Forums Archive Index > General Chat > Retirement plans and places......where, when and why........

Author: faithfulFrank

Date: 18 Dec 2006 8:24 am

Well, just getting back from sunny Florida, I find myself thinking alot about where I want to retire. Perhaps it is because of our typical western NY weather in December....I don't know.

Before the trip to Florida, I thought, "Never Florida"......summers too hot and humid, alligators, bugs, etc. I wanted a change of seasons, even a few days of snow, just as a reminder of what I was "missing". Now I am not so sure.

Everyone is different, and there are many who love western NY. In fact, a recent study showed that it has the highest percentage of people who return here after leaving. We definately have a change of seasons, low housing costs, etc. We also have rusty cars, potholes, highest taxes anywhere, etc.

Anyway, I really liked the Leesburg area. Central Florida. Florida seems to really cater to the retirement crowd. Central Florida did not seem to have some of the problems I've seen in lower Florida. I think the big storms that the coast sees are not so big when they get to central Florida. They also had some of the best Medical systems I've ever seen. That too is important.

I visited some gated communities that had loads of activities, security, things to do, etc. Everyone had a car and a golf cart. People were so friendly there. People there were there because they wanted to be there, and they planned well for it. Alot of nice churches. I was impressed.

That being said, I have not been there in the summer when it is hotter and muggier. I suspect that it is easier to handle though then a long western NY winter. No starting your car 30 minutes before you leave to melt the 1/2 of ice off the windshield. You walk out of your A/C house into your cool garage , and get into your A/C car to drive somewhere that has A/C. I can do that.

I still want to visit other places......preferably a tax friendly state. Kentucky is one of those. Texas maybe, although I did not like Houston too much. There must be some parts of Nevada, away from Las Vegas that is nice. For us, even going south enough to PA gives you a twice as long summer and a mild winter. The joke is that I will load my snowblower on my pick up and drive south until someone asks, "What's that??" Then I know I've gone far enough.

I'm interested in other views.......I can retire in four years, but will probably work longer. I'm only 48. I plan on working hard to prepare for it so I can when I want to. I do not think you really know for sure when it is the right time. Too many variables, like health, money, debt, and especially attitude. I've seen people stay longer then they should, and it is not pretty. Also, alot depends where your children and grandkids end up.

Well, I've started it..........any thoughts??

Frank D.

Author: Marshall

Date: 18 Dec 2006 9:11 am

My only advice is to stock up on cream colored over the calf socks and bermuda shorts. Might even be bold and go for plaid.


Author: ramit

Date: 18 Dec 2006 9:21 am

Quote:
I will load my snowblower on my pick up and drive south until someone asks, "What's that??" Then I know I've gone far enough.

LOL!!!!

Too funny.

I thought more of a SW drive.

I've been to FL for work a bunch of times, in the summer.
Never lived down there.

I just thought, inverse from years ago, not the place to retire to with the overall increase/jumps in property values, taxes, population and soo on.

Not taking the state of county job (as hindsite now tells me I should have), I'll be working till the day I die so I haven't thought about were I will retire to... I think that's become self fullfilling.. a 7x8x3ft hole in the ground.

I've had many thoughts of where I would like to move to(VA, NH, PA), but it seems a job opportunity would have to leverage that.

Author: bontai Joe

Date: 18 Dec 2006 9:50 am

The Philippines.... they like Americans in the northern islands, $1000 a month buys you an upper middle class lifestyle, taxes are low, most everyone speaks English, and the climate osn't too hot up on the mountains. Also, the culture there is an extremely polite and friendly one. Possible draw backs?, medical care isn't up to American standards, crime and corruption are above most American cities (except maybe Washington DC). No part time jobs if you still want to work or need to suplement your income. But if you just want to keep busy you can volunteer your time at a school, church, or youth center for free.