Don't hate us retirees... (Washington, Hope: apartments, to rent, how much)

[JenniferLynn]

We were once in your shoes.

For many years I was a single parent with 2 children. I worked mostly low-paying jobs and just barely made ends meet. Buy a house? I couldn't even afford to rent one. My kids and I lived in apartments. I drove older, economical cars.

When I was 51 I met and married a wonderful man who through frugality and careful investments had saved up a healthy nest egg. For the first time in my life I became a homeowner with a new vehicle. I feel very grateful at this time in my life.

Maine is beautiful and I think it would be wonderful to retire there.

There is no god-given right to be a homeowner. We all must deal with reality. Housing prices have gone up all over the country and many families struggle. If you can only afford a fixer-upper, perhaps you can learn to do the repairs yourself. You will have more than I ever had while my children were growing up.

So, if you should happen to see me, a retired person living in Maine, remember that I paid my dues. I was once in your shoes.

[mainebrokerman]

three cheers for jenniferlynn, thats the american spirit!!!

[lovemaine]

Great post! Enjoy your retirement, JenniferLynn!

[7th generation]

I left a good job out west to return to Maine and start a business. In 2004 the state of maine lost 25,000 manufacturing jobs and have lost many more since. Oh, I guess around '63 or '64 our license plates read "vacationland". If our economy is going to grow,then retirees and people travelling to Maine to vacation is fine by me! Alot of my income is dependent on these groups, so by all means we welcome all with open arms. Congrats to all that retire and hope to see you.(ahhh it will take me quite a few more years though)

[mrkool]

In my opinion it is only the short-sighted and selfish types who are against older folks/retirees. Those retirees by and large have worked all their lives, raised their families, been law-abiding, many are veterans, and as the first poster said.. paid their dues. They are in their final years, and sure they may have health problems, be a little slow driving, or whatever. But that will be most of us, one day. Treat the older folks/retirees with respect. I do.

[tkx7]

Alot of older people from Florida have 2nd homes in Maine and live here for the warm half of the year. They are decent people and generally better than an average tourist.

[brightcopperkettles]

Fantastic post!

I have had similar circumstances in my life. I have a lovely husband now. He will reach retirement age this May but will not move out of this terribly expensive state so he can retire (yet). As long as we live in Washington State, he will have to work. The only way we will be able to "retire" is if he will someday agree to move out of state. At least he has agreed to look at other states at this point.

I don't mind working and paying my dues, but some states are just not for some people due to the cost of living; Washington State is not a good fit for us. When DH finally gets this, life will begin to move forward. Until then, we are in a holding pattern, only I'm not sure how much longer I will be able to hold on (to my job), as technology is taking over what I do for a living. I'm sure God has a plan; just wish He'd share it with us so we can plan appropriately.

Lord love you, honey! I am so glad you made it to retirement! Hopefully, we can too someday!

[forest beekeeper]

JenniferLynn -

I am glad for you, that you have finally found your piece of the pie.

I am on pension myself, and moved to Maine after searching for where I could live comfortably on my pension.

Everything that we found before moving here seemed to indicate that Maine was the place to be. And so far [after two years] I have not seen anything contrary. [outside of the minority of folks who seem so insistent that this is a terrible place. So long as I ignore them, it is great].

May God bless you and keep you.

[JenniferLynn]

I actually got a lump in my throat reading them.

I do understand that my situation is different from those of you who are still having to make a living. We have to make compromises in life and sometimes wait for the things that we want. You may not be able to get the house right now that you would like, you may have a longer commute to work than you would like, and you may not be able to live in the town or community that you would like.

But by taking personal responsibility for yourself and your family, you can achieve your goals. We can't prevent all the changes that we see around us; factories closing or rising taxes. We may need to learn a new trade or change jobs or move, but such is life. Those who can adapt and are determined to better themselves will make it through hard times.

To those of you who are struggling, I wish you all the best and hope you achieve all that you dream of. Hang in there!

[mainebrokerman]

Originally Posted by forest beekeeper

JenniferLynn -

I am glad for you, that you have finally found your piece of the pie.

I am on pension myself, and moved to Maine after searching for where I could live comfortably on my pension.

Everything that we found before moving here seemed to indicate that Maine was the place to be. And so far [after two years] I have not seen anything contrary. [outside of the minority of folks who seem so insistent that this is a terrible place. So long as I ignore them, it is great].

May God bless you and keep you.

im liking this jenniferlynn,
jennifer, you ever been to moodys' diner in waldoboro?? or pemaquid point in the moonlight??