Where to retire living with HIV.

[mitch777]

Many of us here are approaching that time to think about retirement or downsizing and I'm wondering if anyone is planning or at least thinking about moving to a different part of the country. I also know many don't either have many options or are content where they are so that being said, where would you like to move if you are so inclined and it meant downsizing out of necessity?

Everyone's plus and minus columns will be different. 

This is a short list of my concerns and wishes/needs.

Wishes/needs first:

1. Good quality healthcare.
2. Reasonable cost of living.
3. Less harsh winters.
4. An accepting community.
5. More services closer by. (that's not too hard considering where we live now)
6. A progressive thinking state.

Concerns:

1. Changing all of my doctors.
2. Leaving my friends.
3. Being able to adjust. (that would include my husband too)

I'm sure I missed a few things here as these are what just came off the top of my head.

If money were no object San Francisco would be the place for me.
 

[Jeff G]

We need a AMG retirement community ... one of those 55 + places that we can just all take over . 

[mitch777]

We need a AMG retirement community ... one of those 55 + places that we can just all take over .

There would be cats.

[Jeff G]

There would be cats.

Thats ok ... the dogs will need chew toys .

[Theyer]

What I want is enough money to life in differant places for parts off the year and enough health to fully realize where I am.

[mitch777]

Thats ok ... the dogs will need chew toys .

Can Betty give you a time out? 

[Jeff G]

Can Betty give you a time out? 

I wish somebody would ... go ahead and make my day LOL .

[Theyer]

Darlinks zee cats n dodz day just luuuvvvree each odder not eat each udder in zis Ghetto you plans.
I visit but no live, i vant der world.

[buginme2]

Palm Springs.

I love PS

Older yet vibrant gay community, good medical care, awesome weather..driving distance to LA, San Diego, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. 

[Jeff G]

Darlinks zee cats n dodz day just luuuvvvree each odder not eat each udder in zis Ghetto you plans.
I visit but no live, i vant der world.

I see you took the Dickens novel out of your mouth and replaced it with mein kampf . 

[Theyer]

Mitch ,are you not considering Scandinavia / Europe most off it has what you wish and are tri-linual at least . There Mother Tongue, English and American

[Theyer]

I see you took the Dickens novel out of your mouth and replaced it with mein kampf . 

99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999 and more niens to zee powers of 10, I AM HASSING A THREePENNY OPERA hour, oh weil.

[Theyer]

show me the way to the next whiskybar


or I shall Die.

I am having a blitzkrige mien kamp indeed. My FAther thought in thaat WAR Mother too, Jeeves the VALIUM>

[mitch777]

99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999 and more niens to zee powers of 10, I AM HASSING A THREePENNY OPERA hour, oh weil.

lol.

Mitch ,are you not considering Scandinavia / Europe most off it has what you wish and are tri-linual at least . There Mother Tongue, English and American

9.

Palm Springs.

I love PS

Older yet vibrant gay community, good medical care, awesome weather..driving distance to LA, San Diego, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. 

Funny, that's what I was thinking. Been there twice (in March) and loved it but wonder how well I would handle the heat.

[Theyer]

Thats right head west evan more expensive air fairs. Just open the dam B/B and have enough moolah to visit in the winter.

[mitch777]

Thats right head west evan more expensive air fairs. Just open the dam B/B and have enough moolah to visit in the winter.

Still cheaper than Hawaii. Hmmm...

[buginme2]

lol.

9.
Funny, that's what I was thinking. Been there twice (in March) and loved it but wonder how well I would handle the heat.

Not to mention the mid century modern architecture on some of the homes is absolutely gorgeous.

I really like that it has such a great gay community that isn't youth oriented.  That's hard to find.  The summers are.....toasty..your right about that. 

[Theyer]

Still cheaper than Hawaii. Hmmm...

Now that would be worth bashing the credit card for darling handsome witty Mitchell. xxxx

Still in 3p Opera whore mode.

[Almost2late]

I was thinking of this not long before my diagnoses and was leaning towards Portland, OR.(no sales tax) or Vancouver,WA.(no state tax)but now looking for cheaper area with warmer climate and I'm leaning to stay right here in Florida maybe Tampa/St.Pete, seen homes very cheap if you go a little north of the city and no state taxes.. Still haven't made up my mind, still gotta ways to go..I'm not gay but I am gay friendly  and here in Ft.Lauderdale/Miami is known for its gay communities but I think its too pricey.. get more for your money further north.

[mitch777]

Not to mention the mid century modern architecture on some of the homes is absolutely gorgeous.

I really like that it has such a great gay community that isn't youth oriented.  That's hard to find.  The summers are.....toasty..your right about that.

The home of the gays and the greys. And the grey gays.

The way I look at it is that I feel kinda stuck in the house here for several months of the year, the months would just switch. Not sure if that's good or bad but it seems to be a good mesh in other aspects.

Now that would be worth bashing the credit card for darling handsome witty Mitchell. xxxx

Still in 3p Opera whore mode.

 

[buginme2]

If money is no concern I would summer in Seattle or San Francisco and winter in Palm Springs

[Miss Philicia]

I've already moved to where I'm retiring, and I did this 10 years ago. I am five minutes by taxi to a great emergency room at Pennsylvania Hospital. They have all my info comfortably stored in their computers.

