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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Second Chance on October 29, 2019, 02:03:00 PM

Title: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Second Chance on October 29, 2019, 02:03:00 PM
There was a thread on the old forum called "Where to retire", so I thought I'd create one here. It looks like that one was started 10 years ago and perhaps things have changed as well. I have to take very (very) early retirement for health reasons. I always imagined myself as dropping mid-lecture or colloquium  at age 95 but looks like the opposite has happened. "Re invention" is hard because I was already doing everything the way I wanted the first time- a scientist, researcher, and around others who want to learn and share and lead a life of the mind. Heaven.

Ok, so that's background. I also cannot stay put because the climate is hard on my health; am therefore in a temporary big city suburb and do not like it. (I also of course lost my status in the community as a professor. Had I been able to stay where I was, even as emeritus my status would have been fine.)  Hence looking for ideas on permanent place and I fear I am impossible to please.  Here is what I picture.

I wake up at 7 am after a completely uninterrupted night's sleep where if I heard anything at all during the night, its nature, not neighbors or trucks. The uninterrupted night's sleep every night is super important. On the other hand, I also do not want to be in the middle of nowhere, so to continue the day, after a light breakfast and an hour of computer writing, I walk outside 3 blocks and today I choose to go "to town". So after those 3 blocks, there's at least one store there where I can buy something – maybe a cup of coffee, maybe a loaf of bread (with a bench outside so I can rest before going back). If there's a few more shops on the block, that's great. But if it is so crowded and filled with loads of noise, then not good at all. And I should mention the 3 block walk should be pleasant and not be on a highway, or not require crossing a 4 lane road. Weather wise, the day was partially cloudy, but not too sunny, and there was no ice on the ground or snow cover...

I guess I can keep going with story but maybe you get idea. Things I need are quiet enough to sleep (during night and one afternoon nap), but conveniences nearby. Weather very important for both health and comfort and I don't like climates that have a lot of sun -  nor a lot of snow. College towns or nearby make sense to me so I can be around like minded people (those  who are not in academia just feel like a different species to me. Sorry if that makes me a snob. I'm not rude or mean or anything, just feel more isolated when there's no like minded person to talk to), not to mention youthful eager  labor I can hire for odd jobs... but that's not a requirement I cannot be so close to the action tho that I am in danger of having college roommates living next to me (noise).

Expense is an issue; have always been a saver, but my salary was never high enough to afford luxury retirement, I suppose this means if the idea is Hawaii, I might not be able to do it, but still would like to hear  all ideas (including international ones) and see if I can make it happen. Availability of food is sometimes a good test too. I like fresh food, dislike chain resteraunts, dislike heavy American food, like mediterrainean food, prefer quality to quantitiy  – not that I eat out a lot, its just a reflector of others' mindset in the neighborhood.

. I've toured some suburbs which are basically suburban bedroom communities and have hated them. I also like nature, so I prefer a half day in the park to a half day at a museum or concert. I do not need any cultural activities (though perhaps I get along with others who do), love intellectual conversations, dogs, nature, the outdoors, science. Oh, there should be decent medical care nearby – preferably some non-mainstream but non flaky kinds as well - and delivery from whole foods market  would be a plus, but not required... Would a mid size town work for me maybe? I just don't know.

So seems impossible. Quiet yet not middle of nowhere, like minded, intellectual, healthy, affordable. Sigh.

I should also add that those increasingly places/retirement communities affiliated with colleges are not a good choice for me. I looked in to a few of them and they are  mostly filled with people with bachelor's degrees who did not lead an academic life but figure they can now do what they never had much of a chance to – take some courses and learn more. Not a former professor in site. For me, this is not a good fit because these are the people I might have taught, they are not my peers. Guess I'm being an elitist again but I'm out of their league and would do better among the toothless in west viriginia that wannabes (since that's apples and oranges, so no conflict). So that won't work for me. I am not sure why I'm being so snarky in this message – sorry about  that -  am just tired and a bunch of things lately have gotten me on defensive and on edge- no sleep for example.

