location, location, location

[SoulBiter]

North Georgia mountains... near the Blue Ridge or Dahlonega area. Beautiful area, close enough to Atlanta to be able to head into a big city if you wanted. Low cost of living, the views are outstanding... you can experience some of every season. My wife and I go there often and so far that is where we plan to retire.

However we, very soon, will be relocating to Ohio (Cincinnati area) to be closer to her aging parents. There are things I like about that area. One is all the little townships that have different goings on. The German festivals they have are outstanding. But I wouldn't want to permanently live there.. at least for now.

[rdhopeca]

I intend to retire to Maui.

[lorin]

I am in Costa Rica right now. DAMN........this place is amazing!!!!! Maybe I should rethink NM.

[aliantha]

I hear Costa Rica is cheap, too....

I've been to Hawaii, but I didn't make it Maui -- only Oahu and the Big Island. I hear every island has a different personality. The North Shore of Oahu reminded me very much of the area where I grew up, oddly enough.

[Ananda]

I am in Costa Rica right now. DAMN........this place is amazing!!!!! Maybe I should rethink NM.

Wow, Lorin, you are all over the world lately! Hope you're having a great time!

[Avatar]

Sheesh guys. Everybody knows you have to come to Africa.

--A

[rdhopeca]

I hear Costa Rica is cheap, too....

I've been to Hawaii, but I didn't make it Maui -- only Oahu and the Big Island. I hear every island has a different personality. The North Shore of Oahu reminded me very much of the area where I grew up, oddly enough.

The first time I got on a plane to leave Maui is the saddest day of my life that did not involve a funeral or a breakup. Love the place.

[peter]

Abroad....mmmmm.......Nepal maybe. People are the most stoic, down to earth and capable individuals I have ever encountered [unless they get 'fired up' which is happily rare] and it is in their nature to be friendly and helpfull. The country ranges from lush and tropical to high and austere, in some cases in the mountains, within a few short miles of each other. There is a 'spiritual feel' and an ancientness that is beguiling and you quickly fall in love with the place. You could meditate away the time there quite happily. Oh, and you are close to India and Tibet and 'the roof of the world'.

[Harbinger]

Be sure to consider the tax climate in your retirement mecca of choice. Now that I've typed that, I am 100% positive you have asked this before and I gave basically the same answer.

[peter]

In Europe, well, the UK [I'd have to say that though wouldn't I]. Away from London there is clean air, green feilds, mountains, fells and pastures. There is culture to keep you going for a lifetime, mystery and folklore enough for the most ardent new-ager to immerse herself in and the best food in the world at a fraction of the cost antwhere else. Plus we'd be the better for your being here .

[aliantha]

Aw, shucks, peter.

Harbinger, thanks. I've looked at the tax issue for both NM and Colorado, and it's pretty much a wash. In fact, most states seem to have tax-code perks that kick in once you hit retirement age -- property-tax exemptions, exemptions for Social Security and pension payments, and so on. So I think another big chunk of the decision is finding a place where I feel comfortable.

[MsMary]

I intend to retire to Maui.

I was just there. It's nice and relaxed.

Not a cheap place to live, however.

[aliantha]

I intend to retire to Maui.

I was just there. It's nice and relaxed.

Not a cheap place to live, however.

Nope, not at all. Just ask Wadds (if she ever gets her butt back here...).

My brother was talking about moving to the Big Island at one point. I told him I hope he likes poi, since every other foodstuff has to be flown in. Well, I guess they grow pineapples and Kona coffee, too, but I think the corporate interests have those pretty much locked down.

[rdhopeca]

I intend to retire to Maui.

I was just there. It's nice and relaxed.

Not a cheap place to live, however.

You don't need much. A studio apartment with a bed to sleep in, and that's it. You won't be spending time at home.

[MsMary]

I intend to retire to Maui.

I was just there. It's nice and relaxed.

Not a cheap place to live, however.

Nope, not at all. Just ask Wadds (if she ever gets her butt back here...).

My brother was talking about moving to the Big Island at one point. I told him I hope he likes poi, since every other foodstuff has to be flown in. Well, I guess they grow pineapples and Kona coffee, too, but I think the corporate interests have those pretty much locked down.

Certain parts of the Big Island are cheaper in terms of real estate due to...ahem...risk of your home being inundated by lava.

Fresh produce is very readily available, and we did very well for ourselves shopping at the local Whole Foods for our Shabbat food (since we don't use money to eat out on Shabbat).

Pineapples are cheap and delicious, I have to say that. The pineapples were at least a quarter of what we pay here.

[MsMary]

I intend to retire to Maui.

I was just there. It's nice and relaxed.

Not a cheap place to live, however.

You don't need much. A studio apartment with a bed to sleep in, and that's it. You won't be spending time at home.

Still the price of buying or renting ain't cheap. The price of gasoline is absurd. Be prepared to join Costco. You wouldn't believe the line outside Costco in Kahului. Everyone goes there for gas and other savings.