Retired, looking for milder weather (Lawrence, Salina: house, buying, incomes)

[AK-Cathy]

My husband and I are retired in our early 50s. We live in Anchorage, Alaska now and would like to find a milder (and shorter) winter plus slower pace of living. We both like NE Kansas for it's green treed, rolling terrain. I grew up in eastern Kansas and I still have a lot of family throughout the state so it's a possibility.

One drawback is that we both are kind of aging "granola" hippies, that into organic gardening, cooking, alternate energy and that kind of thing. We recycle, are non-religious, apolitical, shop local but aren't necessarily interested in converting anyone to our lifestyle either.

That said would returning to Kansas be tragic mismatch? Would we find people like ourselves there or would we be the town's eccentric couple from Alaska?

We like the idea of the lower cost of living in Kansas than the places that we've looked on the west coast and in Montana. We would be extremely comfortable retired in a place where we could easily pay cash for a very nice house and land or maybe start a business. The proximity to family has benefits as well.

I've always like Atchison and the area around it. Would this be a good fit for us or should we keep looking in Colorado and points west?

Thanks in advance.

[Okey Dokie]

Think about Lawrence. It's arguably the most liberal town in Kansas.

[AK-Cathy]

Right. We know that but we aren't necessarily into politics. I'm assuming that one can be moderate in their political views (if pressed) and still enjoy the things that we like to do without a requisite liberal political viewpoint, because we are those people. I'm more interested in the slow pace and size of smaller town because of the possibility of community. I like the size, architecture and ambiance of Atchison as an example. I was raised near Lawrence and it's okay but I don't see what the fuss is about.

Thanks for your response.

[catfishing]

Originally Posted by AK-Cathy

Right. We know that but we aren't necessarily into politics. I'm assuming that one can be moderate in their political views (if pressed) and still enjoy the things that we like to do without a requisite liberal political viewpoint, because we are those people. I'm more interested in the slow pace and size of smaller town because of the possibility of community. I like the size, architecture and ambiance of Atchison as an example. I was raised near Lawrence and it's okay but I don't see what the fuss is about.

Thanks for your response.

I think you'd be fine living just about anywhere in eastern Kansas. I've traveled extensively throughout the state, and find that if you're looking to start a business, check out Marysville, Abilene, Salina, Parsons, Chetopa, and Baxter Springs. Obviously, not all of these towns are right next to Atchison, but they all seem to be business friendly, locally supported, and they generally are inhabited by friendly people. Good luck with your retirement.

[itsMeFred]

One drawback is that we both are kind of aging "granola" hippies, that into organic gardening, cooking, alternate energy and that kind of thing. We recycle, are non-religious, apolitical, shop local but aren't necessarily interested in converting anyone to our lifestyle either.

That said would returning to Kansas be tragic mismatch? Would we find people like ourselves there or would we be the town's eccentric couple from Alaska?

Well you'll probably be the eccentric couple from Alaska no matter where you land. But at the same time, you'll find all of those things in your list aren't really considered that far out there.
This is the 21st century, afterall.
(However, if you're so "crunchy" that you don't shave your legs under your organic cotton skirts, or refuse to wear deodorant... That's a different story entirely, I'm afraid ).

I live on a ranch in northwestern Kansas. My husband cowboys for a living.
That said, we're in to alternate energy, organic gardening/meat, we recycle (there are recycling centers all over the place for everything from aluminum to cardboard, glass or plastic...), etc, etc.

What's more interesting is how many people, from all stripes, are do the same things.

Personally, were I you, I wouldn't be too concerned about that part.
Find somewhere that offers the amenities you need, has the climate you'd like and go for it.

[AK-Cathy]

Thanks folks, good feedback.

We are not so crunchy as to not shave or keep up appearances other than graying naturally, but I'll admit to some organic cotton and tie-dye in our wardrobe.

My mother and brother and his family lives in NW Kansas but the climate is too dry and windy for me. We are regarded as a mild curiosity there when we visit...

[TinaMcG]

Sounds to me like you would be more at home in the Pacific Northwest. Any weather would be milder than Alaska, but I'd take the PacNW over Kansas any day...and I'm kind of a granola, aging hippie myself.

[AK-Cathy]

Sounds to me like you would be more at home in the Pacific Northwest.

We started with this premise and haven't ruled out eastern or south central Oregon and some areas of Washington state, possibly western Montana but it's a matter of finding the right community and measuring property costs as it relates to our property values in AK. I'd prefer to have quite a bit of money left over (for a safety cushion and because we like to travel) after buying our home elsewhere due to our fixed incomes so we have started to branch out considering areas that we haven't thought about prior to this. The appeal of Kansas is proximity to family, fertile land, four seasons and cheap cost of living. Thanks again.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by AK-Cathy

Sounds to me like you would be more at home in the Pacific Northwest.

We started with this premise and haven't ruled out eastern or south central Oregon and some areas of Washington state, possibly western Montana but it's a matter of finding the right community and measuring property costs as it relates to our property values in AK. I'd prefer to have quite a bit of money left over (for a safety cushion and because we like to travel) after buying our home elsewhere due to our fixed incomes so we have started to branch out considering areas that we haven't thought about prior to this. The appeal of Kansas is proximity to family, fertile land, four seasons and cheap cost of living. Thanks again.

Remember cheap cost of living and low taxes don't always go together. Kansas is not a low tax state in the least. However, the cost of living is low (mainly housing) due to very low demand.

[quesera]

Cost of Living Wizard | Salary.com

I've found that site useful in looking for our new "home" state, as far as cost of living is concerned. We, too, are looking for a place with a sense of community, but out of Kansas.