Which places do you love and why? Suggestions for me in particular? Any place you know of sound like it would meet these criteria?  Thanks.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: ciao_yall on October 29, 2019, 03:10:59 PM
Quote from: Second Chance on October 29, 2019, 02:03:00 PM
There was a thread on the old forum called "Where to retire", so I thought I'd create one here. It looks like that one was started 10 years ago and perhaps things have changed as well. I have to take very (very) early retirement for health reasons. I always imagined myself as dropping mid-lecture or colloquium  at age 95 but looks like the opposite has happened. "Re invention" is hard because I was already doing everything the way I wanted the first time- a scientist, researcher, and around others who want to learn and share and lead a life of the mind. Heaven.

Ok, so that's background. I also cannot stay put because the climate is hard on my health; am therefore in a temporary big city suburb and do not like it. (I also of course lost my status in the community as a professor. Had I been able to stay where I was, even as emeritus my status would have been fine.)  Hence looking for ideas on permanent place and I fear I am impossible to please.  Here is what I picture.

I wake up at 7 am after a completely uninterrupted night's sleep where if I heard anything at all during the night, its nature, not neighbors or trucks. The uninterrupted night's sleep every night is super important. On the other hand, I also do not want to be in the middle of nowhere, so to continue the day, after a light breakfast and an hour of computer writing, I walk outside 3 blocks and today I choose to go "to town". So after those 3 blocks, there's at least one store there where I can buy something – maybe a cup of coffee, maybe a loaf of bread (with a bench outside so I can rest before going back). If there's a few more shops on the block, that's great. But if it is so crowded and filled with loads of noise, then not good at all. And I should mention the 3 block walk should be pleasant and not be on a highway, or not require crossing a 4 lane road. Weather wise, the day was partially cloudy, but not too sunny, and there was no ice on the ground or snow cover...

I guess I can keep going with story but maybe you get idea. Things I need are quiet enough to sleep (during night and one afternoon nap), but conveniences nearby. Weather very important for both health and comfort and I don't like climates that have a lot of sun -  nor a lot of snow. College towns or nearby make sense to me so I can be around like minded people (those  who are not in academia just feel like a different species to me. Sorry if that makes me a snob. I'm not rude or mean or anything, just feel more isolated when there's no like minded person to talk to), not to mention youthful eager  labor I can hire for odd jobs... but that's not a requirement I cannot be so close to the action tho that I am in danger of having college roommates living next to me (noise).

Expense is an issue; have always been a saver, but my salary was never high enough to afford luxury retirement, I suppose this means if the idea is Hawaii, I might not be able to do it, but still would like to hear  all ideas (including international ones) and see if I can make it happen. Availability of food is sometimes a good test too. I like fresh food, dislike chain resteraunts, dislike heavy American food, like mediterrainean food, prefer quality to quantitiy  – not that I eat out a lot, its just a reflector of others' mindset in the neighborhood.

. I've toured some suburbs which are basically suburban bedroom communities and have hated them. I also like nature, so I prefer a half day in the park to a half day at a museum or concert. I do not need any cultural activities (though perhaps I get along with others who do), love intellectual conversations, dogs, nature, the outdoors, science. Oh, there should be decent medical care nearby – preferably some non-mainstream but non flaky kinds as well - and delivery from whole foods market  would be a plus, but not required... Would a mid size town work for me maybe? I just don't know.

So seems impossible. Quiet yet not middle of nowhere, like minded, intellectual, healthy, affordable. Sigh.

