Starting the search for our Retirement Home (80+, beach, move)

[mlb]

We started our search 6 years before retiring. We both knew we wanted one level....and no yard maintenance. What we got was a 3 bdrm. 2 bath home all on one level. We're on a ridge/hillside - and the climate is such that we have no lawn (yippee!) to mow. We left our mower at the old house for the new owners.

We're in a private gated community of 35 homes and our HOA fees are $58 a month - which takes care of the common green areas.

I have hired a landscaper to clear and plant - we're halfway through that project. We put down synthetic grass at the back of the house on the most level area (before the ridge drops off) so that our dogs would have a place to potty.

Our neighbors are generally retirees.... but there are a couple of families with pre-teen kids.... We are closer to family and have friends within driving distance.

I'm glad we started early - you will be glad you did too.

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by Dave_n_Tenn

For me.... I added a second home... lol, near the Great Smoky mountains of TN. I'm 66 wife is 60. We do like to hike and I still fly fish and hunt.

...
I suppose as the years take their toll, I'll do more at home stuff in the shop and grow stuff. I need to be outside. Hate the AC and yet ...here I am inside typing.

Similar age interests...

I can't do AC (never had / wanted it in car or house) but lived with it for yrs in Asia.

PNW has mild summers with 50F nights!

PNW and AK and BC still have decent fishing and mtns and coast.

So my 'search' is restricted to No AC locales for summer.

I kinda like NZ for USA winter. But looking for something closer for old age (South / Central America likely)
Met lots of USA Fly Fishers while in NZ.

[ndcairngorm]

Originally Posted by davebarnes

What are "Mahicans"?

"The Last of the Mohicans" was a book written in 1826 by James Fennimore Cooper. It was a classic that was required reading for high school students back in the day. IDK, do students read books anymore? No, they probably just watch the movie.

[Hefe]

I have a decent situation now but it is an urban condo without outdoor space & I would like some outdoor access. But it isn't financially possible here unless I go to a suburb & the property taxes there are really ridiculous, some of the highest anywhere but without the benefits, for me, of being in a city, don't care for the 'burbs much.

So on Monday I'm heading out for a few weeks vacation based on checking out areas in a region for possible relocation or possible snowbirding. Doing a "Grand Tour" style of a few days here & there & if something connects I will return later this year for a closer look at properties. If nothing rings my bell I will tour another area in the fall, most of these are places I've never been, I've just researched on the interwebs.

[Dave_n_Tenn]

Originally Posted by Hefe

I have a decent situation now but it is an urban condo without outdoor space & I would like some outdoor access. But it isn't financially possible here unless I go to a suburb & the property taxes there are really ridiculous, some of the highest anywhere but without the benefits, for me, of being in a city, don't care for the 'burbs much.

So on Monday I'm heading out for a few weeks vacation based on checking out areas in a region for possible relocation or possible snowbirding. Doing a "Grand Tour" style of a few days here & there & if something connects I will return later this year for a closer look at properties. If nothing rings my bell I will tour another area in the fall, most of these are places I've never been, I've just researched on the interwebs.

Keep the NYC "attitude' under control, and feel free to roam about the country. There is nothing so aggravating or alienating than to hear "that's not how we do it up north".

[bgrasser]

10 years ago, after retirement, we thought condo life was for us; sold the 3 story family house of over 25 years, bought an oceanfront condo in FL and one in MA...we were Snowbirds
After 5 years we had enough of sharing walls, hallway noise, along with never ending fees and assessments...think twice before making that leap.

[MI-Roger]

Originally Posted by ndcairngorm

"The Last of the Mohicans" was a book written in 1826 by James Fennimore Cooper. It was a classic that was required reading for high school students back in the day. IDK, do students read books anymore? No, they probably just watch the movie.

For some reason spell check showed an error with Mohicans (which I was certain was the correct spelling), and recommended changing it to Mahicans. Now it is showing the opposite error! Weird.


Yes, if we opt for a Condo it will be a detached condo, of only one shared wall. I know some units are surrounded on both sides, floor, and ceiling, by other units.

[MI-Roger]

Originally Posted by ChessieMom

Why would that be?? I am surrounded by younger couples...nothing like that goes on here.

Just a current pet peeve. I need to relax and let the new home owners get accustomed to the schedules/needs of home and yard maintenance.


Over the past 40 years our neighborhood has transitioned from a "Move Up Homes" neighborhood to a "Starter Home" neighborhood. And it is obvious that most of the new buyers are indeed purchasing their first home, and probably never assisted their parents with home/yard upkeep either. Discovering after their home purchase that they need to buy a lawn mower, snow shovel, leaf rakes, etc. All the stuff you never need in an apartment or most condos.

[oldgardener]

Originally Posted by MI-Roger

Surrounded by young couples who refuse to mow their lawns or perform exterior maintenance!

? I know lots of young people who take care of their yards and homes.

[mgkeith]

After helping out with several aging parents and seeing their difficulties, we built a ranch style home about five years ago. We have everything we need on one level. It is truly wonderful; just what we wanted. Some people dislike the building process but we really enjoyed the adventure.