Retirement home on the Gulf Coast, Florida or Mississippi ? (grandparents, beach, weather)
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I read with interest the "Retire to Detroit" thread and while I wouldn't care for such a cold location, I like the idea of coastal living without the high cost we have here on Oahu. We lived in Biloxi for several years prior to Katrina and have visited the area post-Katrina. Home prices are incredibly low compared again to Hawaii.
We've also been to Florida a number of times and realize that is considered the better place to retire. Id be interested in hearing other people thoughts on these areas.
We're looking for warm weather, walkable beaches, reasonable housing. I've heard a number of complaints about the cost of insurance, but we're required to have hurricane insurance here already.
Here are some lovely places in Florida, Joliefille.
(I personally live in Southeast Florida, but I love the gulf coast side very much!)
This list has some very lovely beach cities, among other sweet Florida cities, all have pros and cons....but mostly pros.
I read with interest the "Retire to Detroit" thread and while I wouldn't care for such a cold location, I like the idea of coastal living without the high cost we have here on Oahu. We lived in Biloxi for several years prior to Katrina and have visited the area post-Katrina. Home prices are incredibly low compared again to Hawaii.
We've also been to Florida a number of times and realize that is considered the better place to retire. Id be interested in hearing other people thoughts on these areas.
We're looking for warm weather, walkable beaches, reasonable housing. I've heard a number of complaints about the cost of insurance, but we're required to have hurricane insurance here already.
Any other locations come to mind?
Its really like any insurance the cost is based oN the risk and value of insured property. In some areas flood is very high on coastal regions but people want to live near coastlines it seems. Hawaii is based oN limited land and the overall cost of living on a island needing total support from mainland at transport cost. But still a lot right on the beach front in best areas of Florida can be 1 million or more.
'Gulf Coast' = huge area to consider...
If one is coming from HI, I would think that the coast of MS, AL, the FL Panhandle and the northern FL Gulf Coast is not going to offer the 'warm weather' in winter season, that one is used to.
Tampa south, on the Gulf Coast, good 'winters season weather'; north and west of that will be chilly to cold for weeks/months in winter. May to October: all of those areas are very warm to hot, depending on one's definitions, acclimation, personal preferences, imo.
In addition to 'weather', one's lifestyle and other requirements are in the consideration mix, but only the OP can know those...
GL, mD
Having spent a considerable time in HI, IMO no place compares to the climate, culture and beaches. We live upstate NY and spend winters in the FL Keys. We have tried various places in FL, but in order to enjoy a warm winter, for us, the Keys is where we stay.
We have stayed in Gulf Shores, Destin, St. Augustine, etc. but the weather in those areas can be cold especially for someone used to HI. We leave FL April 1st, because the humidity and heat drive us back up north. FL can be extremely humid and oppressive in the summer which keeps many indoors in air conditioning. Should you choose to buy near the water, it is my understanding that the insurance is very high. Many people that live in the Keys and own their homes outright do not have insurance on their homes because of the high premiums.
Although I have never been there, people have talked about the beaches and area of Brownsville, Texas.
Having spent a considerable time in HI, IMO no place compares to the climate, culture and beaches. We live upstate NY and spend winters in the FL Keys. We have tried various places in FL, but in order to enjoy a warm winter, for us, the Keys is where we stay.
We have stayed in Gulf Shores, Destin, St. Augustine, etc. but the weather in those areas can be cold especially for someone used to HI. We leave FL April 1st, because the humidity and heat drive us back up north. FL can be extremely humid and oppressive in the summer which keeps many indoors in air conditioning. Should you choose to buy near the water, it is my understanding that the insurance is very high. Many people that live in the Keys and own their homes outright do not have insurance on their homes because of the high premiums.
Although I have never been there, people have talked about the beaches and area of Brownsville, Texas.
In my previous career I traveled S. Tex/Brownsville and I wouldn't like to retire there. My issue with Fl or Tx is the politics and rampant guns. Ms has some of rhe same issues, but from my previous experience much less in "in your face".Hi is perfect except for the prices and tourist.
In my previous career I traveled S. Tex/Brownsville and I wouldn't like to retire there. My issue with Fl or Tx is the politics and rampant guns. Ms has some of rhe same issues, but from my previous experience much less in "in your face".Hi is perfect except for the prices and tourist.
Agreed, HI is perfect. We had planned to retire there, actually owned a condo. Our problem was we had "island fever" after a couple of months and too far from family. I have to admit when we are in the Keys during the winter, the media is constantly reporting a large amount of crime. Maybe SC or NC ?
I haven't been there but I've always been intrigued by Fairhope, Alabama.
My grandparents retired to Fairhope and loved the town. It did snow there one winter...
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