I should also add that those increasingly places/retirement communities affiliated with colleges are not a good choice for me. I looked in to a few of them and they are  mostly filled with people with bachelor's degrees who did not lead an academic life but figure they can now do what they never had much of a chance to – take some courses and learn more. Not a former professor in site. For me, this is not a good fit because these are the people I might have taught, they are not my peers. Guess I'm being an elitist again but I'm out of their league and would do better among the toothless in west viriginia that wannabes (since that's apples and oranges, so no conflict). So that won't work for me. I am not sure why I'm being so snarky in this message – sorry about  that -  am just tired and a bunch of things lately have gotten me on defensive and on edge- no sleep for example.

Which places do you love and why? Suggestions for me in particular? Any place you know of sound like it would meet these criteria?  Thanks.

Cousin and her husband retired to Spain on a retirement visa in their early 60's. Between both their SS's they have a million dollar lifestyle: 5 acre farm, horse, etc. Cost of living is very low. They decided not to do the national health but pay only $250 per month. They can stay until they die, basically, which is kind of the plan.

They live near Malaga in a community filled with Dutch and British expats so not speaking Spanish isn't a big problem. There was a LOT of paperwork, but Spain as well as Portugal want to make it easy for retirees to bring their pensions and generate a lot of VAT tax.

We went to visit them and almost didn't come home to the USA.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: pedanticromantic on October 29, 2019, 03:29:16 PM
Maybe Oregon outside Portland is the right climate if you want to move inside USA.
You don't tell us citizenship or languages which might help people steer you abroad.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Puget on October 29, 2019, 03:33:53 PM
Not too sunny/hot but also no snow suggests pacific northwest. How do you feel about rain all winter? If you're OK with that you might like my eponymous region.

I grew up in Olympia, WA-- State capitol, mid-size town with a (very alternative) state college (Evergreen), plenty of nature (on the sound, lots of parks, hiking nearby), and culture if you change your mind about that (good local theater and music scene, lots of fun home-grown events). Coffee shop culture where you could strike up conversations or sit for hours with the crossword or a book. High tolerance for quirkiness and different types of lifestyles. Generally very liberal (lots of Greeners who stayed), but not universally so (also lots of ex-military). Reasonable cost of living at least compared to large cities. You really have to be OK with rain though.

[Modified to add: Also plenty of restaurant choices that would fit your preferences and a great farmers' market].

Per pedanticromantic, I love Portland but it has gotten VERY expensive and also may now be bigger than what the OP is looking for.

I do think you're being way too snobby for your own good though-- I know lots of folks without PhDs who are educated (sometimes self-educated) about all sorts of interesting things and who I learn from. Why deprive yourself of the chance to experience those interactions by preemptively deciding a degree is required to be on "your level"?
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: spork on October 29, 2019, 03:41:02 PM
If you retired earlier than expected because of health problems, you might want to live in close proximity to an academic medical center -- e.g., Durham, NC; Des Moines, IA; etc. But since you don't specify what kind of climate is hard on your health, it's difficult to get more specific.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Hibush on October 29, 2019, 05:03:49 PM
It sounds like a mid-sized town in the actual Mediterranean would hit the spot.

Padova has been a college town since 1222, so there must be some intellectual life. Decent apartments rent for around a thousand euro a month. There must be an espresso bar within three blocks of any of those apartments.

If you prefer Spanish dysfunction to Italian dysfunction, Valencia or Bilbao (Biscay, not Med) also have universities, coffee and bread within blocks, good food, beaches, reasonable living costs and other English-speaking retirees.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: clean on October 30, 2019, 12:12:32 AM
I have been thinking about places to retire.  I was near Celebration and Kissimmee Florida last fall for some time. I was doing research there, and lived in my camper at an RV park. It was near Disney World. I worked in the morning and in the afternoon, I would go to either EPCOT or Disney Springs to walk.  It is paved and has plenty of people around in case I had any issues getting around.  As long as I left by 7, I would beat most of the crowds.  (Avoid EPCOT on the weekends as that was Food and Wine season, and weekends are invaded by drunks trying to drink at every country around the world showcase).

As the 'season' got going, the RV park hosted getogethers for the residents.  Many were 'snow birds' , but there were plenty of people around. 

