Newport RI vs Williamsburg, VA for Retirement (living, cost, better)

[macalan]

We are in our 60s, thinking of relocating in another 4 years or so to either of these places. We currently live in a Charleston, SC burb which is way too big for us (80K pop), too much crime, too many snakes and other critters, too much traffic, too much crime.

We're originally from NE - lived in Newburyport, MA for 20+ years. Loved it (except the winter). But realize we miss a lot of what it offered - quaint, close to other great towns, close to Boston for our big city fix, great health care. Good public transit, good sports teams. And we now realize that with everything in life there are trade-offs.

We've been to both Willliamsburg and Newport a number of times. We like both a lot. We like an active life, in that we like to have a lot of things to do, not necessarily physical things, just want a vibrant place. We also love natural beauty.

We are ocean people at heart, so that tends to lean toward Newport. And with Newport we get both Providence and Boston is only 1 1/2 hrs. Newport is also closer to home, and close to some great places - Block Island, the Cape, Nantucket and MV.

But, Williamsburg has its own charms, and is close to Richmond for that big city fix (although we've never visited Richmond so don't know what it's like). Cost of living is much less, with many more homes to choose from in our price range. (under 400K - preferably 350K). We haven't been for a while, so don't know what the traffic is now like. And the biggie other than lower cost of living - the weather is better.

We're looking for a "smallish" place (under 50K pop we like towns @20K), close to a larger metro, aesthetically attractive, with lots of things going on - arts, festivals, good restaurants, outdoor activities (sailing, etc.). We're used to tourists where we live, as both Newburyport and Charleston have a lot of tourists. Doesn't bother us.

Which town would offer:

1) More to do, i.e., a more "vibrant" life
2) Better health care
3) Less traffic
4) An overall better quality of life
5) A better surrounding area (quality and quantity of surrounding towns)
6) More "farm-to-table" restaurants, health food stores, etc.

[march2]

I vote Williamsburg

[kyle19125]

It pains me, but I would vote Williamsburg too.