Austin or Denver or Seattle for me? (Tacoma, Olympia: renting, how much)

[fnh]

We never rent out our place. It is a true second home for us and we go back and forth throughout the year. In addition to the summer, the kids' school has a week-long break every six weeks. Both of our homes are considerably more modest than what we can afford singly, but we don't give a flip about fancy homes or zip codes. Thus, it's more affordable than you might think.

From a romance standpoint, I also vote Austin over Seattle. I lived in Austin for almost a decade (and a UT grad) and people are more socially relaxed and open. Probably because of the weather. (Although, I met my own husband in Seattle while at UW.)

I really don't know enough about Denver to include it in the comparison.

[WesternSkyliner]

Gardyloo:

Austin Pros: is cost of living, more social, winter/fall/spring climate, proximity to family (all within a day's drive), can retire.

Austin Cons: rest of Texas, summer.

Seattle Pros: summer climate, scenery, outdoor activities of my type (hiking, cycling, nature)

Seattle Cons: cost of living, winter climate, less openly social, distance from family, have to work.

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by WesternSkyliner

Gardyloo:

Austin Pros: is cost of living, more social, winter/fall/spring climate, proximity to family (all within a day's drive), can retire.

Austin Cons: rest of Texas, summer.

Seattle Pros: summer climate, scenery, outdoor activities of my type (hiking, cycling, nature)

Seattle Cons: cost of living, winter climate, less openly social, distance from family, have to work.

What do you think of the suggestions to live over on the Kitsap Peninsula, a ferry-ride away from Seattle, where there's a military community and significantly lower rents/RE prices? How important is retirement to you? What about taking that course, and using the opportunity as a chance to dip your toe in the water and try the region on for size, while maintaining your TX residence? You could check out not only the city, but some of the outlying areas if you stay an extra couple of days after each weekend class stint.

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by WesternSkyliner

Let's mix this up a bit. What about romantic considerations?. Anyone care to venture which of the three places under consideration (Seattle, Denver, Austin) would be better for a newly single, straight, early 50s guy?

Austin, probably, unless you settle in Port Townsend (Olympic Peninsula), which has a large retirement/50+ community. Nearby Sequim has a lot of that, too. Though there are retirees moving into Bremerton and nearby, too.

[WesternSkyliner]

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

Austin, probably, unless you settle in Port Townsend (Olympic Peninsula), which has a large retirement/50+ community. Nearby Sequim has a lot of that, too. Though there are retirees moving into Bremerton and nearby, too.

Could I ask you to elaborate on why Austin for romantic prospects?

[quintanion]

I don't know how long it's been since you were in Austin, but be aware that housing is rapidly getting more expensive there. There are still some areas where you can get an older single family home for <$200,000, but you'll be far away from Austin's attractions and the high property taxes will be a factor if prices continue to increase

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by WesternSkyliner

Could I ask you to elaborate on why Austin for romantic prospects?

I'm not an expert. But I thought you said it was more social, and I imagine people are friendly/neighborly, as I've heard that's how people are in TX and the south. The NW is VERY DIFFERENT in this regard! Some people move to Seattle or elsewhere around Puget Sound, and hate it. They struggle to make friends, struggle to get to know their neighbors, some give up. Others do ok. In your case, if you were to settle around Bremerton or the other communities I mentioned, where there are a lot of people your age and up (Bellingham is another one), you could do ok. Or if you're naturally outgoing, that would help.

But re: Austin, and around TX in general, it all comes easier, I gather. People are very reserved in the NW, except some of the communities that attract retirees are a bit better in that regard.

[StealthRabbit]

We all know WA is not the place for romance and relationships. But remotely possible. The good ones show up when you are not looking. For finding a USA keeper... You need to take a trip to WY, SD, ND. Capable, low maint, low expectations (very few gold-diggers, just whole-hearted and knowledgable farm chicks.

I have lived 28 yrs in CO and 30+ in WA and spent parts of last 30 winters in my hill country home.

I would choose none of the above, but since you have a son / student. Do something very fun, valuable, and adventurous for him. Chances are good you won't be seeing much of him in a couple yrs. unlikely that priority would include you working in the near term. There is plenty of time to go back to work. (And date) (If you must do either, not a great idea while he is home). By all means adventure seek. It can be very cheap. Our current one year Round-the-World is time well spent (terminal spouse), and not very expensive. We have only had to do 2 hotels in 8 months. Mostly $10 or likely free guest homes. (Not Air B&B, did 8 of those, they were terrible)

NZ and The Netherlands have been favorites. You can buy a used camper van in NZ for $3000 and camp many terrific beaches and mtns for free. We cook our own meals and eat very cheap. (Grocery store produce culls, often free in early morning). Consumers are not keen on bruised produce. I'm a produce grower, so I have been eating my culls for 50 yrs.

Your son can get a student / work visa for AU and NZ and stay 2 yrs longer!

I wouldn't pass up a couple yrs with my son for all the babes in USA. They will be there later. (And more!)
A move to a busy and new area..... Even worse.

Retire early, retire often.!

[Ruth4Truth]

I've found Colorado to be very friendly. Even more so than California. But the OP doesn't care for the weather. Frankly, I'd be tempted to move to CO, if I could find a job there, because of how friendly people are. But IDK, maybe that's just me.

[StealthRabbit]

Colorado is very friendly, espacially outside of metro Denver.

But.... There is a lot of strife in Colorado (political, growth pains, youth gun violence)

There is a lot of pressure on recreation, and the scenery, peace and quiet people that people move to Colorado to find (over populated, short on resources, funding).

OP will have plenty of TX friends in CO. They have been coming to CO for decades.

Most military friendly spot in CO is Colo Springs, but.... not enough ladies to go around for the OP.