Where to relocate ? North, south, east, west ???? (crime, life, country)

[buckeroo48]

I am returning from China next year around June 2013 where I was teaching. I am not a teacher by trade. I have lived most of my life in Los Angeles, California where I grew-up, but it has changed so much I do not want to return there. Less pay than San Francisco, too much crime and traffic and just want change !!!
I am 63 years old, not retired, in good health, have college (mostly law)......and not rich either. I have been teaching in China. I do not want to teach in America.
I either want to relocate to a high desert area with some woods, moutains, lake.....that is not always hot but I can deal with some heat for a few months; or near or in a city or town in the north near the woods, but not too far from the ocean or a lake to swim in or mountain to go hiking !! I want a small town or city , less crime, cheaper/less expensive rent or own, nice or fairly nice people, neither a conservative or liberal and want to stay out of political mainstreams, want less people...AND I know there is no perfect place !!

I did visited my mom in Wilsonville, Oregon near Portland and although pretty, little or no jobs, (did work in legal on a contract for a while at a good company but no long time guarantee of work !!), people not as friendly.......in fact the whole time I was there I would even go downtown in Wilsonville and sit at Starbucks just to meet people and maybe make a few friends that just ended in small talk.... I am a man with education, health, like to exercise, hike, swim in the ocean, a lake or river. I know to live in California mostly very expensive !! I have lived all over LA in area that were nice but, now with BIG TIME gangs (everywhere now)....can't afford a gated community !! and forget the beach...the last time I lived there was in 1973 after I got out of the army ........

Having lived in China I had to be inventive as life here is 180 degrees different. I do speak a little Spanish and Chinese and understand a little Italian and French...but, tkey won't let you work past 60 years of age here. Besides, I have had my fill of China !! 80% of Chinese are below the poverty line...!!!!! In America I get free medical the rest of my life ..so that is not a concern ...any VA Hospital will treat me. Honest !! I miss America very much !! Really sick of China, all the people, filth, dirt, and people, people, people !!! I am tired of teaching !!!.........and getting sick all the time from the food and the pollution is so bad !! enough said...........

I like the woods, but not a serious camper and into camping without a cabin, bed, stove, etc......I am not into sleeping on the ground..I am not Paul Bunyan !! I did enough sleeping on the ground when I was in the Army (8 years) ! lol....I am pretty easy going...like people ..can live near a larger city....want to look into maybe government jobs too as I am a Disabled Vietnam Veteran and worked at the VA Hospital before in LA while going to Law School...I would work legal again or in a company doing some business law, contracts, litigation as I have extensive background in it.
I must admit I liked Oregon but not having a car at the time made it difficult..now thinking Northern California, Arizona, New Mexico, and maybe a few other states. I don't want all woods but like the woods. I guess I could adjust if I had a decent job, cheaper rent than LA, less crime , and less people. I don't want to live at the beach as it is too expensive everywhere east and west coast !! I have been reading the posts here and I know there is always pros and cons in any area or city or town ....so, I am not looking for Shangra-la !!..it does not exist..I have survived living here in China under extreme conditions sometimes and work as well....although I have been able to save money which I will bring back to find a place to live!!!

I lived in North Carolina where I have relatives but each time jobs were very hard to come by !! Charlotte is suppose to have Bank of America's Corporate office and I had interviews but no jobs. I like the people but even my relatives told me when I lived in Florence, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina that I am not a "Good ole Boy"!....and on some interviews I felt interviewer was being a bit condesending and I felt that some still referred to me as a "Damn Yankee" and I am from California...(and I did not get the job though overly qualified); the Carolinas do have beautiful, beautiful homes and I love the State, but...(again the but)(they over built and owned by the banks and a beautiful state) to rent to buy !!!!!! many foreclosures but worked once in a law firm for a bad lawyer and then as a security guard (hated it) at a nice upscale mall. I am always learning and might even go back and study something in medicine as I worked 3 years in a hospital as I stated above....and I know about medical mal-practice and medical terms and diseases. It seems where there are cheaper properties and rents there are no jobs ....so, I know I have to give and take some.

In 2008 before I left for China I did take a train ride across America and saw much of the country and cities including of course Chicago, Wash. D.C., and even spent a month or two in New York City..nice to visit but not for me...

I don't expect to make lots of money but I don't want to work at McDonalds'.....I am not a lawyer but did go to law school. I have thought of San Francisco as well but so very expensive !!! I am leaning more towards a small city or big town out of the way...I thought of even Bishop or near Yosemite....

In China with so many people, I am pondering this question now !!! ..in Oregon I like the beauty but it rained so much and about five months I was there only two weeks or so did the sun dare come out !!! So, I guess a city with some sun is in my future !!........

I don't want to be a hermit but I don't want to live in the big city anymore unless I was at a job making about $80,000 a year...and as the economy is so bad ...I have to be realistic !!!! I am older and have been away and the economy is not the same anymore !

...........and now I see nice small cities or towns but I just don't know and I even go to websites.....any small suggestions might help as I am trying to narrow it down.....If to buy takes to much of a long term commitment (I still have my G.I. Bill but I am 63)...then I will rent....no problem...thought of even buying a small piece of land....still thinking.

My Chinese wife will come later and maybe the West Coast is better as there are more Chinese and she does not speak English ...but, I am teaching her....she will be retired..

Thank you for your time.

[Tioga]

....Well....probably should start w/a few questions..your desired climate?.....need for a VA Hospital within a 1-2 hour drive?...need for a military base for other veteran's needs nearby? I'm in upstate NY...don't mind the change of seasons.... I like Ft Drum(has seen much upgrading since the 80's when I first went there), and...I just happened to recall...it's not far from the Canadian border. The larger Canadian cities have Chinese communites where an expat such as your wife can get a sampling of her former world..if need be.

[erikthealien]

I'd like to visit china sometime soon.

[buckeroo48]

First to Tioga: Thank you for the information...back in 2008 when I was in New York City I did go to Piquipsee (spelling) and did enjoy spending Easter there. VA Hospital not to far....hmm....anymore information I do appreciate. Thanks alot ...Also, about the Chinese since my wife to be doesn't not speak English, but a few words...

It does get cold here and I worked in the cold...and some snow..not lots.....and in the summer very , very humid...that is not so great....but, again i have dealt with some extreme situations. Thanks so very much !!
Second to Erikhealien: Go to China..you will love the visit !! I promise you...!! If you want any information where to go I can tell you....take care...
It is a day ahead here so goodnight to all...thanks again Tioga...!!

[buckeroo48]

Tiogaon't mind the seasonal climate change. In fact I enjoy the change in seasons as I never had growing up in California....Don't want really harsh winters like Chicago...nor do I want the sweltering heat of the desert....like upper state New York very much....took the train from Grand Central Station.....can you suggest any cities or areas that I might check into?

My Chinese fiancee is retiring next year(at 50) they have mandatory retirement there....

Thanks again.