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livecontinent. West Texas actually has a pretty nice climate. Its sunny most of the time. The elevation tends moderate the temp in summer, so 95 is pretty typical summer day. Winter we get a few snows, but the snow usually melts in a few days. The golf courses stay open all year. However, the wind oftentimes makes what could have been a nice day, especially in the spring a day to stay inside. 20-25 MPH winds most of the day are very typical in winter and spring. Also, some years are very dry. This year was the worst ever by a long shot. We've only had 3" of rain this year. Golf courses are pretty dried up. This has kicked up the dust and we've had quite a few windy dusty days. Plus, because its a desert, if you're into lakes fishing, etc, there are just a few small lakes. You're right, San Angelo is pretty nice. It has some lakes, but they too are getting pretty small.
livecontinent. West Texas actually has a pretty nice climate. Its sunny most of the time. The elevation tends moderate the temp in summer, so 95 is pretty typical summer day. Winter we get a few snows, but the snow usually melts in a few days. The golf courses stay open all year. However, the wind oftentimes makes what could have been a nice day, especially in the spring a day to stay inside. 20-25 MPH winds most of the day are very typical in winter and spring. Also, some years are very dry. This year was the worst ever by a long shot. We've only had 3" of rain this year. Golf courses are pretty dried up. This has kicked up the dust and we've had quite a few windy dusty days. Plus, because its a desert, if you're into lakes fishing, etc, there are just a few small lakes. You're right, San Angelo is pretty nice. It has some lakes, but they too are getting pretty small.
I'm still looking at Virginia to retire and found out via a search yesterday that Highland County is the least populated in the state. I knew Craig County had a low population, but Highland is less by about one half and has more land area.
I just don't know how many more Texas summers I can stand. Of course, I want to get away from the wicked severe storms too and even though VA has them, I don't think they're as bad as they are here.
Idaho is my second choice, but not where it's flat and barren. Therefore, I'd have to really like a lot of snow and I'm not sure about that either. I like snow and we do get it in central Texas, but it's gone before we know it. Being raised in southern CA, I just don't know how I'd fare in a real snowy state. Actually, I can't imagine it being any worse than being stuck in the house due to the killer heat. The difference, of course, would be the traveling pain on the treacherous roads.
Time will tell what to do, what to do.
Not sure what VA offers that the mountain area particularly of NC or TN does not offer at least as good with a lower COL, less oppressive taxes, bit less snow...
Now, Idaho - now you are talking. Beautiful country with excellent outdoor recreation of all sorts. Around Idaho Falls, for example, it does get COLD in winter, but in it's own way it's easier to deal with - the IF winter arrives with a bang, if you are retired and don't have to get out every day, not that big a problem. And the snow comes and stays, at 20F and lower you don't really get any slush or ice forming, you can put on 4 proper snow tires and if you use your head, particularly with an AWD car like a Subie, no problemo.
Actually, I began checking out many states, WV, KY, VA, NC, TN, WY, MT, ID, UT, CO, NM and a little on OR, WA, and the cheaper areas of CA. I've narrowed it down to VA and ID. One reason I decided against NC is because it seems to be getting way too populated. It was my first choice for a while. I also thought the COL in NC was higher than VA. I don't know about TN.
I will be retired if and when I move so snow and getting out in it shouldn't be a problem. I just wish I'd make up my mind one way or another, either stay in TX or move for sure. I guess I'll be in limbo for a few more years.
Of course, I can't visit each state in which I've been interested and therefore, I've relied a lot on this forum and web information on crime, COL, health, climate, real estate, et al.
To be honest, I actually thought about the Alpine, TX area at one time because it's not quite as hot there, supposedly. Hot is hot. It's not as humid, I know that, but this past summer wasn't really humid in central Texas. With 90 days of triple digits and a severe drought, it didn't have a chance to be humid. All summers here bite, but 2011 made me actually cry. Well, many summers make me cry because it is so dang miserable. I hate them. I took a trip to Alpine and there is not way in heck I'd live there. It's definatley not a place for me no matter how hard I tried to convince myself otherwise. Once I got back to central Texas, I realized it was so much better than that area. I have no desire to ever head out that way again no matter what the weather.
Last edited by Canine*Castle; 10-22-2011 at 05:58 PM..
livecontinent. West Texas actually has a pretty nice climate. Its sunny most of the time. The elevation tends moderate the temp in summer, so 95 is pretty typical summer day. Winter we get a few snows, but the snow usually melts in a few days. The golf courses stay open all year. However, the wind oftentimes makes what could have been a nice day, especially in the spring a day to stay inside. 20-25 MPH winds most of the day are very typical in winter and spring. Also, some years are very dry. This year was the worst ever by a long shot. We've only had 3" of rain this year. Golf courses are pretty dried up. This has kicked up the dust and we've had quite a few windy dusty days. Plus, because its a desert, if you're into lakes fishing, etc, there are just a few small lakes. You're right, San Angelo is pretty nice. It has some lakes, but they too are getting pretty small.