[skeebo1969]

   While I've grown to miss Massachusetts, i realized rather quickly that my bad knees cannot handle those harsh winters.  Clearwater, Florida is nice but I like the sprawl of Palm Harbor.  Home prices are reasonable too. 

[mecch]

Whats wrong with just pottering on in the place you already live?  i don't quite understand the need to go somewhere else, besides weather, of course, and reduced income making the place you live unaffordable. My big fear precisely.
That said I wouldn't mind a beautiful but not too chic coastal city like Marseilles or Toulon, Genoa, Palermo, Alexandria. 
Beach towns are nice, too. Any nice, relatively forgotten beach towns in the US? Preferably one on reasonably high ground. 

[GSOgymrat]

My first thought was Palm Springs but realistically I have no idea. I hate moving and would be happy to stay put.

[Jeff G]

I have moved and moved and moved . I'm staying put .

[WillyWump]

Philadelphia.

GOOD GOD No, just kidding.

Either in Austin or Temple Tx, close to my boys.

[Irish Eyes]

I have the 'misfortune' of living in La Jolla, CA. for 20+ years.
Beach towns aint all that. I could count on 7 hands how many times I've been to the beach.
Having visited for 20 years, in anticipation, I purchased a property in Palm Springs, proper, at end of 2012.

Prices were lower when I purchased and have since risen considerably.
My mortgage is less than $700. (2bd.2ba. single story condo with garden and my own pool) and will be paid off before retiring.

The Coachella valley has 5 'cities', Indio, La Quinta, Cathederal City, Palm Desert and Palm Springs, which non-locals collectively call Palm Springs.
Each have their pros and cons, some much more expensive than others
but my main reason for choosing Palm Springs, is it has an actual walkable downtown main street.

In comparison, well there is none.

Palm Springs always seems to have something going on and constantly busy.
The airport is practically downtown, easy freeway access, 2hrs drive to San Diego, 2-3hr drive to LA. basically spoilt for choice.
As for the summer heat, I love it.
So you go from AC in house to AC in car to AC in store.
My only issue is racing home before my ice-cream melts.

Oh and by the way nobody's invited.
Don't even consider asking.
Though to lessen the candidate/request pool, we'll see how AMG goes assumming I attend.

[Miss Philicia]

Philadelphia.

GOOD GOD No, just kidding.

Careful sweetie. Unbeknownst to most we have the second largest amount of healthcare facilities in the US. Not a bad place to be when you have an infectious disease for life.

[Theyer]

I was thinking of this not long before my diagnoses and was leaning towards Portland, OR.(no sales tax) or Vancouver,WA.(no state tax)but now looking for cheaper area with warmer climate and I'm leaning to stay right here in Florida maybe Tampa/St.Pete, seen homes very cheap if you go a little north of the city and no state taxes.. Still haven't made up my mind, still gotta ways to go..I'm not gay but I am gay friendly  and here in Ft.Lauderdale/Miami is known for its gay communities but I think its too pricey.. get more for your money further north.

It is an excepted economic rule that attracting " Gays" to a area will increase the value off that area. Manchester, England where up front about this , and that's what happened. Unfortunately there is a finite no off LGBBINGBLABG so Pockets off Manchester are still available to the adventurous.

Trick is find where the babygays are moving to, I fought to keep my flat in Clapham, I hate moving unless its an additional property, and Clapham over the 25 years I have lived here has seen a huge rise in Gay residents. So within my walking distance I have 5 screen indi cinema, indi Performing Arts theater , Waitrose and all the other paraphernalia off comfy middle class living, hardy any money to enjoy it but when I can I can walk there.

All I want is Sunshine, heat in Jan to March , perhaps I could sell the painkillers I have to take during those months ------only joking NHS-----

[wolfter]

If money is no concern I would summer in Seattle or San Francisco and winter in Palm Springs

I absolutely adored Seattle's weather.  I couldn't believe how moderate it was in Summer.  I freaked when I discovered the air conditioning didn't work in my room and there were no other rooms available.  Hell, I ended up not needing it.  In Ohio, I have the air on continually for about 6 months.

Not to mention, my calves looked really toned from all those hills....  Never did understand why we were always walking uphill, there should have been a point when there was a downhill walk.  Just one more block was my regular saying the whole time we were exploring.

wolfie

[Miss Philicia]

If I had to move somewhere for the weather and appearance, it would be Brookings, Oregon -- it's on the coast, small harbor, (shock) small town ~6,500. It has a slight micro-climate making it the warmest place on the Oregon coast.

However, with my ADVANCED HIV I would not feel comfortable living in a small town located in a county of only 22,000 people. I'd probably have to drive over four hours each way to get decent care in Eugene -- Portland is 6 hours and by that time I might as well drive the extra 30 minutes to San Francisco. Or better yet fly -- 1hr 30min flights are available for $400! via Crescent City, CA airport 26 miles south of Brookings.

Goodness, that sounds like a pain in the ass compared to where I live now. Sure, Philly's public schools suck and 40% of the residents here are addicted to crack and heroin but that's not really my problem.

PS: what I really need is to shack up with some Sodomite that owns a country place in western Chester county or something for weekend jaunts. Or better yet, Cape May.

PPS: I can't really do anything until I obtain my multi-million dollar inheritance anyway.

