Where do you want to live when you retire?

[M209T]

Current age 60. Work full time. Current state California. If I can ever retire ideally want to go to FL Panama City Beach/Destin area. Relatively good climate. Within 2 hour drive to family. Must have warm climate. Must be able to garden and enjoy outdoors frequently. Beach is a real bonus. The reality however is bleak. CA is sucking the living soul out of me financially, politically and socially. But for now my job and home keep me here. 

[j697027c]

My heart goes out to you. I wish I could help somehow, but I don't live in the U.S. so I don't know about the resources that may be available to you. But, since you have posted on AARP, I hope you can ask their help in finding some viable options. Maybe there are some other threads that have information from the AARP community? Bless you, and I hope some kindness lights your life soon.

[kb99271149]

Being fully disabled I guess I am 'retired' I rent from family right now but she's failing. I don't know what's going to happen to me. I spent two months in a low end physical rehab facility and elderly dumping ground and it was pure hell. I don't know where to go. Florida is so expensive and dangerous. I once thought I could find a place in the woods but since my accident I can't get off the ground. I'm lost and trapped. I don't know what states if any have the same medical coverge that's literally saved my life. I don't know who to talk to. I stand in darkness.

[a217658c]

Since I was a little girl living in Mobile, Alabama, I have always wanted to retire in Fairhope, Alabama. On Sundays, we had our big family meal after church, then my grandmother and I would go for a ride. We usually drove across the causeway to Fairhope. Sometimes, we would park and walk down the pier to look at Mobile Bay. 

Of course, Fairhope has changed in the last 40 years. It has become extremely popular to families of all ages. The property value has become much higher than I expected. 

Currently, my family and I live in Overland Park, Kansas which is a wonderful place for families. But, my family lives near the Gulf Coast and I’d like to be near them. Plus, I miss being near the water. There isn’t any water in our area. 

I have some high school friends and family members, who are living in Fairhope and love it. 

[carlv854047]

In the most economical portion of Washington State. 

Suggestions AARP?

[n60960h]

I am  semi-retired & live in Massachusetts. I am fortunate to live in my family home, that my grandparents purchased in 1927. I live in a city that's not too far from  Boston. I have access to museums, theaters ,five-star restaurants, major sports teams & excellent shopping venues.I am less than ten miles from Revere Beach, the oldest beach in the nation, that is not only a lovely beach,but the site of some fine restaurants, a yearly Sand Sculpture festival & a bit of eclectic night life. I can drive to New. Hampshire, which I consider my second home, to hike & shop & enjoy  the beauty of what each season has to offer.I can drive to Maine & visit Welles,Kennebunkport & York. But best of all is that my hometown has all of the above, & it's a joy to experience the change of seasons, in my own backyard. 

[NeilRichards]

Hey, I'm looking to retire in the New Bern area, Fairfield Harbor to be specific.  My concerns are: how easy is it to fit in and find new friends in a smaller town?  Also, I noticed  that to go to a movie you need to go to Jacksonville?  Is that correct?

[laurz]

I like the four seasons and want to stay close to New York area where my children are. As long as someone else takes care of the gardening and the shoveling, I love the area.

Plenty to do and see, which will keep us busy. Plus cost of living compared to New Jersey where I live now is very low.

I cannot wait!!!!!

[orchardjjca]

We hope to retire in Wilmington, NC or Southport, NC. Our kids live in NC but things can be fluid with them and they may move. I want to live in an area that they will always want to visit if not close by. These are coastal cities but the beach is not what attracts me. Colleges, history, cultural features matter to me in my retirement. 

[kathleenf89474]

TN would be a good choice. I live in a little town called New Bern, in eastern NC. It is marketing itself as a retirement town, and I love it here. There is plenty of space on the outskirts for raising horses. 

The cost of living is reasonable, and there are many things to do here. We even have a Newcomers Club, so you meet people immediately with similar interests!  I’ve been here five years, and I am never leaving!  I’m originally from upstate NY, btw.