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Unlike most Baby Boomers the late stage group (late 50s/mid 60s) doesn't typically fall into the upper stratosphere of wealth management typically attached to Boomers, nor the early stage Generation X (mid 60s-early 70s) who largely preceded in education the tech explosion that made so many wealthy via tech jobs. That population gap doesn't have the desire for a Sunbelt retirement of leisure playing golf, sunning and social activities in 55+ communities like past generations nor the affinity that will most likely push later retirees into more urban (and expensive) big city locations. The ability to continue to work at least part-time in jobs that pay a decent wage with some form of availability will be key for this mid-group along with quality healthcare options (university and/or research hospitals with flexible rates/billing unless health care changes), rental and home values below the national average, somewhat decent public transit (doesn't have to be commuter/light rail, buses are fine if consistent) and a climate lacking in full extremes of six months plus of either heat/cold, preferably with four mild to moderate seasons also lacking in higher natural disaster potential (hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, earthquakes, wildfires, mudslides) and lastly cities with some kind of walkability with sidewalks plus access to services like a grocery store minus having to drive. There are a lot of cities like this in the US believe it or not if one has done any kind of research, just looking for some of the favorites from those that have already for comparison sake, as well as to share for those beginning the process.
I am 54 and I like Las Vegas and/or Phoenix. I currently reside in California but I need a lower COL since I don't have a lot of accumulated wealth, and I also want a metro area with enough entertainment options to keep things fun and interesting. Golf and 55+ communities are not for me, I wouldn't even fit in since I am single and never married and no grandkids or anything of that sort. My plan is to semi-retire, continue working doing consulting or maybe even start a startup, and see where things go.
Unlike most Baby Boomers the late stage group (late 50s/mid 60s) doesn't typically fall into the upper stratosphere of wealth management typically attached to Boomers, nor the early stage Generation X (mid 60s-early 70s) who largely preceded in education the tech explosion that made so many wealthy via tech jobs. That population gap doesn't have the desire for a Sunbelt retirement of leisure playing golf, sunning and social activities in 55+ communities like past generations nor the affinity that will most likely push later retirees into more urban (and expensive) big city locations. The ability to continue to work at least part-time in jobs that pay a decent wage with some form of availability will be key for this mid-group along with quality healthcare options (university and/or research hospitals with flexible rates/billing unless health care changes), rental and home values below the national average, somewhat decent public transit (doesn't have to be commuter/light rail, buses are fine if consistent) and a climate lacking in full extremes of six months plus of either heat/cold, preferably with four mild to moderate seasons also lacking in higher natural disaster potential (hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, earthquakes, wildfires, mudslides) and lastly cities with some kind of walkability with sidewalks plus access to services like a grocery store minus having to drive. There are a lot of cities like this in the US believe it or not if one has done any kind of research, just looking for some of the favorites from those that have already for comparison sake, as well as to share for those beginning the process.
Please share some of these places with the rest of us. Of course affordability is highly relative. I can't think of a single place that meets all of your criteria. Phoenix and Vegas are out due to extreme heat for half the year which doesn't fit your requirements nor do they have home values below the national average. I'm curious now.
There are a lot of cities like this in the US believe it or not if one has done any kind of research, just looking for some of the favorites from those that have already for comparison sake, as well as to share for those beginning the process.
Not many places fit the criteria, especially walkability.
I live in northeast TN. Johnson City, TN fits a lot of these criteria, minus walkable grocery stores.
Most people can probably find a $12-$15/hr temp job here. Plenty are available. Sidewalks are available in many neighborhoods, especially in the more urban parts of the city. There is very little in the way of extreme weather - we had one significant snow this winter, and a few more dustings. At about 1700', the worst of the heat and humidity gets somewhat mitigated. The city is the HQ of the regional health system and has a level 1 trauma center. Additionally, a relatively large university and a rejuvenated downtown provide a level of cultural amenities rarely seen in a small city isolated from major metros.
Ashville doesn't meet the home cost criteria. According to Zillow, homes in Ashville average a listing price of $339,000. Minimum wage in N. Carolina is only $7.25 per hour so I don't think too many people are going to find a part time job paying a decent wage but I suppose it's possible for a few people.
Asheville is far too expensive. There are a lot of jobs available, but they pay like crap. For a better wage/COL ratio, the NC Triad is definitely worth a look.
Asheville is far too expensive. There are a lot of jobs available, but they pay like crap. For a better wage/COL ratio, the NC Triad is definitely worth a look.
What is the NC Triad for those of us not familiar with the area?
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