We are toward the end of that decision making process now. We moved here for work and we know we don't want to stay. So, I started a few years ago with a spreadsheet. We too, have moved around over the years. We know people everywhere and could go anywhere so.... I began to collect information on a chart to compare prices and places and things to do. Consider what kinds of things you want to do in your free time - take classes, volunteer, create art or crafts, walk the beach, hike trails, read, write, etc.?? So, plan to be in an area where you can do those things you love. We also talked about what we would do inside a house. Winter weather will keep us in, at times, so the husband and I will need some space call our own. Stairs will be an issue and I would love a fireplace.
Our sons are spread out but most of our family is on the east coast. (Grandmother will tell you that family grows more important to you as you age) We started our discussion in Florida - too hot and too many bugs. GA/SC still too hot and the bug thing, not to mention the hurricanes. NC - better but still too warm and muggy for us - the northern tip was considered but someone posted that, "unless you have a boat or play golf, there is nothing else to do.." So we moved north. VA - Norfolk area - too crowded with military. MD/DE nothing there for us. NJ/NY oh heck no!, CT/RI - We loved it there but they tax EVERYTHING and we cannot afford to go back. MA is too expensive, NH too rural so we have settled on Maine. There is much to do in Portland and medical issues caused us to focus on the area with access to specialists. Now we hope the right property comes on the market....