[vertigo]

Seems like the most common retirement spots for graying gays in the USA are Ft Lauderdale for the east coast, and Palm Springs for the west.

Neither one is a great city by any stretch,  but they do both have their charms, and I've spent some enjoyable time in each.

Personally I'm partial to San Diego.  Nice SoCal weather without the scorching summer heat of Palm Springs, great beaches, fun gay 'hood, friendly vibe.  Even better is San Francisco, but that's a really expensive option.  Sort of like retiring in Manhattan.

For most people, staying right where they are probably works out fine.  Maintains access to friends, family, social networks.  Hopefully with some money saved up for travel, too.

[Theyer]

Miss P is Brookings near a stretch off sand backed by Dunes with large rocks growing out off the sand beach ?

[Miss Philicia]

Miss P is Brookings near a stretch off sand backed by Dunes with large rocks growing out off the sand beach ?

You are probably thinking of Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, and that is 2.5 hours north or Brookings.

But Harris Beach is a 30 minute walk from downtown Brookings and looks like this, and is on a lot of "Visit Oregon" type web sites.



But Oregon's coast is long -- like traveling from London to Glasgow, and it's all kind of rocky with small beaches, but very low population as most people in the state (70%) live in the Willamette Valley that runs from Eugene to Salem to Portland. The largest place directly on the coast is Coos Bay and that is only 16,000 people (and that place is 30 min from those dunes).

Oh yeah, when you live on the coast in Oregon you're rolling the dice on an earthquake even more major than what California will ever see, in which case you will immediately be killed by a massive tsunami that will have at most 3 minutes warning, if any warning at all.

[Jmarksto]

This photo would be accurate if you removed all that purple, and let the real grey show.  As an Oregon resident you get to appreciate all the shades of grey (no reference to BDSM intended).

[mitch777]

Seems like the most common retirement spots for graying gays in the USA are Ft Lauderdale for the east coast, and Palm Springs for the west.

Neither one is a great city by any stretch,  but they do both have their charms, and I've spent some enjoyable time in each.

Personally I'm partial to San Diego.  Nice SoCal weather without the scorching summer heat of Palm Springs, great beaches, fun gay 'hood, friendly vibe.  Even better is San Francisco, but that's a really expensive option.  Sort of like retiring in Manhattan.

For most people, staying right where they are probably works out fine.  Maintains access to friends, family, social networks.  Hopefully with some money saved up for travel, too.

That about sums up how I'm feeling. I've enjoyed both places for a visit but am more partial to Palm Springs. I just wonder how medical care varies between the two.

Correct me if I'm wrong (anyone), but I would think San Diego is much more expensive, specifically housing at least, than Ft. L. or PS. Great climate and maybe better healthcare?

[buginme2]

I like Ft lauderdale also.  The beaches cant be beat and California beaches really do not compare. 

The problem with Florida is that the state politically and economically is kind of a mess.  Also, being married and moving to a state that doesnt recognize your marriage would be a pain that I really dont want to deal with. 

I also, like that Palm Springs is very gay...yet its older gay.  Its different to go to a gay bar and have it be completely packed and everyone is 40 or older.  And, goodlooking 40 and older on top of it. 

I think the medical care should be ok there.  There is a large >40 gay population so there has to be doctors with HIV experience.  Desert medical center is right downtown. 

San Diego is nice and all that but I dont consider it a place to retire.  I've partied in San Diego and had a blast. 

[Miss Philicia]

I'm sure living somewhere with 120-degree temperatures is very relaxing for an immune compromised (though steroid enhanced) 70 year old. Not to mention it must make for a very expensive electrical bill. But hey, at least you'll have easy access to meth for the remainder of your days on Earth, plus that yearly Jeffrey Sanker White Party must be just a blast.

[mitch777]

I like Ft lauderdale also.  The beaches cant be beat and California beaches really do not compare. 

The problem with Florida is that the state politically and economically is kind of a mess.  Also, being married and moving to a state that doesnt recognize your marriage would be a pain that I really dont want to deal with. 

I also, like that Palm Springs is very gay...yet its older gay.  Its different to go to a gay bar and have it be completely packed and everyone is 40 or older.  And, goodlooking 40 and older on top of it. 

I think the medical care should be ok there.  There is a large >40 gay population so there has to be doctors with HIV experience.  Desert medical center is right downtown. 

San Diego is nice and all that but I dont consider it a place to retire.  I've partied in San Diego and had a blast.

The married thing in Florida doesn't bother me because of my pending (hopefully) disability. Staying "single" in the eyes of current laws provide a better safety net in my case. (sad but true for those who feel the need to be married, straight or gay with restrictions on benefits due to combined income ). It's the political mess in FL that steers me away more than anything. And maybe the difference in healthcare but I'm not even sure about that.

I had "planned" on more options at this point in my/our life financially but alas the choices now are more limited.

Looking forward to the next chapter never the less.

[mitch777]

I'm sure living somewhere with 120-degree temperatures is very relaxing for an immune compromised (though steroid enhanced) 70 year old. Not to mention it must make for a very expensive electrical bill. But hey, at least you'll have easy access to meth for the remainder of your days on Earth, plus that yearly Jeffrey Sanker White Party must be just a blast.

You're just saying that because you will miss being so near to me.

