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Hi all, I am hoping to narrow down my search for a nice place to retire. I want somewhere to enjoy kayaking, hiking, concerts, theater. Shopping, within a average lifestyle of $5,000 a month income. We would buy a home, possibly with in-law addition, definitely a ranch. Don't want high humidity and was hoping to still have all four seasons, but not a place where snow is plentiful. Any suggestions? Thank you.
Prescott, AZ--tolerant, open-minded people with a live-and-let-live attitude; no one cares what religion you are. Active, outdoors-oriented population. Very safe/low crime. Beautiful natural scenery and plenty of trees/greenery (if that's your thing--it's most people's). Very low humidity, lots of sunshine. On the warmer side, but has all four seasons and doesn't get extremely hot like the low desert areas (i.e., Phoenix, Tucson). Doesn't get too cold either, esp. compared to the Midwest, Northeast, and most of the South. They get some snow in the winter, but not much. It's got a nice little downtown and reasonable home prices. You can drive to Phoenix for things you really need on occasion. It's also close to Flagstaff if you want more snow, mountains, winter sports, etc. as well as Sedona for some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the United States.
^^^
Sounds real nice. It is not a place I have ever really thought of (or been to) but just your description makes it a place I would definitely check out.
The Cascade region would work - that's the area from Eugene thru Portland and up to Seattle and Vancouver BC. Lots of outdoor activities, concerts, theater, not much snow, and the humidity goes down when the temperature goes up.
There are magazines at your local bookstore, and books at your public library, listing and describing the best towns and areas to retire to.
A general rule of thumb is to consider state university towns, which offer cultural activities and entertainments, and diversity of opinion - some let seniors audit classes for free (but may have a downside of noisy nightclubs, and high competition for part-time work).
Many people like the southern Appalachian area, for its lower cost of living, and access to lakes and reservoirs (built by the TVA for hydroelectric power) - for instance, Clemson, South Carolina offers access to lakes, mountains, a university, and an interstate highway. Asheville, North Carolina has a more bohemian atmosphere and more liberal politics. Charlottesville, Virginia is another outstanding area, but a little pricey .
Many people like the southern Appalachian area, for its lower cost of living, and access to lakes and reservoirs (built by the TVA for hydroelectric power) - for instance, Clemson, South Carolina offers access to lakes, mountains, a university, and an interstate highway. Asheville, North Carolina has a more bohemian atmosphere and more liberal politics. Charlottesville, Virginia is another outstanding area, but a little pricey .
I agree and would throw in others like Chapel Hill NC (UNC), Athens GA (U Of Georgia), Johnson City TN (East Tennessee State University), Radford VA (Radford University) and Blacksburg VA (Virginia Tech University).
I suspect all the SE suggestions would be too humid for the OPs.
Asheville, Johnson City, Radford, Blacksburg and Charlottesvlle aren't considered especially "humid". If the OP has issues above 50%-60% humidity readings they should probably go find a desert community.
I agree and would throw in others like Chapel Hill NC (UNC), Athens GA (U Of Georgia), Johnson City TN (East Tennessee State University), Radford VA (Radford University) and Blacksburg VA (Virginia Tech University).
Too cold/icy/gloomy in the winter. Too Southern in culture, people too religious/socially conservative. Lots of covert discrimination against people of color, LGBT folks, non-Christians. Less emphasis on active/outdoors-oriented lifestyles, healthy eating, nature.
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