Where to compare retirement for TN vs VA:

[RickC32093]

 Hello,

Not retired yet and a ways off, but we're looking at NE TN in the Tri-cities vs the west side of VA from the South to North and in either state as long as it's country and less people per square mile where it's not as hot either. We will have SS, 401K and pension income that will need to stretch and last. Will need to pay for healthcare and hopefully be in good health in retirement years. Comparing where we live now in NC, where too many people have moved to it's not as retirement friendly where homes and taxes keep climbing along with insurance. Although healthcare and modern conveniences are around the corner we need to visit them at certain times because there are just too many stoplights and people, which now that it takes us longer if you go when everyone else is out and about. 

With that said where do you go to pick apart and really dissect which place is better to retire? It seems many websites are out of date and cannot be updated on the fly because it says we're in a retirement friendly area, but living here and getting your tax/insurance bill will say otherwise. They just keep going up every 6 months to a year. 

Thank you for any info on experiences you can share when looking at these 2 states. 

[Jason2020LovesKelly]

Why keep @RickC32093 waiting? Can @AARPConsumerCare help this individual? @AARPTeri Seems like they need assistance. thanks

[SpringIsHereVA]

Rick @RickC32093 , I live in Virginia IF you have any questions, I am here. Retired.

[RickC32093]

Thank you. We've visited a few times, stayed in Woodstock (my wife and daughter say, What's there to do here, sleepy town), then Luray as well, but did not get that comment at that time. When we retire, maybe that view will change. We like the areas mentioned in main post, so much to explore and love the country, wildlife, peaceful areas, not much on big towns as ours was ruined with too many people and they've also brought their views into the area, changing the landscape, mowing down more trees, etc.

Right now it seems NC and VA are very close in retirement, but I'm seeing taxes on homes less in the areas we look as well as them being less costly than our home for same size. My wife has left it up to me on this and I search the entire areas from Bristol, VA to Front Royal, VA along the west side of VA. The problem with TN right now in the Tri-cities is they're asking $500,000+ for a 1400sq ft home that looks like a track built home, nothing special and it used to not be like that. So many people from other more expensive states have caused TN to explode with home costs, which means taxes and insurance will follow eventually, especially with Helene. 

Other areas I like to compare are yearly taxes on cars and homes, also to include insurance costs (homes/cars/medical) and dental for medicare, etc. I pinch pennies, like to look if it's really the best for us and it's so overwhelming that doing it at last minute it too much. I'm sure there are fee based services that can plug the town into their tool and pump out side by side comparisons?

[papawofboo]

 What's there to do here, sleepy town.

And you say she is leaving it up to you? How long you been married?

[SpringIsHereVA]

Rick @RickC32093 , as far as COMPARING locations, there is a lady by the name of Gail ON THIS SITE who will know. I am sure she will "respond" to your post today or tonight.

I live in Cave Spring, Virginia & luv it!!!