Craig P.
Southern California
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I'll be retiring in three years at the age of 53. My career choice has afforded me the ability to retire earlier than some people. The DW has not had good luck with her different career paths over the years. Her only retirement income will be SS. I started some investments years back, in hopes that they would allow her to retire early with me, but like many investments in our economy, they have not done as well as expected.
We currently live in Southern California where cost of living is high. If we were to sell our current home and move to a state where real estate is much more affordable, I believe I could afford to bring my wife home when I retire.
The question remaining is, where? I have bad sinuses and need to stay in a dry climate, which means we’ll need to remain in the Western U.S.
A co-worker suggested the St. George area of Utah. I’ve never been there but I will be adding it to my list of areas to visit prior to retirement.
I've come to the fine members of this forum for some additional home base recommendations.
Thanks!
Craig
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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Just do not move to KY. Even just going to AR for a week helped my sinuses.
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Economical Handyman
S. California
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Everybody can tell you about the dry climate areas.
The real concern is what any of us will be able to afford in three-years the way things are going???
Wish you luck, but hard to beat the weather in S. CA.
* This post was
edited 11/07/09 09:55am by Economical Handyman *
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coolbreeze01
Redding, Ca
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We are always on the lookout for a new home base too, but very comfortable here in Redding. Real Estate that looks good on the Internet, often is less than desirable in person. Have fun looking, and when you find the perfect place, let me know.
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Retiredblade
Western, Pa
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St George is nice, I been through it several times, even went on their website and looked around. Seems like in the Summer, due to a lot of people moving there they have a water problem and ask people to conserve, which is fine, we all should do that. I like Yuma, Az, Lake Havasu City, Az also. one would have to visit them and get on the internet and find out about taxes, services, etc. I myself, would not want to live in the Southwest in the Summertime.
And I don't blame you for wanting to get out of California, I got out 42 years ago, and am I glad!
Sam USCG
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Briteskys
Mesa, AZ
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Joined: 09/21/2006
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I retired at age 52 and due to a pretty severe lung condition needed a low humidity climate. Arizona fits my needs so its been home other than our travels which I can mostly handle if I'm careful.
I also like AZ because of rapidly increasing real estate values over the years.
Not quite like SoCal - but almost as good. And at this point in time, opportunities are everywhere.
Its near perfect weather for 8-9 months, then summer travel to cooler climes.
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thgoodman
Where ever the wheels stop (S. Utah right now)
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We are work camping near St. George now, in Virgin, UT. (one of the best RV parks we have ever stayed in). We came here for a 3 months gig in July of '08 and haven't left yet. We have found the scenery, the weather, the people, the medical facilities and the cultural opportunities to be outstanding. It's a little hot in the summer (average highs around 105F) but we got used to it very quickly. It almost never snows here. The one drawback I see is the cost of living here is a little more than I expect. Real estate prices have gone down during the recent economic bad times but maybe not as much as surrounding areas. Food prices seem a little high to me but I have never lived in the South West before so I can't compare with California.
Overall, I thing St. George deserves your consideration. With a population of around 75,000, it has enough critical mass to offer most of the amenities we retirees need.
Tom & Jan
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Litch
Truckee, CA
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St George is great, we were there in October. Checked out some real estate, you wouldn't believe the house prices, very good. Real nice new homes we looked at that would be well out of our range here in CA.
Good location to take off on trips from as well.
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kknowlton
Wisconsin Border Country, IL
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Why not spend some time in the RV checking out potential home bases? Rather than jumping into buying a home right away, or getting into a longterm lease, spend a month or two - or longer - in each of a few areas you're considering. Get to know the community, give it some time to have an effect on your sinuses (or note that it doesn't affect them), and see if you like it. If not, move on. Good luck!
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Craig P.
Southern California
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kknowlton wrote:Why not spend some time in the RV checking out potential home bases? Rather than jumping into buying a home right away, or getting into a longterm lease, spend a month or two - or longer - in each of a few areas you're considering. Get to know the community, give it some time to have an effect on your sinuses (or note that it doesn't affect them), and see if you like it. If not, move on. Good luck!
Great idea, thanks!
Good info so far everyone...keep it coming!
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