There seem to be many such condo areas in Florida that cater to seasonal residents.  The comradeship seems to flow from October to April or so.  Then they return to whence they came.  Similarly, you may want to consider a 'best of both worlds' situation.  Avoid Florida when it is hot and hurricane threatened from April to mid October, and live somewhere like where you are now, or where you once lived, and live in Florida the other part of the year.  You can do it in an RV or  condo.  Some condos are rather reasonably priced, though not necessarily near the theme park areas of Florida, but closer to Tampa and Sarasota.  Im sure that there are plenty on the Atlantic coast too. 
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: lightning on October 30, 2019, 12:17:06 AM
Quote from: Hibush on October 29, 2019, 05:03:49 PM
It sounds like a mid-sized town in the actual Mediterranean would hit the spot.

Padova has been a college town since 1222, so there must be some intellectual life. Decent apartments rent for around a thousand euro a month. There must be an espresso bar within three blocks of any of those apartments.

If you prefer Spanish dysfunction to Italian dysfunction
, Valencia or Bilbao (Biscay, not Med) also have universities, coffee and bread within blocks, good food, beaches, reasonable living costs and other English-speaking retirees.

Ha ha. The dysfunction is real, although I'll take Spanish dysfunction over Italian dysfunction, any day.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Second Chance on October 30, 2019, 06:30:15 AM
Thanks much and am reading thru them all.

To answer a question, the climates that are too hard on my health include too much sun. There are a few websites that give the data on amount of sun over the course of a year, either as number of days of sun, or percent or sun. So 80-85 percent sun (often works out to over 200 days per year of sun) is way too much. 55-60 percent sun (100 days? ) works out fine. This is the most important climate condition i need to avoid- too much bright sun. But if i can have more, I also do not do well in too much snow. I think i can tolerate up to about 14 inches on average a year, though would prefer less (since with averages, some years that's an awful lot). And finally, i prefer too humid to too dry. So climates wih lows of 7 percent humidity are out. Often i can tell if  like a climate by looking at the highs and lows during the day. if there's too much climb in the course of one day, that means the humidity is too low. (but if its not sunny and not to omuch snow, at this point i'd be willing to risk this).

I know there are plenty of non phd folk who are just as intellectually interested etc as I am and I always judge folks on their own merit and don't care what their degrees are eithe rway once i meet them. (indeed i know many ph.d.'s who are utter idiots) - the cool thing tho about other academics is the vetting process is done for you. if you don't have alot of time, then odds are higher youll find like minded amont those. Plus often other liberals, others interested in good health and so on. its statistical is the advantage. Plus it gives a whole culture of academia, not just a scattered one or two folks. Had a great childhood, but when i found academia, I knew I was home. Don't want to give up being on my home planet, if i can help it. (and if i can't, i'll go entirely in a different dirrection - community of dog lovers or something)

ok, hope i didn't get off topic- was just trying to clarify. Thanks again for input.

(oh, on other questions, language wise fine with spanish, tho not fluent. only thing about international is how long it will take to solve the logistics. hard for me to travel to even check things out for example. )
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: simpleSimon on October 30, 2019, 06:39:38 AM
Best places to retire on the West Coast
https://thestacker.com/stories/3460/best-places-retire-west-coast?utm_source=12345

Best places to retire in the Midwest
https://thestacker.com/stories/3458/best-places-retire-midwest

Best places to retire on the East Coast
https://thestacker.com/stories/3083/best-places-retire-east-coast
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Second Chance on October 30, 2019, 07:12:50 AM
A quick p.s. since it doens't look like I can edit.
I also cannot tolerate structure-borne noise any longer, so big buildings with lots of units are out of the question (unless something super unuusal for insulation, in which case no higher than one flilght up). So likely a stand alonge single family dwelling makes most sense.