[mecch]

The way things are going, you really don't want to be retiring anywhere on a coast at sea level. Depending of course on how long you expect to live.  My granny lived 30+ years after retirement.  I know we only have "near normal" life expectancy (cough, gasp, er, whatever) buy you never know.  High ground.  And not too much in the desert or drought zones...  Unless there are cool nights and clever architecture to withstand blistering days. 

[Irish Eyes]

San Diego average home price is about $350K. God only knows what you get for that. Perhaps a teardown. Typically 'cheaper' properties are purchased for land value, to teardown or full remodel.
Decent rentals in the gayborhood 1500 - 2000.

Just arrived in Palm Springs (I guess about 2 days late) White Party winding down.
The town is packed, eye candy everywhere.
Matt I'm still tryin for that photo.

[Irish Eyes]

Forgot to mention Palm Springs also has a casino downtown.
Last year, unbeknownst to them, the Indians paid for about 8mths of my mortgage.
The best $200 I ever spent. (other than for my 1st. ever massage that led me to this site).

[bocker3]

Hopefully, I will retire in about 10 yrs (assuming that the economy doesn't tank again and kill my investments).  60 might be young to retire, but Sid will be 68 at that point and I do want for us to be able to enjoy traveling, etc.

As to where -- I will assume marriage equality will be decided by then, so my main criteria will be someplace that won't tax my savings too much.  Seeing as we both like to cruise and it has no state income tax, Florida seems a likely option.  Probably not too coastal, but we'll see.  We don't really need that gay culture, as we don't go to bars, etc now.  Plus, my main concern is to not have our money run out before we are both dead.  My daughter gets an inheritance only if we haven't spent it all first.

For those thinking of California -- seems to me that would be one of the more expensive states in which to retire.  I've not researched it, so I could be wrong, but I've never seen it on any list of a good "retirement state".  Throw in the fact that water is getting scarcer and scarcer out there, I would definitely not opt to live in the desert.  But that's me........

Mike

[Miss Philicia]

For those thinking of California -- seems to me that would be one of the more expensive states in which to retire.  I've not researched it, so I could be wrong, but I've never seen it on any list of a good "retirement state".  Throw in the fact that water is getting scarcer and scarcer out there, I would definitely not opt to live in the desert.  But that's me........

Mike

CA is very big -- how can one even compare San Diego to living in Fesno or Redding, cost-wise -- much less the climates.

Like saying Virginia is expensive because of Loudoun when you can buy a cheap house in Boydton instead.

[Dan0]

CA is very big -- how can one even compare San Diego to living in Fesno or Redding, cost-wise -- much less the climates.

Would anyone willingly WANT to retire in Fresno or Redding? 

[mitch777]

The way things are going, you really don't want to be retiring anywhere on a coast at sea level. Depending of course on how long you expect to live.  My granny lived 30+ years after retirement.  I know we only have "near normal" life expectancy (cough, gasp, er, whatever) buy you never know.  High ground.  And not too much in the desert or drought zones...  Unless there are cool nights and clever architecture to withstand blistering days.

I know we are all doomed due to climate change and it's already showing signs. Hope the youngin's can turn current knowledge into reality.


I'm 55 years old and have been living with HIV since I was 23. I just want a cheap and lovable, stress-free, temperate, socially progressive, artistic, A-B grade healthcare, fun and adventure nearby, and another 20 or more things. In other words Utopia.

I get the Utopia of "there's no place like home" for whatever reasons suite you. In fact I envy that in some ways. Many ways.

I want answers people!!! 

Oregon. Hmm...
Is it at least less gloomy and wet than Washington? Or maybe worse? Dunno.
I only have visited Portland for a month when I was about 9 years old. What a beautiful state! Took a trip to Mt. Hood and it was breathtaking. I think we drove further south along the coast, I forget where, but it was a cold, rocky, windy, wild wave kinda place.

Healthcare? I'm thinking it's pretty good.
Climate?  maybe.
Liberal. check.
Expense? biggest question I guess.

Getting Kenny on board? That's really the biggest question/problem. Not sure how fair I am being. That's my biggest worry.



   

[Dan0]

Well - here you go!  This from Forbes on the very best places (Top 25) to retire for 2014.  They took into account many of the things you wanted from health care to climate.  How they came up with these twenty-five is beyond me. 

Boise?  REALLY? 

http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mjf45hfje/abilene-tx/

Suffice to say, I would venture that the writer of this piece and the investigation team had never been to a drag show or a white party. 

Oklahoma City?......ugh.

[vertigo]

Correct me if I'm wrong (anyone), but I would think San Diego is much more expensive, specifically housing at least, than Ft. L. or PS. Great climate and maybe better healthcare?

San Diego isn't cheap.  About on par with Seattle, Portland or LA as far as western cities go.  Only cheap in comparison with San Francisco.  Palm Springs would be the value play on the west coast.  Can't speak for Ft Lauderdale, but I would imagine the range is pretty big depending on how close to the beach you are or how nice the digs.

I also, like that Palm Springs is very gay...yet its older gay.  Its different to go to a gay bar and have it be completely packed and everyone is 40 or older.  And, goodlooking 40 and older on top of it. 

I think the medical care should be ok there.  There is a large >40 gay population so there has to be doctors with HIV experience.  Desert medical center is right downtown. 

San Diego is nice and all that but I dont consider it a place to retire.  I've partied in San Diego and had a blast. 

