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

[plantlover]

Here is someone's description of what they like about Alabama:

As a transplant who has lived all over the country, here's my list:

1) It's just an easy state to live in. The people are incredibly nice and polite. Let me tell you, that really counts for something.

2) It's a beautiful state. No, it's not majestic or imposing like Colorado or the West Coast. But it has a gentle and delicate beauty to it. And, during Spring, it has to be the most gorgeous place on earth.

3) Alabamians know how to have fun. There seem to be fewer neuroses here than any place I've been. There's always something to do here (Croye, are you listening?) if you simply get up off your butt and find it.

4) The government sucks up far less of your income than other places.

5) The sheer virtuosity of language among its inhabitants. Southerners are incredible story tellers, and seem to possess deep insight into people. The language of Alabamians is instinctively literary. I have been privileged to sit at tables and listen to Alabamians swap stories about friends, relatives, and events in their lives. There have been times when I have been tempted to pull out a tape recorder and transpose.

6) The cities, while big enough to have all the amenities you need, are still on a human scale. The only thing I really miss is a major league baseball team.

7) A sense of reverence seems to permeate the place. I'm not necessarily speaking in theological terms, but rather in the individual's relationship with others, with the landscape, and with society as a whole. It's very hard to put one's finger on it, but it's there nonetheless.

[newenglandgirl]

Originally Posted by Wisteria

Just a quick post because I know some of you are curious about the mobile home across from the pool I am working on getting (need to get the cash for my home, the loan for this one, and get it all approved).....

We are rooting for you!!! When is the closing date? The photos of you new little place show a good person had it before you. I love the living room. I hadn't thought about it, but yours is so nice maybe I'll look into it. What kind of heat and property taxes are involved in mobile homes? What does your monthly fee (association fee?) cover? I think that the ease of cleaning and the security of living close to others is going to be wonderful in the golden years. And with the beach so close, you'll never have to travel anywhere to get away! (but....where are we all going to sleep when we come for our 2-week visits??)

Blessings,
NewEnglGirl

[newenglandgirl]

Plantlover,

Is this your list or someone elses? Are you considering Alabama?

The photos are breathtaking. I wonder about racial tensions, do they still exist there? And the summer weather of course....
It is amazing how beautiful our country is (away from the cities).

NewEnglGirl

Originally Posted by plantlover

Here is someone's description of what they like about Alabama:

As a transplant who has lived all over the country, here's my list:

1) It's just an easy state to live in. The people are incredibly nice and polite. Let me tell you, that really counts for something.

2) It's a beautiful state. No, it's not majestic or imposing like Colorado or the West Coast. But it has a gentle and delicate beauty to it. And, during Spring, it has to be the most gorgeous place on earth.

3) Alabamians know how to have fun. There seem to be fewer neuroses here than any place I've been. There's always something to do here (Croye, are you listening?) if you simply get up off your butt and find it.

4) The government sucks up far less of your income than other places.

5) The sheer virtuosity of language among its inhabitants. Southerners are incredible story tellers, and seem to possess deep insight into people. The language of Alabamians is instinctively literary. I have been privileged to sit at tables and listen to Alabamians swap stories about friends, relatives, and events in their lives. There have been times when I have been tempted to pull out a tape recorder and transpose.

6) The cities, while big enough to have all the amenities you need, are still on a human scale. The only thing I really miss is a major league baseball team.

7) A sense of reverence seems to permeate the place. I'm not necessarily speaking in theological terms, but rather in the individual's relationship with others, with the landscape, and with society as a whole. It's very hard to put one's finger on it, but it's there nonetheless.

[newenglandgirl]

When you rep someone, how do you attach a comment to it? Can't figure it out...

[plantlover]

It was a post on c-d in the Alabama section: What do you like most about living in Alabama. The author of the post is: cpg35223. I am totally "up in the air" as far as where I want to eventually settle. Although California is beautiful and so varied in terrain, etc. There might be just too many people there for me. I am so happy for Wisteria!

[plantlover]

Originally Posted by newenglandgirl

When you rep someone, how do you attach a comment to it? Can't figure it out...

Usually when you click on the add reputation icon, it opens up a field into which you can make a comment.

[Tesaje]

Quote:
Originally Posted by newenglandgirl
When you rep someone, how do you attach a comment to it? Can't figure it out...

Usually when you click on the add reputation icon, it opens up a field into which you can make a comment.

She means the scales icon in the upper right corner of each post. If you use the "[+] Rate this post positively" link at the bottom, you can't add a comment.

AL has the beautiful antebellum architecture and lush greenery that make the south picturesque in pictures and the winter, but summers! No thanks. MD is too humid for me (except this summer) so farther south would be worse. I'm sure the growing season is long down there but bugs would be an issue. It would only get the cold during those really cold snaps that risk freezing FL too. Lots of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes down there. As far as racial tensions, anywhere in the south will have its pockets of people still fighting the Civil War. As far as things like that go, look at their elected representatives - that will give you a clue as to how the general political ambiance is. But like anwhere, I'm sure there are other people of differing views too.

[knoxgarden]

I seriously considered moving to Birmingham at one time. I lived and worked on the Georgia/Alabama border and greatly prefered Alabama to Georgia and was able to explore.
But Birmingham gets too hot in the summer for me. Way too hot. And humid. Really humid. Lovely city, though, surrounded by some nice country and beautiful lakes. Working very hard to overcome its past history with segregation.
The Huntsville area is a little cooler and also pretty, with lakes and the end of the Appalachians to give it some nice rolling hills. Also check out Gadsden. Pretty place.

[newenglandgirl]

Originally Posted by plantlover

Usually when you click on the add reputation icon, it opens up a field into which you can make a comment.

Oh! I was clicking on "rate this post positively." I didn't know about the scales icon, thanks and also to Tesaje.

What is the red triangle icon (to the right of the scales) and the other one, to the left?

I'm late as always in figuring things out!

[lenora]

The Huntsville area might be about as far south as I could go. According to city-data, the citizens are highly educated, there are hills, and the cost of living is WAY lower than where I currently live. Crime statistics look fairly good. Climate? That's the big question. I also hate heat and humidity but can't tolerate the cold either. My dream location would probably be somewhere in the Shenandoah Valley, but I don't think that's practical (for me) anymore. Whether I'm on a mountain overlooking a valley, or in a valley gazing out at the mountains, I am at peace. <sigh> If only I could find the right spot with the right people!