Thanks for the comments. I really would like to go back and visit that city. I was only there a few months doing military training. I can remember going to Lake Nasworthy. It was the first time, I was actually in a desert environment. I remember getting off the plane and assaulted by a strange odor that was new. I found out it was from sheep, which were herding nearby. At that time, there were also in a midst of a drought.
It has some advantages to me as a young soldier. It was a dry county and the girls would come on the base to wait outside the clubs which served alcohol, to be invited in as a guest.
What I meant by a nice warmer climate is that is was ideal, not too hot and some cooler nights, due to the elevation. That is why I like higher elevation arid areas, like Albuquerque and Las Cruces vs. low elevations like Phoenix. I think West Texas is another option for people thinking of moving to the Southwest and tend to think only of New Mexico and Arizona.
In addition, you have the advantage of being in Texas--if you know what i mean, then there is no explanation needed; if you do not, then I could never explain the pride of of living in Texas. Being a New Yawker that was one experience that was a pleasure.
Actually, I began checking out many states, WV, KY, VA, NC, TN, WY, MT, ID, UT, CO, NM and a little on OR, WA, and the cheaper areas of CA. I've narrowed it down to VA and ID. One reason I decided against NC is because it seems to be getting way too populated. It was my first choice for a while. I also thought the COL in NC was higher than VA. I don't know about TN.
I will be retired if and when I move so snow and getting out in it shouldn't be a problem. I just wish I'd make up my mind one way or another, either stay in TX or move for sure. I guess I'll be in limbo for a few more years.
Of course, I can't visit each state in which I've been interested and therefore, I've relied a lot on this forum and web information on crime, COL, health, climate, real estate, et al.
To be honest, I actually thought about the Alpine, TX area at one time because it's not quite as hot there, supposedly. Hot is hot. It's not as humid, I know that, but this past summer wasn't really humid in central Texas. With 90 days of triple digits and a severe drought, it didn't have a chance to be humid. All summers here bite, but 2011 made me actually cry. Well, many summers make me cry because it is so dang miserable. I hate them. I took a trip to Alpine and there is not way in heck I'd live there. It's definatley not a place for me no matter how hard I tried to convince myself otherwise. Once I got back to central Texas, I realized it was so much better than that area. I have no desire to ever head out that way again no matter what the weather.
What exactly are you looking for? Maybe we can help.
What does Virginia have in common with Idaho???
Where in Highland Cty, Virginia? not much there (?)
Let's face it - most of the country east of the Mississippi River is uncomfortably hot in the summer. And there are also plenty of areas west of the Mississippi that are uncomfortably hot. Most of the state of Louisiana is west of the Mississippi, and all of the state of Texas. East Texas is hot and humid and west Texas is hot and dry. Southern Arizona is horribly hot in the summer. It's hard to get away from.
I can stand the uncomfortable heat more than the bitter cold and snow and ice. I grew up near Miami so I know all about the heat and humidity. Yes it is uncomfortable and I love a clear brisk autumn day like today and wearing jackets and sweaters ... but freezing cold and snowy weather I abhor. I don't like driving on icy roads, and as an older adult nearing retirement I have a fear of slipping on the ice.
I can stand the uncomfortable heat more than the bitter cold and snow and ice. I grew up near Miami so I know all about the heat and humidity. Yes it is uncomfortable and I love a clear brisk autumn day like today and wearing jackets and sweaters ... but freezing cold and snowy weather I abhor. I don't like driving on icy roads, and as an older adult nearing retirement I have a fear of slipping on the ice.
Simple solution: Keep your larder well-stocked and don't go out. In retirement you shouldn't have to.
Caveat: Not workable if you end up somewhere that the snow and ice persist for months. So don't!
Simple solution: Keep your larder well-stocked and don't go out. In retirement you shouldn't have to.
Not so simple.
The question isn't about the snow days when just about everyone will stay in.
It's about the reasons to live *in* an actual city: Being out in that city and doing things.
The early morning meet so and so for coffee and croissant...
the mid day lunch out and museum visit...
the evening out for dinner and a show with a friend...
And occasionally... all three in the same day.
In order to have these sorts of rather common and rewarding experiences... you have to be
willing to leave the house in the morning before the sun has warmed and melted the overnight frost and ice,
and be out on the street in the late afternoon when new ice often begins to form,
and certainly by the time that the later evening out is winding down and you're walking home.
Rewards come with risks.
hth
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or move for sure. I guess I'll be in limbo for a few more years.
