Women retiring alone to a new city/state -- where will you go and why? (years, married)

[nancy thereader]

Nancy the reader - have you spent a lot of time in "desert" communities? It's about as un-LI-like as you can get. I moved from wet and green and gray and silver to the high desert, but central-eastern-southern Oregon was always one of my favorite places, both for vacationing and doing geological field work, so I knew what it was like, and pretty much in all seasons

PNW : No & thanks for asking. I have never even been to a desert community. I will certainly take the time after I retire this June to scout places out. I will not just move willynilly (is there still such a word?) to the first place that comes into my mind. That's why I want to investigate all of my options.

[Wisteria]

Nancy the reader - have you spent a lot of time in "desert" communities? It's about as un-LI-like as you can get. I moved from wet and green and gray and silver to the high desert, but central-eastern-southern Oregon was always one of my favorite places, both for vacationing and doing geological field work, so I knew what it was like, and pretty much in all seasons

PNW : No & thanks for asking. I have never even been to a desert community. I will certainly take the time after I retire this June to scout places out. I will not just move willynilly (is there still such a word?) to the first place that comes into my mind. That's why I want to investigate all of my options.

Let me just add my two cents (sense? hopefully, common…). When I first moved from the northeast (Western New York) to Phoenix, I was mortified! I had never lived in the desert before, and had no clue what it was like. It took me quite a while to adjust to the lack of trees. I had a job there, and moved without knowing anything about it. I went from the snowiest, coldest, one of the most grey cities in the country to one of the driest, sunny, low humidity and low foliage places – I felt like I was dropped on a foreign planet! When I first saw Squaw Peak (a mountain in Phoenix, that I think they recently renamed), I actually thought it was a gravel pit! I kid you not. I couldn't figure out why there was a gravel pit in the middle of town! Then….I discovered it was a "bare" mountain. I had a lot to learn. But….the good news is, I fell in love with the desert, the wide open spaces, beautiful sunshine, the gorgeous rock formations, the stars that go on forever and ever, and the peace.

I suggest going to the library and looking at all the back periodicals of "Arizona Highways." Those will give you a good overview of the wonderful sights that abound in the desert. Now, I can't imagine living back east in the cold, damp, snowy, grey climate (or back in the Seattle area). Even where I am (the Santa Cruz Mountains in the redwood forest of Felton/Lompico) there are semi-arrid areas and I get to see those cute lizards skittering about when I take walks.

So, be prepared – it is different. Some people immediately fall in love with the desert and the rocks and open space, others, like me, take time. It also took me time to get used to the slower pace of the west. When I'd first go into a store, I'd expect the clerks to just toss all my things into a bag and that'd be it – instead, they insisted on "chatting." It drove me nuts in the beginning. Now, I find myself doing the chatting, as well. Living in a slower-paced area, with good weather makes a big difference.

As most people advise on this board – when going to a new place, one must adjust to the culture there, instead of trying to push the culture we came from onto them – it's wise advice.

So, check out "Arizona Highways" and, if they have it, the "New Mexico" magazine. They will give you a good overview of the nooks and crannies of those two states, in particular.

This is one thing I love about women – they are so open and willing to share information! Kudos to you all!!

[plantlover]

I visited the Grand Junction, CO area a few years ago. I really enjoyed the Colorado National Monument area, very dry, neat rock formations, etc. So different from green, wet Florida!

[Wisteria]

Plantlover: I visited the Grand Junction, CO area a few years ago. I really enjoyed the Colorado National Monument area, very dry, neat rock formations, etc. So different from green, wet Florida!

I went there this past summer, and here's one photo to share to see the difference that you mentioned. (I'm sorry, I didn't know how to reduce it here....) This is the Colorado National Monument in Grand Junction -- very typical of the southwest! It is beautiful!

[IMG][/IMG]

[anomoly]

PNW : No & thanks for asking. I have never even been to a desert community.

[anomoly]

"When I first saw Squaw Peak (a mountain in Phoenix, that I think they recently renamed), I actually thought it was a gravel pit! I kid you not. I couldn't figure out why there was a gravel pit in the middle of town! Then….I discovered it was a "bare" mountain. I had a lot to learn."

[Bette]

Also - a healing section!

[Wisteria]

Love your graphics, Anomoly!

[rmebrt]

Hello all,

What a marvelous thread; you sound like a fabulous group of of women! I'd begun to think I was the only one in my early '50s pondering this topic and trying to figure out how decide where to live and make new connections with people in the same "phase." We seem to think alike and I've had a couple of good chuckles, particularly about Squaw Peak...I too thought I'd landed on another planet when I moved to Phoenix...and that the areas around national labs would be progressive areas with an educated populace and much to do (boy, I SURE never thought anyone else thought that!). I've mainly considered North Carolina (Chapel Hill in particular due to its access to mountains, ocean and urban areas) but Knoxville certainly now sounds appealing. I find that I too may have become a southwesterner by accident though, and I'm opening my horizons. Thanks for the great posts and count me in on the caravan!

[rmebrt]

OH - in all my excitement I forgot to ask my question(s)! Does anyone know anything of Ocean Springs, MS, Fairhope, AL, or the FL peninsula area? These are areas I've considered and it's nice to now be able to share information with other single women who will be retiring alone (except for the pets!)...hm, maybe we're not so alone after all!