You correctly point out some of the good things that Palm Springs has to offer.  I've had a great time there over a long weekend.  But given more than a week in PS I think I would be bored.  I don't golf and don't spend that much time at the bars.  So what's left?  Yes, you can sit around the pool all day, but still.  I think San Diego would have more to offer over the long haul.  PS seems like more of a second home place for those that can afford it.

[buginme2]

Everyone is forgetting about Laguna beach.

Also a gay retirement place and super nice.  Albeit expensive

[Theyer]

Thank you so much David. I did a rd trip Seattle to LA and the Oregon coast was a joy. Though we often could only see a few feet in front off us due to Sea fog . Walking into a restaurant in one condition off weather exiting it into entirely differant weather was a running Joke.

Oregon was the hit off the trip for me , and that is no down comment on all the other delights , its was just my prior knowledge off Oregon was practically non existant so it all felt like a fantastic discovery.

A friend in Seattle had supplied me with some extraordinary herbal compounds and I lost my journal for the trip so my memory is not as exact as it could be. It was however one off the best months in a time off horrors.

[bocker3]

CA is very big -- how can one even compare San Diego to living in Fesno or Redding, cost-wise -- much less the climates.

Like saying Virginia is expensive because of Loudoun when you can buy a cheap house in Boydton instead.

No one in this thread has mentioned Fresno or Redding, now have they??  But, yes, different parts of any state will have higher or lower costs of living.  That usually stems from whether or not lots of people want to live in one place over the other.  However, CA state taxes are the same everywhere, one must presume, and they are quite high.  Plus, all the state regulations makes gasoline, electricity and other utilities higher than many other places.
All I am saying (and, despite your nitpicking, I stand by what I said) is that if you are on a budget for retirement, California might not be the place to move based on cost.

M

[mecch]

Tel Aviv?  Montevideo?  Lisbon?  Saigon?

[mecch]

Im just throwing names out there, as I will retire where I am I hope. 
But I hear Uruguay is progressive for gay rights.
Here's Gilda (Rita Hayworth) doing her dance in Montevideo when Buenos Aires becomes a trap.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d1C1qQ_VoI

[Miss Philicia]

However, CA state taxes are the same everywhere, one must presume, and they are quite high. 

State income tax, as you well know, isn't the only form of taxation to consider when retiring -- states that have no income tax are going to suck your money out some other manner, sales, property, "licensing" etc. Wyoming has no tax on income but in the end the aggregate tax rate is higher than California, etc.

In the end you all would probably save more money learning to live in 1000 sq ft of space as a married couple but I know most of you are incapable of doing that.

ps: I wasn't nitpicking, your comment was just dumb.

[Jeff G]

In the spirit of keeping a very good thread healthy lets refrain from calling other members with different opinions dumb and get back on topic . Member Jeff is requesting this so lets not make moderator Jeff have to drop in .

[bocker3]

Kiplinger supports my "comment". 

http://www.kiplinger.com/tool/retirement/T055-S001-state-by-state-guide-to-taxes-on-retirees/index.php

[GSOgymrat]

A big factor for where we live is family, both biological and chosen.

[Jeff G]

I have very few friends here I socialize with and I am thinking I may be lonely if I move away . I used to have wanderlust in my veins but I have come to believe if you cant be happy where you are that wont change if you move . I could totally see myself living in Palm Springs ... or Thailand ... I really liked Thailand and I could live very well there .

[Miss Philicia]

Living in Palm Springs would be like being eternally trapped on a bad gay cruise ship.

[mecch]

La Valette Malta? (Gorgeous!)

I looked there are apartments in Montevideo for 100,000 and in fact it is a retirement destination with cheap health insurance and good services...

[buginme2]

La Valette Malta? (Gorgeous!)

I looked there are apartments in Montevideo for 100,000 and in fact it is a retirement destination with cheap health insurance and good services...

We can't even agree on Palm Springs and your throwing out places like La Valetta and Uraguay?

[mitch777]

I have very few friends here I socialize with and I am thinking I may be lonely if I move away . I used to have wanderlust in my veins but I have come to believe if you cant be happy where you are that wont change if you move . I could totally see myself living in Palm Springs ... or Thailand ... I really liked Thailand and I could live very well there .

Same here but future finances are my issue. Downsizing around here into a condo isn't much cheaper than staying put. I have very few friends here but my dearest one and I spend over 95% of our time together on the phone. I could do that wherever we ended up. ALL of our family resides in Minnesota and Michigan and that seems to suit us both fine. No major issues involved. It's just the way it is.

We could easily be happy in something around 1100-1200 sq. ft.

Living in Palm Springs would be like being eternally trapped on a bad gay cruise ship.

I take it you won't be visiting.

La Valette Malta? (Gorgeous!)

I looked there are apartments in Montevideo for 100,000 and in fact it is a retirement destination with cheap health insurance and good services...

Moving out of this country is not an option at this point in my life. Actually never was.

[pittman]

I have to say, I like where I'm at for retirement.  PA doesn't tax retirement savings withdrawals as they took care of that when you put it in.  Summers are not too hot in western PA, and a fireplace with a dog are what winters are for.  Healthcare is great.

Besides, top of the list is my support network of friends. All the rest of the great places are what travel is for.

[scotty54]

Remaining in the DC area. Climate may not be San Diego perfect, but we have an early spring and a lengthy autumn.  Yes the cost-of-living index is higher than average. 

