Originally Posted by RonDent (Post 9158830)

My wife and I are planning to retire in the next 5 years or so. it's a shame, both of us are Ca. natives. But after we retire we won't be able to afford to live here. We are looking into the area around Athens Ga. Anyone know much about the area?

Originally Posted by jyl (Post 9161938)

I've thought about partnering with a couple of like minded folks to buy lots in beautiful areas that aren't economic to develop due to distance from utilities, and dropping some "tiny houses" (300-500 sq ft, possibly built elsewhere and trucked to the site) that are entirely "off grid" (solar and generator, woodstove, well and septic, satellite internet) and just barely accessible by car (graded dirt road). Like maybe one such in far north Vancouver Is, another somewhere on the California Central Coast, a third somewhere on the Oregon coast, etc. Then live in my current city of Portland OR, probably downsizing to a 1200 sq ft bungalow (I don't see the appeal in rattling around this 3000 sq ft house when the kids are long gone) and share time with my partners in these small getaway units. I wouldn't want to live with my wife in 500 sq ft, but that's plenty big enough for a week's stay. As long as the health and mobility holds up, of course.

Climate change over the next 30-40 years is going to be a consideration. I think parts of the South and Southwest are going to be much less pleasant (or much more unpleasant) in 2030.

Originally Posted by vash (Post 9162836)

Plus I imagine doctor visits are more frequent.


Sent via Jedi mind trick.

Originally Posted by Justin@Athens (Post 9162176)

...It is a "poor" town. Not a lot of money here, I will say that. But it is also one of the cheapest places to live in the whole country. I think about moving to Asheville sometimes, but frankly it is just like Athens, but no college and not as cheap real estate wise.

Originally Posted by Craig T (Post 9162866)

For me, good healthcare close by is a must for a retirement relocation. That usually means being within 30-45 minutes from a major metropolitan area.

Five years ago, A good friend retired to Dominical, Costa Rica. He bought a beautiful hilltop home with 180 degree view of the ocean for CHEAP. Thought he had life by the balls...Until he got in a car accident. The closest medical facility that can do surgery was 3.5 hours away. If it was a stroke or even mild heart attack, he'd be dead. No thanks.

Originally Posted by thamlin000 (Post 9160175)

I've lived in 16 cities during my life.....in the continental US, outside the continental US and Germany. Was an Army brat, then after college had a job with frequent relocations every 6 mo - 1.5 yrs. I also like traveling.

Money is no object = Monterey, CA / Central Coast.
Money is an object = NW San Antonio, TX / Hill Country between SA and Austin.

Originally Posted by Justin@Athens (Post 9162176)

So glad you asked! Great town. I mean I came here as a student 10 years ago, and it was a blast for me then, and I still like it. The college girls never get any older!

It is not crowded like Atlanta. It is just the right size really. Has all the services and things you need, and you can always drive an hour to Atlanta for Caffeine and Octane.

It is diverse, alot of asians come here for school. It is a solid mix of country folk and PHDs. A pretty great car culture, football culture, and night life. State botanical gardens are located here, along with a great art museum, and did I mention one of the top public colleges in the nation?

It is a "poor" town. Not a lot of money here, I will say that. But it is also one of the cheapest places to live in the whole country. I think about moving to Asheville sometimes, but frankly it is just like Athens, but no college and not as cheap real estate wise.

Originally Posted by Craig T (Post 9159461)

Such a common theme...CA natives (like me) looking to retire elsewhere. Where I live in Ventura County, at hot day in August is 85 and a cold day in January is 65. ...But 9-plus % state tax, hi gas prices, and 3 bedroom 2,000 sq ft houses are $800,000. We're outa here in 4 years 3 mo. Most likely landing is Hilton Head, SC. Year-round fishing and golf. Cheap housing. 30 minutes to Savannah Airport.

Originally Posted by billh1963 (Post 9163433)

We have more retirees from CA than we have had in the past. That being said, they usually have two big issues:
1. Weather - from May through September many days are over 90 and humidity matches

2. Culture - most can't (or won't) adapt.

Originally Posted by Craig T (Post 9162866)

For me, good healthcare close by is a must for a retirement relocation. That usually means being within 30-45 minutes from a major metropolitan area.

Five years ago, A good friend retired to Dominical, Costa Rica. He bought a beautiful hilltop home with 180 degree view of the ocean for CHEAP. Thought he had life by the balls...Until he got in a car accident. The closest medical facility that can do surgery was 3.5 hours away. If it was a stroke or even mild heart attack, he'd be dead. No thanks.

Originally Posted by Craig T (Post 9163532)

The weather I can deal with, I love hot weather, but can you define "Culture".

What about the culture do Californians struggle with? Is it just too slow?, or is it deeper like racism, politics, bible belt stuff?

Where in SC do you live?

Originally Posted by RonDent (Post 9163272)

thamlin000,

I live on the Central Coast. I'll sell you my house. Oh you're coming from Texas. Never mind, you couldn't afford it....

San Antonio /Austin have made our list too.