Checking out new areas

I moved from New York (not the city) 6 months ago to North Carolina and I'm moving back in the spring. You have given it a good shot, alot longer than me, however I'm dissatisfied with my locale for many reasons.

Yes, the area is beautiful and full of nature and the weather is better than NY in the winter (but still cold with snow sometimes!) however the housing prices to purchase are ridiculously high (Asheville), there are too many people, traffic is terrible, and even though there are many opportunities to do things here, it is still difficult to make new friends. As you stated, many women seem to be married and/or involved with their families and single people understandably have to take a back seat to that.

My next plan will be to return to my small home (so glad I didn't sell it like I was planning to) and enjoy beautiful NY state during the nice seasons (spring, summer, fall) and look for an area to live for next winter. Who knows, I may find some place I really like and will want to relocate there permanently.

Northern California is beautiful and it sounds like a great opportunity for you to get to know another area, with the added benefit of having family there. No one says you have to be there forever if you find you don't want to be.

In the apartment house I currently live in, there are a number of over 60 single women who have come here for the same reason I have - to check it out and see if we like it or not. That's the beauty of retirement.

Thinking of maybe trying out Sun City in Arizona or The Villages in Florida next winter and would love to hear from others who are single who have experienced one or the other to get their take on it. The many activities sound great and maybe there are more opportunities for friendship.

Best of luck to you and remember that at this point you don't have to be stuck anywhere!


p.s. This post was written in response to this one: https://www.retirement-online.com/get-better-not-retirement-stinks.html
but its too good not to share more widely! Wendy

Comments for Checking out new areas

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Re: Checking out new areas
by: NHW, NY

I was forced out of my facilities position years before I planned. I found myself with all the symptoms everyone talks about.

After thinking hard about reinventing myself, I started a home watch business in the Lower NY state primarily for snowbirds. I found many clients don’t do it just to get away from the snow but to test the waters of new areas for a later permanent address.

Most were first afraid of leaving their homes unoccupied, but there are people like myself all over the country that can make the transition easier.
New areas
by: Doris Reinert

Thank you for your response - makes me feel like I am not alone!

Asheville is very, very busy and I think overrated, but the same thing is happening here. I think consulting companies are hired to build up and promote certain areas and then the area explodes.

You were smart to keep your house in New York but that was not an option for me and I no longer had any family there. I love the idea of two small places to coincide with the seasons.

As I said, I have a small motor home that I could actually spend a bit of time in before I settle on something. That is one of the upsides of retirement. This is not a good fit for me - I really do not want to live in a suburban environments - been there, done that, it is for families. That’s the reality of my situation.

Anyway, appears I have a buyer for my house so on too the next challenge of being homeless for a while. Thank you, again.
Check out Venice, Florida!
by: Michael D. Bell, REALTOR®, Venice Florida

Hello -

Check out Venice, Florida! Warm temperatures year-round, sunny skies, and our breathtaking beaches!

I too live in Upstate NY during the summer (4 months) and live in Florida for the other 8 months. I retired here in 2016 and LOVE it!

We have a mature population here in Venice (median age around 69.) There are available homes in all price ranges. And, NO INCOME TAX once you have established residency.

There are many outdoor activities (golf, tennis, walking, hiking, hanging out on the beach) and a wonderful arts scene here, a great way to make new friends.

We are located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, just 20 miles south of Sarasota.

Please contact me if I can provide you with some information about our great area here in Southwest Florida, where living truly is "just another day in paradise."

Michael D. Bell, REALTOR®
Century 21 Schmidt Real Estate
941-303-3608
VeniceJADIP-at-gmail.com

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