Probably some of the bigger pluses----area residents tend to be well-educated and literate.  Medical care is very good.  And there is always something astir, no matter what ones interests.

[Miss Philicia]

If you retire into a condo unit please make sure you have flood insurance -- it's the only thing that will cover you when your upstairs neighbor's month's old corpse decomposes then explodes and leaks torrents of blood, bile and fermented fluids into your until below.

[AusShep]

If you retire into a condo unit please make sure you have flood insurance -- it's the only thing that will cover you when your upstairs neighbor's month's old corpse decomposes then explodes and leaks torrents of blood, bile and fermented fluids into your until below.

Well, I've had my fill gross for the day, uh, thanks 
Am I the only one who wondered if her dog was ok?

[SouthSam7]

Ft Lauderdale

[Theyer]

Well, I've had my fill gross for the day, uh, thanks 
Am I the only one who wondered if her dog was ok?

There is usually a hint in the link and one learns not to go there .

[scotty54]

Having lived in detached houses and condos both have pro's and con's.  What's the feeling out there about both options for retirement?

Security and privacy can both be considerations. Even the best blinds and curtains let in uninvited glare.

[mecch]

I search further and found
Butami,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batumi
Capital of of the autonomous region of Georgia called Adjara. It's the "pearl of the Black Sea." Its a mixture of Beirut, Odessa, and Atlantic city.  A formerly dowager seaside resort that's being spruced up with mini-dubai/macao modern towers and attractions.

Also I found gorgeous Béjaďa, the main (and small) city of the Kabyle culture in Algeria.
http://ds-lands.com/bejaia.html
A City on the slopes of a mountain overlooking a beautiful bay and the sea, with steps like Capris and nobody around but the Algeriens. The Kablye are a very important branch of the Berber.  They are gorgeous - ideal woman Isabelle Adjani and man Zinedine Zidane...... The french called this city Bougie, because it was a centre of wax trading. 

It's close to Alger and is developing rapidly for tourism but not so much international tourism, vue the political situation.  I looked at real estate prices and its not cheap.
There were riots and suppression in April - the Kabylie have a liberation front / separatist group. There were emeutes this month, as there are Presidential elections.

There's a university, hipsters, and I found this clip put this up recently:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3P5e133j2W8
Its gut wrenching to watch considering whats going on.  Its a tinderbox...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fIQRuT7xgw

[Theyer]

Must say Mecch , your retirement plans are a lot more fun and interesting than Ft Lauderdale , which sounds to me like a great big military laundry.

Estonia ,worthy of consideration, If I was an internationalist , without good state provided medical care, on a limited budjet , with private insurance . The one thing I would want to avoid in my last years is violent political upheaval , which I urge you to consider threw the eyes off a 80 year old , instead off the nimble whippet you currently are.


The video does break ones heart ,when viewed in full context,

[mecch]

I'm having some fun with the topic.  I find it therapeutic because it worries me - where I will retire, with what sort of support, at what income, etc.  (As I said, it would already be great to retire where I am, but its pricey and getting worse yearly.)

Went with the theme that people wouldn't mind retiring to Mediterranean type climates, wherever they might be found (Laguna Beach, for example).

Estonians are lovely but their country is cold 
I do like those Northern European Springs.  Endless beautiful evenings.

I saw a documentary about northern cities in Europe, Hammerfest Finland.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJV8dlRJCIU
Fascinating!
And Yakutsk in Russia

An Arte series called "Extreme Cities"
http://docuwiki.net/index.php?title=Extreme_Cities

One winter in Montreal was enough for me!

[Theyer]

Its a good way to deal with it , playful anxiety confrontation reduction,

I know there is not one place that covers my wants /enjoyments . So I winter and summer, Urban /rural . I fully hope to slip away to death in transit somewhere .

[mecch]

I'm in my 50s - envying George Clooney who finds this vivacious intelligent caviar gauche Lebanese bombshell of a partner and can retire (to maybe mature fatherhood?) in Beirut, Como, London and L.A.

[Theyer]

From the moment he shuffled on to Rossanne I sensed that Mr George was put on this Earth is make me realize just how completely average I am. By the time he was working with the Cohen Broths , I just thought whats the point.

Part off his retirement will include Italy and he will not realize that they have traffic jams.

She is a beut , the little black dress was made for her.

[Jeff G]

You guys are making me look like a slacker because I will most likely retire by sitting on the porch and sipping iced tea . I have grown fond of my recliner too though .

[Theyer]

Jeff ,I have retired its just I am still hopeful and do like to dream that not all months will be like this one. You are not a slacker in my mind , though a daily walk would not go amiss.

[Jeff G]

Jeff ,I have retired its just I am still hopeful and do like to dream that not all months will be like this one. You are not a slacker in my mind , though a daily walk would not go amiss.

I have been walking miles day just shopping here lately .

[Miss Philicia]

I have been walking miles day just shopping here lately .

Liar, you only walk from aisle 3 to aisle 12 at Walmart.

[Jeff G]

Liar, you only walk from aisle 3 to aisle 12 at Walmart.

I have been gardening for many hours a day for weeks so I am getting my exercise ... so there .

[Miss Philicia]

I have been gardening for many hours a day for weeks so I am getting my exercise ... so there .

