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I have lived abroad in several countries over the last 10 years or so. I have varied job skills.
I had lived in Boston for the previous 10 years before heading out of country. Have also lived in DC, New York, San Diego. Grew up in Maine.
I am well aware of all the "best cities" lists and so forth. I often find them--not so accurate!
I am done with the metropolis-like places. They are soul-crushing and it is astonishing to me the level of anger that has popped up in many of these hotspots. Particularly in the last couple of decades.
Looking for smaller metro areas or cities that sometimes you just stumble onto and you find that the majority of people are reasonable, driving isn't a deathsport and there are things going on.
To narrow it down. All of New England is out. NY, PA, NJ, etc---no more! Most of Midwest--probably not. Don't need that weather. Like the Western States but a bit concerned about being isolated. States of interest for me are TN, KY, LA, GA.
An airport with decent connections, vibrant music scene and reasonable people are at the top of my wishlist.
Some places I have found to my liking over the years include Huntsville AL, Appleton WI, Burlington VT, Portland ME, Helena, MT. New Orleans, Austin, and Nashville seem like they're on the way to becoming what I want to avoid. Was in Austin a couple years ago and I thought---"man, I wish I had been here 20 years ago!"
I am leaving a job but I expect to work for a while more. Thought the "retirement" thread might be good as I'm sure that plenty have been doing their research...(Now please share it with me.....!)
Sounds like New Orleans would work. I do hear from a friend down there who has been there for many years that it is getting "hipsterized" and real estate is getting gentrified, but plenty of music and authenticity still. No winter, that's for sure.
I also ask, what is "reasonable and balanced?" Is hipsterization unacceptable? I wouldn't know. I'm a hardcore New Englander (transplanted from the wilds of south Jersey, which I can't stand).
Recently we purchased a vacation home in middle Tennessee. It's not far from Jackson, but well out of the way of Memphis and Nashville. It's rural, quiet, and the neighbors are friendly and helpful. We chose this area because my wife has family in the stste, and in nearby NC. While our particular spot is rural, there are many small towns in central TN where you can buy a home for a reasonable price, kick back and relax, visit Nashville if you like country music, and just watch the world go by. I would stay away from eastern TN, but who knows? Lots of small towns there also, that you might like!
Some of the places we have looked at might fit the bill including Chico, Paradise, Auburn, Grass Valley and Placerville in CA, Reno/Carson City/Minden/Gardenerville, NV and Prescott, AZ. Some people like Santa Fe, NM too.
Louisville and Savannah seem to have that "hip" vibe that you like in other cities. But things could change by the time you retire. Also can you take the heat in GA and LA coming from a much cooler climate? Lafayette, LA is a nice college town with lots of Cajun food and music festivals but much smaller than New Orleans or Baton Rouge.
To narrow it down. All of New England is out. NY, PA, NJ, etc---no more! Most of Midwest--probably not. Don't need that weather. Like the Western States but a bit concerned about being isolated. States of interest for me are TN, KY, LA, GA.
An airport with decent connections, vibrant music scene and reasonable people are at the top of my wishlist.
Some places I have found to my liking over the years include Huntsville AL, Appleton WI, Burlington VT, Portland ME, Helena, MT. New Orleans, Austin, and Nashville seem like they're on the way to becoming what I want to avoid. Was in Austin a couple years ago and I thought---"man, I wish I had been here 20 years ago!"
Break out a map. Burlington, VT and Portland, ME are in New England.
If you're wavering, I'd suggest Portland. Close enough to Boston should you ever want to drop in.
Richmond, VA is about like where Austin was 20 years ago. I've been in both 20 -25 years ago and today. Austin took off while Richmond plodded forward, comparatively. Richmond is less expensive too. Music and restaurants scene is better in Austin by far, but east coast cities are close.
Last edited by Perryinva; 05-20-2015 at 02:34 PM..
I think Portland, OR, is a place where people go who wish to be perceived of as weird. New Orleans is a place for genuinely odd people who can't help it.
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majority of people are reasonable
