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I have a few years until retirement and am starting to travel to cities that I think will appeal to me for my retirement. Looking for suggestions. Here is what I think is my ideal criteria. Obviously, there is no utopia, but looking for something close.
1. Population - Mid-size - around 50,000 - 200,000 people.
2. Natural beauty - love lakes, lots of woods and hiking trails. Mountains great, but not necessary - must have boating and swimming opportunities.
3. Progressive - liberal leaning.
4. No hot summers. I rather have a little cooler in winter (but not harsh) than too hot in summer. Preferably not too humid.
5. A great foodie culture - lots of non-chain options.
6. Trendy boutique and neighborhoods shops - other than chains and malls
7. Access to arts - plays, museums, concerts, festivals.
8. Trendy, quirky, or funky vibe.
9. Friendly, relaxed sense of community.
10. Lots of sun shine. I am a little concerned about the Pacific Northwest, but have not ruled it out!
Some of my favorite cities are Madison, WI, Minneapolis, MN and New Orleans, but looking for something different for my next chapter.
I have a few years until retirement and am starting to travel to cities that I think will appeal to me for my retirement. Looking for suggestions. Here is what I think is my ideal criteria. Obviously, there is no utopia, but looking for something close.
1. Population - Mid-size - around 50,000 - 200,000 people.
2. Natural beauty - love lakes, lots of woods and hiking trails. Mountains great, but not necessary - must have boating and swimming opportunities.
3. Progressive - liberal leaning.
4. No hot summers. I rather have a little cooler in winter (but not harsh) than too hot in summer. Preferably not too humid.
5. A great foodie culture - lots of non-chain options.
6. Trendy boutique and neighborhoods shops - other than chains and malls
7. Access to arts - plays, museums, concerts, festivals.
8. Trendy, quirky, or funky vibe.
9. Friendly, relaxed sense of community.
10. Lots of sun shine. I am a little concerned about the Pacific Northwest, but have not ruled it out!
Some of my favorite cities are Madison, WI, Minneapolis, MN and New Orleans, but looking for something different for my next chapter.
Looking forward to your suggestions!
Your favorite cities don't even meet your own requirements. New Orleans is miserable in the summer, and Minneapolis & Madison are both super cold and snowy in the winter.
That being said, There are multiple states that might be of interest. North Carolina, Michigan, and New York are a few I'd recommend looking into.
1. Population - Mid-size - around 50,000 - 200,000 people.
2. Natural beauty - love lakes, lots of woods and hiking trails. Mountains great, but not necessary - must have boating and swimming opportunities.
3. Progressive - liberal leaning.
4. No hot summers. I rather have a little cooler in winter (but not harsh) than too hot in summer. Preferably not too humid.
5. A great foodie culture - lots of non-chain options.
6. Trendy boutique and neighborhoods shops - other than chains and malls
7. Access to arts - plays, museums, concerts, festivals.
8. Trendy, quirky, or funky vibe.
9. Friendly, relaxed sense of community.
10. Lots of sun shine. I am a little concerned about the Pacific Northwest, but have not ruled it out!
Chapel Hill-Carrboro NC nails all of your criteria and would highly recommend it.
Your lengthy list did not specify your budget, the type of dwelling such as an apartment, condo, townhouse or SFH, the needed size of dwelling, and whether you wish to rent or buy.
Also, FYI, the 13 states that tax Social Security (in addition to any federal income taxes on SS that may apply) are Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont and West Virginia.
I was very surprised with how vibrant and naturally beautiful the city was. Sits right by the Tennessee River and is nestled in a valley between the mountains.
Maybe Morgantown WV may fit. Its urban area population is a little over 70k. Cheat Lake is in the area. It is in a mountainous area. West Virginia University's presence allows for the community to have a range of events. Some weather may be an issue, but it fits many of the aspects listed.
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