Retirees - Red Wing a good choice? (Minneapolis, Winona: sales, insurance)

[OutBnd]

We are in our early 70's and desperate to leave So Cal, even if it means moving away from family. Red Wing seems to be a community we could enjoy, even in our later years. We enjoy outdoor activities such as gardening, hiking, photographing wild-life, and such indoor activities as geneology, theater/concerts, wood-working, and continuing education. Since we are now on a fixed icome, we are concered with the costs of living, especially costs such as income tax, sales tax, auto registration, insurance. We are aslo seeking a community with good quality health care, 4 seasons, friendly neighbors and a sense of community. Do you think Red Wing would be a good place for people like us to move?

[Minnehahapolitan]

Originally Posted by OutBnd

We are in our early 70's and desperate to leave So Cal, even if it means moving away from family. Red Wing seems to be a community we could enjoy, even in our later years. We enjoy outdoor activities such as gardening, hiking, photographing wild-life, and such indoor activities as geneology, theater/concerts, wood-working, and continuing education. Since we are now on a fixed icome, we are concered with the costs of living, especially costs such as income tax, sales tax, auto registration, insurance. We are aslo seeking a community with good quality health care, 4 seasons, friendly neighbors and a sense of community. Do you think Red Wing would be a good place for people like us to move?

Red Wing fits everything you are looking for except for a university. I would steer you towrds Winona, which is much more vibrant and on a beautiful spot on the Mississippi. Downtown Red Wing is pretty; but doesn't really serve daily needs like Winona does. Red Wing is a day trip town from The Cities where as Winona has to serve itself.

[OutBnd]

Thanks for your reply "Minne" - I have read on other posts that Minnesotans will not readily accept a "newcomer" - is that pretty much accurate, or, if we join community groups and "walk the dog to meet the neighbors" are we likely to find new freinds?

[Minnehahapolitan]

It is generally true. You have to be the person to instigate something; Minnesotans tend to not be the first people to ask you over out-of-the-blue. Be involved, and be the person to start something and you should fare well.

[Li'lBeaver]

Originally Posted by OutBnd

Thanks for your reply "Minne" - I have read on other posts that Minnesotans will not readily accept a "newcomer" - is that pretty much accurate, or, if we join community groups and "walk the dog to meet the neighbors" are we likely to find new freinds?

As Minnhahapolitan has stated you may be able to instigate a relationship, but whether it will flourish or turn to a bitter feud will more than likely depend up on whether you are willing to agree with all their ways of thinking no matter how wrong they might be. MinneSOTans generally do not accept people with any views that do not agree entirely with their own.

[Jessicaelise]

I have lived in Minneapolis, Red Wing, and Winona. Red Wing would be a great palce to retire to. They have hiking, golfing, a photography club, a theater. A great restaurant and wine bar moving into town, lots of churches and social groups, a senior center, lots of volunteer opportunities, a YMCA. Having lived in both places, I would recommend Red Wing over Winona for a place to move to. It is closer to the cities. They also have a tech. college for continuing education. As a permanent resident in Winona the college kids can be pretty annoying ( partying/ littering). I imagine you would do on the price you would pay for a home or codo here vs. the amount you would get for a home in So. Cal check out Welcome to Central Park Condominiums for a cool old high school building turned into condos.

[golfgal]

Red Wing is nice. I would also look into Marshall, MN in SW MN. That town has everything you mention and lower cost housing, insurance, etc. Very nice, well kept town with a very active senior community. They have a local hospital for your basics and then Sioux Falls, SD or the Twin Cities for anything major--both have excellent medical care.

[Dubuquer1]

Originally Posted by Li'lBeaver

As Minnhahapolitan has stated you may be able to instigate a relationship, but whether it will flourish or turn to a bitter feud will more than likely depend up on whether you are willing to agree with all their ways of thinking no matter how wrong they might be. MinneSOTans generally do not accept people with any views that do not agree entirely with their own.

I think that could be said for people in a lot of places, esp. Iowa.

[ozzie679]

Originally Posted by OutBnd

Thanks for your reply "Minne" - I have read on other posts that Minnesotans will not readily accept a "newcomer" - is that pretty much accurate, or, if we join community groups and "walk the dog to meet the neighbors" are we likely to find new freinds?

Red Wing is a beautiful town. You will meet plenty of friends. The arts will be lacking because it is not a college town. Winona is also beautiful. They have Winona State University and St Mary's University. So the arts and continuing studies will be readily available. I am going to guess that the cost of living in Winona is less expensive than Red Wing.

[whatnow]

My husband and I were going to retire to Red Wing and I am so glad we didn't. They are having a lot of violent crime there. It is really ashame. On the surface it looks like a wonderful town but dig deeper and you'll find out for yourself. Good luck.