OK Granny, I expect some MAH.VAHL.LOUS pix where your manse resembles Mitchypoo's within the hour.

[bocker3]

I will NOT be retiring in Richmond!  Had a SWAT team swoop in and surround our neighbor's house today.  Gun-toting men were all around the neighborhood -- including a few using the tree in my front yard as cover.



Not sure what went down, but they took the guy next door away in cuffs and searched his house and property for 4 hours todays.

M

[tednlou2]

I realize I'm far from retirement, being 28 and all, but I think south Florida.  Brian will be able to retire at a fairly youngish age.  I think early 50's.  But, he has been saying he will get another teaching job (perhaps private school), after he retires.  The question will be whether to make a total move or be a snowbird.  His parents are snowbirds.  They leave right after Christmas and return just before Derby.  But, they have all four kids here, several grandkids, and now great-grandkids.  They have something in which to return.  They have a circle of friends here and there.

His mom's twin sister and other sister are snowbirds in the same neighborhood.  That seems like an ideal situation, to me.  They get to spend time together that they don't the rest of the year, because her sisters live in Michigan.  I have my issues with my brother, but it would be nice to retire in the same town with him and his partner.  Brian's parents live in Englewood, FL, which is in between Tampa and Ft Myers.  It has a nice beach and some of the best sunsets I've seen.  However, it is a very sleepy town.  While I don't see myself hitting the clubs, I would want to be someplace where there were things happening.  Perhaps south Florida will have another housing crisis by then and homes/condos will be cheaper.   

[Jeff G]

OK Granny, I expect some MAH.VAHL.LOUS pix where your manse resembles Mitchypoo's within the hour.

I have been sending pics to Mitch and Ann and Theyer ... They have been very encouraging and not one time have they tried to change the conversation by bringing up ramps or suggesting I plant my garden in Philadelphia ... so there .   

[mitch777]

I realize I'm far from retirement, being 28 and all,   

*cough* 

[Theyer]

I have been sending pics to Mitch and Ann and Theyer ... They have been very encouraging and not one time have they tried to change the conversation by bringing up ramps or suggesting I plant my garden in Philadelphia ... so there .

Tis all true , activity abounds,it will be a Garden that gets noticed, in 3 years time the I AM GAY notice will be completely redundant.

[Ann]

I have been sending pics to Mitch and Ann and Theyer ...

Oh the infidelity! I'm going to have to go lie down in a darkened room with a cool damp cloth over my eyes and forehead now.

[Miss Philicia]

I have been sending pics to Mitch and Ann and Theyer ... They have been very encouraging and not one time have they tried to change the conversation by bringing up ramps or suggesting I plant my garden in Philadelphia ... so there .   

Lordy -- folks don't have gardens in Philly. We pave our small 6'x10' back lots over with concrete and make a patio.

We have community gardens (socialism!) and municipal parks (high taxes!) for our trees and flowers.

ps: obviously you still haven't figured out how to post an image using photobucket

[elf]

Go to Thailand. 

[Grasshopper]

La Valette Malta? (Gorgeous!)

or Cyprus ?

http://newdirectionfoundation.org/content/out-now-tax-liberation-day-2013-calendar-auch-einer-deutschen-ausgabe-erh%C3%A4ltlich

[zach]

marble, nc. just south of the smokes

[Miss Philicia]

OK fine -- I am going to retire to Skútustađahreppur, Ísland (Iceland) on the shores of Lake Mývatn. Or maybe Akureyri which is close by but more cosmopolitan with ~18,000 population, plus quick flights to Reykjavík.

[Theyer]

MissP ---please do and can I visit , the food will be a bit off a challenge but I do like the idea off living somewhere where you have to get clearance that your new building with not disturb the Fairy,s . So respectful and barking mad and its not often you get the two together. Plus I really like Arnaldur Indriňason and Yrsa Sigurňardóttir book,s .

[tednlou2]

Brian Williams was listening and reported this:


http://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/infographic-top-5-best-worst-places-retire-n97966

[Miss Philicia]

the food will be a bit off a challenge

You'll eat a lot of lamb and fish, that's about it.

[Theyer]

You'll eat a lot of lamb and fish, that's about it.

That's fine when its said like that , but its the cuts and pickling that is popular , I find sheep's eye off putting and as to eating it,lets not revisit my Lebanese lovers family dinners and the dares, comments about my manhood and his Uncles relish at eating them with horrible loud squelching and slurping . shudder.

[Miss Philicia]

That's fine when its said like that , but its the cuts and pickling that is popular , I find sheep's eye off putting and as to eating it,lets not revisit my Lebanese lovers family dinners and the dares, comments about my manhood and his Uncles relish at eating them with horrible loud squelching and slurping . shudder.

Just refrain at all times from eating Hákarl when offered to you -- it's basically spoiled, putrified shark meat. Worst tasting food in the entire world.

And yes, I sampled one bite and spit it out. And I never have done that with weird food overseas.

[mitch777]

What happened to this thread? lol. I guess I'm on my own. 

[Theyer]

Just refrain at all times from eating Hákarl when offered to you -- it's basically spoiled, putrified shark meat. Worst tasting food in the entire world.

And yes, I sampled one bite and spit it out. And I never have done that with weird food overseas.