If i didn't make it clear enough from the original post, at the moment, primary motivating for moving as soon as possible is noise. Mostly its the structure borne noise from a buiding with zero insulation (I've spoken to sound engineers who tell me my bldg is a lost cause and was built with zero insualtion or noise remdieation,), but have also gotten sick of constant intrusive noisy "improvements" that management brings to hedges and walkways and the like- constant noise. And  seems to be a banner year for non stop leaf blowers, and chain saws.

guess that doesn't help pick the town? So the noise is driving me to move, but where i move to has to be constrained by weather, and as long as i'm moving, like minded neighbors seems like a real bonus if can swing out.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: mythbuster on October 30, 2019, 07:34:43 AM
Based on your not too sunny and damp requirements, I'm voting for Oregon. Eugene, Corvallis, or Newport if you want to be on the coast. NOAA has a big outpost in Newport, so they do have good educated contingent. As for Europe, maybe Belgium or the Netherlands?
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: mamselle on October 30, 2019, 07:59:40 AM
Southern France, maybe Toulouse, or Aix-en-Provence? Southern French dysfunctionality is a blend of the Italian and Spanish versions with a good variety of all those foods thrown in.

A friend's family has part of a castle in Taulignon. That was cool. Lavender grows quietly nearby, and yet you're not far from Grenoble if you want more activity once in awhile.

Grenoble also houses several "student-abroad" and "intensive French language study" programs. So there are academics there; there are several other smaller but congenial university towns dotted around the region (or a bit away) like Lyons, too.

If your Spanish is OK, someplace outside Barcelona might include Santa Maria del Mar, where some of the very early Romanesque basilicas are (they may be under conservation sometimes, but even that tends to be quieter, has been my experience, than in the US...the testosterone-fueled yelling at each other and pounding hammers loudly to make the point that they're working soooo hard seems less predominant, and I thiiinnnkk (not sure) there are more limitations on leafblowers than we have (I hate the things, too, and am often heard saying, loudly, "Get a broom!"...)).

More pondering after I finish the next step on the paper on 13th c. French processions that I have to give on Saturday upcoming...

;--}

M.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: spork on October 30, 2019, 09:10:25 AM
Little snow, too humid better than too dry: upstate SC -- Clemson, Greenville -- or Columbia, SC? Don't know how many sunny days per year there, but probably less than places in Colorado, and closer to sea level so somewhat less UV radiation than at Rocky Mountain altitudes, although SC is slightly closer to the equator.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Volhiker78 on October 30, 2019, 09:59:53 AM
Maybe check out NC mountain area.  Even if it is sunny,  there are plenty of locations that don't get a lot of direct sunlight.  Asheville NC is popular among retirees - UNC Asheville has a pretty large learning program for non-students.  It does snow in Asheville but it is usually light.  Other college towns in NC mountains are Boone and Cullowhee.  On the Tennessee side,  Maryville is popular among retirees - small college located there and very close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and also Knoxville airport. 
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Second Chance on October 30, 2019, 10:55:11 AM
Again, thanks, and am adding stuff to a list.

on quiet, i'm assuming for all these, one can find quiet accomodations?- except perhaps for the snowbirding in Florida idea; i like that in principle, but alot of winter housing is pretty tightly packed together (in manufactured housing...).

at beginning of my career, i loved charlottesville, VA and thought that would be perfect place to be. Last time i visited was about 10 years ago - and somehow magic was gone. Hard to know what percent of that was me changing and what percent was C'ville changing. Also loved wolfeboro NH (but a while ago- who knows now), though not exactly college town. problem with that is too much snow and even if i escaped for a couple of months south, i thnk overall, a little colder than I want. so scrateched that off (but just to give you a sense of what i have liked). I did surprisingly well in flagstaff, AZ - always had more energy there than predicted when i visisted - but way too much snow and don't want to winter in phonex or tucson, i don't think. For much of my early life, i thought ideal was to live by the coast and that had been a goal, but i guess i changed so now i find the intnese sun unpleasant, i prefer forests to topen vistas of oceans, and even the noise and sights of the waves make me a bit dizzy...Good thing i can't afford to be right on a coast anyway (so maybe some sour grapes, but i do think i've changed).

