From Austin Texas to ????? (New York, Syracuse: home, school, property taxes)

[TerryDactyls]

I've lived in Minneapolis, Northern Virginia, and currently Austin, Texas and as I approach retirement, I am looking for the final resting place (I mean to live in). My current search is the area from Ithaca to Albany. What I'm looking for is seasons (don't have those in Texas), access to X-country and downhill skiing, fishing, golf, ice hockey (yes I still play even though I'm over 60), and either waterfront property or an older home on some acreage. I'm obviously not interested in the school system or kid-friendly environments. I've been monitoring the New York forum for several weeks (along with some other New England forums) and I've been impressed with the general lack of negatives from those that are resident responders. I'm still a few years away from hanging it up so I will take the time to travel to the region to get a better feel for it. If you have any suggestions of good places to look, I would appreciate it. I've heard from Skanateles and Ithaca people and would like to hear from people further east in New York.

[juppiter]

The Albany area isn't really too prime for retirement IMO. Go further north to the 'dacks. Or live in some coastal New England town. I dunno. I grew up here & while I think it's underrated, I wouldn't retire here.

[rosette8]

I live in the Capital District, grew up in Syracuse and went to school and married a man from Ithaca. (I have also lived in southern cal for 8 yrs. and No. VA for 1 yr. and know the 2 seasons well)

If I were to retire in up-state ny I would pick: Skanateles, Lake Placid or Saratoga Springs. Those are great areas. All are wonderful places in the summer, great winter sports close by (although Skanateles doesn't have comparable skiing that is close to Saratoga or at Lake Placid). All three take money to live and are expensive, but well worth it.

Of the three.....saratoga would be my ultimate pick, due to the proximity to other major cities (Boston - 3 hrs., NYC 2.5hours, Montreal (sp?) 3 hours.) Also, for healthcare: Lake Placid I can't imagine has the best being so isolated, Albany Med which is good is 1/2 hour to Saratoga, Syracuse (also a drive from Skanateles) has decent healthcare.

My husband (42yr.) also plays hockey year round here and knows many in your age bracket that do too! Lots of men's leagues.

We love up-state and are sad to leave. We are moving to Virginia....just when my youngest finally got good enough to get off the bunny hill and ski with us!

Just my two cents! Good Luck!!

[Ellwood]

We retired NORTH instead of SOUTH and moved to Saratoga. The capital district is a beautiful area to retire, with so many outdoor activities, gorgeous lakes, forests, friendly people and a lot of home for your money.

I think you are making a smart choice!

[DebOller]

Terry, in my opinion, you can't go wrong with moving to anywhere in Upstate NY. We moved to WNY from D/FtW. We love it. We just miss family and friends in Texas.

[Ladeebug59]

Personally, I think it has to do with finances. NY is a fine state if you can afford to live and retire here. Taxes are high and with the cost of heating a home, I would run south.

[TerryDactyls]

DebOller - We have no family in Texas so that's not a problem for us. And good friends are always welcome to visit.

Ladeebug59 - Have you ever paid an electric bill after 22 straight days of 100 degree temperatures? I think winter heating in New York and summer air conditioning in Texas can't be that different. And our property taxes are worse than yours. We pay $6500 for 2200 square feet. Ouch.

We will be travelling through Albany to Ithaca to Auburn and back to Saratoga Springs next month to see what looks promising. It will still be 100 degrees here when we leave. I hope I remember to bring a jacket.

[purrfectplace]

MA taxes are much lower. Western MA offers a lot, and has the lakes and mountains as well. You did say you were looking into New England. Taxes seem a bit high in the Capital region for a retirement destination, but if you can hack it I'm sure you would like it!