Exactly, that is one off the dishes? I was thinking about. Plus the film off the book Jar City By Arnaldur Indriňason where the detective frequently visits the Americana Drive throe take away for Chips and half a sheep's head which he eats with great relish saving the eye for special delight, then there the dried cod ,pickled cod, its a cuisine you can only tolerate if known since birth.

Its the argument my late hubby had over my love off Marmite and Kidney,s and his addiction to cream off wheat ,foul stuff.

n.b. Marmite and kidney,s is NOT a dish they are enjoyed as separate food,s .

[mecch]

I gag on tripe/chitterlings/andouillette, and rather often on average or disgusting paella. I mean rabbit and snails.... Sometimes its the thought but other times its the disgusting quality of the meat - rotten, so "disguised" as "paella"....

[Theyer]

I gag on tripe/chitterlings/andouillette, and rather often on average or disgusting paella. I mean rabbit and snails.... Sometimes its the thought but other times its the disgusting quality of the meat - rotten, so "disguised" as "paella"....

Sounds like we can order for each other . Tripe I have Uncles who cannot get through the week without the vile stuff boiled in milk and onions. I first had chitterlings in front off various members off late hubbies family who wet themselves at my reaction. It was the only time in my life that I was grateful to have very strong P Rican neat Rum on hand.

[weasel]

A big factor for where we live is family, both biological and chosen.

     My Aunty Rose told me years ago  " DON'T MOVE TO BE WITH FAMILY " , " YOU WILL BE SORRY "

     Well .........  I did not listen 

    I picked Missouri for low taxes , very low !   

     I could not be in a more inconvenient place to live 

     The Air Port is 150 miles away , The V.A. Hospital is   130 miles away .
   
     Any " Real "  super Markets are hours away .   

      I do have to say OTHER  than last winter ; I have enjoyed the winter climate of the Ozarks  , The
      Summers are a living HELL       If not for my pool I would shrivel and die 

       We've been here 10 years , I have no intentions of moving , But IF I did ?   It would be Saint Louis .
     I miss the gay life , no dinner parties here of the gay sort .

       I'm finding retirement  not to be as fun as it would have been if we had stayed in Las Vegas . But the
      downfall of Las Vegas is one needs a car and might as well live in L.A. for all the traffic congestion .
 
        So I guess being stuck in the woods works for me .    The biggest comfort is knowing we can afford
      to live as well as one could wish , although secluded .

       I just asked Bob , He says Texas would be his choice !    Stating No Income Tax and mild winters .
     I'm not sure about the mild winters ?   
        I do know Houston   has very cheap homes ,compared to most of the U.S. market .   
     
        All said and done ........   Living in the middle of 25 acres is paradise .
     Plus we have an old Cemetery on the property     I don't have to leave even after death .

                                                       " Is it Vacation time ? "    Carl 

[BT65]

Carl, you have a cemetery on your property??     I could never live there. 

[Miss Philicia]

Thank you! Philadelphia just scored #1 place to retire without a car

[Since1993]

       I'm finding retirement  not to be as fun as it would have been if we had stayed in Las Vegas . But the
      downfall of Las Vegas is one needs a car and might as well live in L.A. for all the traffic congestion .

Heads-up regarding relcocating to Las Vegas.

There is currently an 8-week waiting list just to get screened for ADAP/Ryan White Part B access.  There are only (2) individuals at the (1) agency (Access To Healthcare) in Las Vegas charged by the State of Nevada to process ADAP/Ryan White Part B applicants in the Las Vegas grant area (approx. 2 million people, 75% of Nevada's population).  Access to Ryan White Parts A/C/D is spread out through various HIV/AIDS agencies throughout Las Vegas, however, the state took away their ability to process ADAP/Ryan White Part B applicants and gave it solely to Access To Healthcare.

I experienced this first hand upon relocating to Las Vegas.  I was fortunate to have three months of medication on-hand before I moved.  Given the spirit of the Ryan White Care Act was to remove barriers to access to medications for people with HIV/AIDS, what is going on in Las Vegas is hideous.  There are currently (7) paid individuals administering Ryan White Care program at state level and only (2) processing Part B apps. to recipients in Las Vegas.  There is a open, gaping wound of organizational dysfunction in Nevada, and no one seems very concerned about it, or willing to actually do something to change it.  I guess its become such a part of the culture here that they just accept it.

Advantages of Ryan White/ADAP in Nevada is 400% FPL limit, and they have 36 ARV and 50+ "other" medications on the ADAP formulary.  While Part B/ADAP will pay for insurance premiums and medication co-pays, they do NOT pay outpatient medical copays that other states pay.

The primary county clinic that provides HIV primary care is fitted with plexiglass that separates the reception area from the waiting area.  They provide three small holes you can communicate with the office staff.  There is a television provided for the long wait (upward 1 hour after appointment time) and included in the clinic "welcome" packet, is a copy of the Nevada HIV criminal statute.  I instead chose to get linked into care with a private clinic where human interaction to reception is encouraged.  On balance, there are multiple providers for HIV/AIDS care which improves choice since the implementation of the ACA.

Las Vegas cost-of-living is low in comparison to other metropolitan areas of the West.  Very affordable for those on limited income.  What struck me most upon arrival was the amount of abject poverty witnessed.  I've worked and lived throughout the United States and I have never seen so many homeless and transitional living in my adult life.

All that glitters is not gold.