so what is the low down (Memphis, Knoxville: to rent, loft, house)

[gomarciago]

on humidity. Looking for a place to retire in a couple of years. We will be coming from southern California. For retirement we need a lower cost of living but the most important concern for us is the climate. I know me and I know that I am absolutely miserable in humid weather. Tennessee looks so beautiful, so different from anything we have here. Is there any one area that has lower humidity than others. I'm willing to make an effort to adjust but maybe we will need to rent first to see if I can handle it or not. I feel like such a woosh (sp?) writing this. Also, not too hot or too cold. Since we won't be working (driving in snow) some snow souldn't be a problem as long as it melts before we run out of groceries and have to dig out to replenish. I like to volunteer at museums, small, large, house museums- I love them all. Need a good used book store or libraries and my husband would like a place to play poker- not essential but good to have. We like to take occasional classes thru area colleges and to volunteer usher at area theatres. I also need good medical care nearby. Employment, schools are not an issue for us. I think I might like to try living downtown, in a loft or something of that nature, where we could walk to area restaurants or attractions.

[alleycat]

The humidity is somewhat less in the higher elevations of East Tennessee, but you can't escape it completely in Tennessee in July and August.

I wonder if someplace like Colorado Springs might suit you better (even though it does get a bit cold there). Maybe Santa Fe?

[gomarciago]

Would love Santa Fe but it is expensive.

[alleycat]

We've even become a little soft here in the south. Almost everyone uses air conditioning nowadays in the summer--in their homes, their cars, their offices.

[jabogitlu]

I can't live without air conditioning!

The best place for you to live Tennessee-wise is as far northeast as you can go. Unfortunately that's Mountain City, not exactly an urban metropolis. Memphis and Chattanooga are probably the most humid, with Nashville next, then Knoxville.

But, yes, it can get very humid here for a couple months. Just depends on the year; last year wasn't too bad IMO, but the year before was awful.

[jguillot]

Humidity is far worse along the gulf coast states than it is in Tennessee.

[leonard]

Originally Posted by gomarciago

on humidity. Looking for a place to retire in a couple of years. We will be coming from southern California. For retirement we need a lower cost of living but the most important concern for us is the climate. I know me and I know that I am absolutely miserable in humid weather. Tennessee looks so beautiful, so different from anything we have here. Is there any one area that has lower humidity than others. I'm willing to make an effort to adjust but maybe we will need to rent first to see if I can handle it or not. I feel like such a woosh (sp?) writing this. Also, not too hot or too cold. Since we won't be working (driving in snow) some snow souldn't be a problem as long as it melts before we run out of groceries and have to dig out to replenish. I like to volunteer at museums, small, large, house museums- I love them all. Need a good used book store or libraries and my husband would like a place to play poker- not essential but good to have. We like to take occasional classes thru area colleges and to volunteer usher at area theatres. I also need good medical care nearby. Employment, schools are not an issue for us. I think I might like to try living downtown, in a loft or something of that nature, where we could walk to area restaurants or attractions.

You will need to visit during the summer when the humidity is highest. I would think late summer. I have lived in NC on an island where the humidity was really high. I didn't like ti, but I suspect TN will not be anywhere near as bad. Living in So Cal like you I worry a bit, but I think that with A/.C and developing a bit of tolerance it will be OK.

[gomarciago]

I just look at some of the comments on Mountain City. We are looking more for something between 20,000 to 120,000 residents. Thanks for the replys though.

[gomarciago]

Thanks, Leonard. that's also the name of my favorite uncle

[gomarciago]

I don't think any place will be 100% perfect. I'm willing to make adjustments to get most of what we are looking for. My H would love me to agree to Las Vegas and we've even gone so far as to look at homes there twice but the thought of any 118 degree days always cause me to back off. Hubby keeps saying, "you just stay inside and use air conditioning. You'llll be fine". Somehow I can't convice myself.