I Want to Get Off at Willoughby (moving, states, graduate)
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I am so close to retirement, and I have worked full time for the past 42 years. I find myself dreaming of retiring to a simpler place, not unlike Gart Williams in the Twilight Zone episode "Stop at Willoughby"
While I may not dream of Willoughby, Ohio, I dream of finding a quaint old-fashioned small town stuck in time where a person can live comfortably on social security alone. My searches have steered me toward northwest Arkansas or the Appalachian region of Tennessee, due to cost of living, taxes, number of small olf fashioned towns and an abundance of affordable older homes (pre-1950s)
Where do you dream of retiring to?
We must run parallel paths. My pre-retirement search led to northwest Arkansas and the southern Appalachian region roughly along the I-81 corridor. I eventually wound up in northeast TN (in one of those pre-1950 homes) where I will retire in another few years. Not quite Willoughby, but I've been happy with my decision.
Location: IN>Germany>ND>OH>TX>CA>Currently NoVa and a Vacation Lake House in PA
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My wife and are are fortunate enough that we've already bought our retirement home. It's lake front at a lake near where my wife grew up at. Rural, small town, peaceful and all the things I covet for retirement. We've already made amazing friends and look forward to our weekends at the lake where we escape the DC area.
I look forward to retirement more than ever after buying this home with this view:
My Willoughby is a small beachfront subdivision nestled away from tall buildings. A place were the water is clearer than the pool's and neighbors are respectful of other people's property and privacy.
I find myself dreaming of retiring to a simpler place, not unlike Gart Williams in the Twilight Zone episode "Stop at Willoughby"
We had a trip to Sweden last year to visit a new In-law. Her parents live in a small town in the southern part of the country. My first thought on arrival there was "I'm in Willoughby!" There was a small lake with a park next to it - flowers everywhere - small shops, restaurants, etc and spotlessly clean. We hit it at a perfect time of year for weather. I couldn't handle the cold weather during other times of the year, but it was idyllic on our visit.
I am so close to retirement, and I have worked full time for the past 42 years. I find myself dreaming of retiring to a simpler place, not unlike Gart Williams in the Twilight Zone episode "Stop at Willoughby"
While I may not dream of Willoughby, Ohio, I dream of finding a quaint old-fashioned small town stuck in time where a person can live comfortably on social security alone. My searches have steered me toward northwest Arkansas or the Appalachian region of Tennessee, due to cost of living, taxes, number of small olf fashioned towns and an abundance of affordable older homes (pre-1950s)
Where do you dream of retiring to?
42 years an SS alone? No 401K, or pension in the jobs you worked in? I figure you are probably my age and most of us in our late 50's have at least a 401 or 403K that we could contribute to for years. I have TSP that I have and a separate ROTH that I started in the 1990's. That will be in addition to my Annuity that I will get. I have 39 years now and expect to retire at 42 years myself.
I'm staying in TX - Possibly right where I am at as we are close to our oldest daughter and 2 grandkids with her. If not here, maybe New Braunfels - 4 hours from her - but close to my BFF and more amenities than here.
My wife and are are fortunate enough that we've already bought our retirement home. It's lake front at a lake near where my wife grew up at. Rural, small town, peaceful and all the things I covet for retirement. We've already made amazing friends and look forward to our weekends at the lake where we escape the DC area.
I look forward to retirement more than ever after buying this home with this view:
We hit it at a perfect time of year for weather. I couldn't handle the cold weather during other times of the year, but it was idyllic on our visit.
It's how I feel about Maine - it's perfect!
Then winter comes. And, I hate cold weather.
We moved to Virginia from NY. Lower costs, four seasons without a harsh winter. In NY, I dreaded dark and cold Thanksgivings because I knew winter was beginning with four months of darkness. Virginia's Thanksgiving has beautiful fall weather and bright sunshine.
The availability of entertainment, medical facilities, restaurants, and transportation made it tops for my retirement list. No need to drive; you can walk or take public transportation.
While some smaller cities have venues for concerts and shows, their venues do not equate to Carnegie Hall or the Metropolitan Opera House.
Unfortunately, family circumstances required that I leave NYC and live with a car in my driveway in the south.
Fortunately, bagels can be shipped, and pastrami is only a FedEx package away. Sigh.
The problem I see with rural living is the lack of medical care nearby. As you get older you will need more of it.
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