.
Cons: Summer temperatures can hit the triple digits.
Now, I know their list took many factors into account in their decision including finances, environment and such – My list will include none of that. My list instead are just some places I think I would want to live in the later years of life.
1. Somewhere on the New Jersey Shore
I was born in Jersey, and grew up there. Often times I do miss it. I loved living right next to the ocean. It was also far enough north that it didn’t get excessively hot for really long periods of time. Plus you got some snow during the winter.
I know it sounds strange, but it is a great feeling to be standing on the beach surrounded by snow staring at (and smelling) the ocean.
2. Somewhere near the Grand Canyon.
I once visited the Canyon when I was barely a teen. I can still remember the views all around. Granted I think the heat would get unbearable, but it is still a nice dream to have for a retirement spot.
3. The mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Probably somewhere near the Poconos. It is the greatest night sky I have ever seen. There are amazingly so many more stars in their sky then there are in the sky in many other places. I know that statement isn’t true, but it certainly seems that way. The winters can get a bit brutal, but that can be adjusted to.
4. Finally I will list a bit of a fantasy. I have ALWAYS wanted to go to Australia
I think a lot of it has to do with seeing the wildlife – in its wild form. I am sure for those of you that live there it might get old after a while. I also know it might be a bad idea to choose to live somewhere I have never been to. Again, it is just a “dream” place.
So, where are some of the spots that you think you would like to retire to? Is it the big city? The middle of nowhere? Cold? Hot? Wet?
Let us all know.
Source of list and images: www.walletpop.com
Here is a link to their post
Money Magazine has published their six choices for terrific retirement towns on the water. Keep in mind that their choices are all on a lake, river or ocean, and are places to save some money on your budget. I thought I would share their picks and add some of my own dream spots.
Money Magazine’s Top Six
Dunedin, Florida
Pros: Less crowded and less expensive than many towns on the Atlantic side of the state.
Cons: Hurricanes are possible.
(image: Craig Litten, AP)
Beaufort, South Carolina
Pros: Great medical care -- the local hospital is affiliated with Duke University.
Cons: Taxes can take a bite out of your savings.
(image: Regional Chamber of Commerce)
Sequim, Washington
Pros: Water, mountains, culture and a small town all at once.
Cons: The Pacific is a tad nippy for a swim.
Sequim, Washington (image: Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau)
Durango, Colorado
Pros: Outdoor paradise with mild four-season weather.
Cons: Home prices aren't cheap.
(image: Area Tourism Office)
St. Joeseph, Michigan
Pros: Great medical care; lots to do.
Cons: Winter winds off the lake can be mighty chilly.
(image: Pat Moody, City of St. Joseph)
Marble Falls, Texas
Pros: Plenty of affordable property right near the water.
Cons: Summer temperatures can hit the triple digits.
(image: Lake LBJ - Chamber of Commerce)
Now, I know their list took many factors into account in their decision including finances, environment and such – My list will include none of that. My list instead are just some places I think I would want to live in the later years of life.
1. Somewhere on the New Jersey Shore
I was born in Jersey, and grew up there. Often times I do miss it. I loved living right next to the ocean. It was also far enough north that it didn’t get excessively hot for really long periods of time. Plus you got some snow during the winter.
I know it sounds strange, but it is a great feeling to be standing on the beach surrounded by snow staring at (and smelling) the ocean.
2. Somewhere near the Grand Canyon.
I once visited the Canyon when I was barely a teen. I can still remember the views all around. Granted I think the heat would get unbearable, but it is still a nice dream to have for a retirement spot.
3. The mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Probably somewhere near the Poconos. It is the greatest night sky I have ever seen. There are amazingly so many more stars in their sky then there are in the sky in many other places. I know that statement isn’t true, but it certainly seems that way. The winters can get a bit brutal, but that can be adjusted to.
4. Finally I will list a bit of a fantasy. I have ALWAYS wanted to go to Australia
I think a lot of it has to do with seeing the wildlife – in its wild form. I am sure for those of you that live there it might get old after a while. I also know it might be a bad idea to choose to live somewhere I have never been to. Again, it is just a “dream” place.
So, where are some of the spots that you think you would like to retire to? Is it the big city? The middle of nowhere? Cold? Hot? Wet?
Let us all know.
Source of list and images: www.walletpop.com
Here is a link to their post
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