haven't ever been to the northwest and wonder if i should try somehow to visit. San Francisco was a far north as ever was on the west.

but running a list based on your all suggestions , besides NW, those places in SC, NC, and even tenessess sound pretty intersting; will check on sunshine amounts in the little towns maybe. I wonder if i can pull off international or if that would just remain a dream. too risky to do it sight unseen...possibly even impossible. Anyway, will go thru everyones post again.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: mythbuster on October 30, 2019, 01:09:03 PM
Since you like the forest, I would add British Columbia, Canada to the list. Vancouver is of course insanely expensive, but something in Victoria, or one of the smaller towns on the Southern coast of Vancouver Island might just fit the bill.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Second Chance on October 30, 2019, 03:32:34 PM
I'm guessing canada would be too cold :(  I thought would be cool to go to nova scotia (I think i saw some pics of that and was blown away 0r was that newfoundland?.,..). but i think too cold now. otherwise, like the idea a lot.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: mythbuster on October 30, 2019, 04:01:25 PM
Much of southern BC is surprisingly temperate. They are much more likely to have a winter rain storm than a snow storm. Nova Scotia on the other hand, gets real snow.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Second Chance on October 31, 2019, 07:34:22 AM
ok on BC. Will look. I guess i'm so much more familair with things on the East.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Puget on October 31, 2019, 08:34:45 AM
Quote from: Second Chance on October 31, 2019, 07:34:22 AM
ok on BC. Will look. I guess i'm so much more familair with things on the East.

I think it has become non-trivial to immigrate to Canada unless you are a citizen of a Commonwealth country or have a ton of money (speaking French also gets you points, even though no one in BC speaks French). Victoria is cute but I'm pretty sure quite expensive now.

You will get a very similar climate on the Washington side of the border. If you're looking for smaller towns and REALLY don't mind rain, you could check out the Olympic Peninsula. Forests it has certainly, plus coast that's not sunny most of the year (summers are fairly sunny, but not too hot). Lots of towns that have seen better economic days (downturn in fishing and logging industries) so property is cheap, but lots of outdoor recreation and enough tourism that there are shops and restaurants etc. Port Townsend is charming and quirky, but may be more expensive now.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: newprofwife on November 01, 2019, 12:17:33 PM
Well. I am going to retire and move to a warmer climate...that's all I know. I'm stuck in this tundra for now but I won't die here. Only time will tell if me or my husband go first but either way, there is no way in hell, I'll spend my golden years in New England. I plan to be somewhere warm where I can drive and walk easily to places within 20 minutes of me. I hate driving but I'll take inspiration from the millennials and assume that in the future, there will be something better than uber to drive me around-maybe a self driving car. 
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Anselm on November 01, 2019, 04:48:29 PM
For those of you concerned about winter, you do have the option of having a modest home or trailer in Arizona and spending winters there.   

I have not come up with a plan yet for myself. 
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Second Chance on November 03, 2019, 05:43:20 AM
Quote from: newprofwife on November 01, 2019, 12:17:33 PM
is no way in hell, I'll spend my golden years in New England. I plan to be somewhere warm where I can drive and walk easily to places within 20 minutes of me.

Yeah, i do know what you mean. Can get pretty snowy and frigid up there. Do you like sun? you probably do, in which case the usual suspects for sunny warm places are probably on the list, like florida . Wha't your timetable
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Second Chance on November 03, 2019, 05:46:03 AM
Quote from: Anselm on November 01, 2019, 04:48:29 PM
For those of you concerned about winter, you do have the option of having a modest home or trailer in Arizona and spending winters there.   

I have not come up with a plan yet for myself.

I've been thinking of that as a model- two different residences. I used to do that, not for weather reasons, and enjoyed it. Now it feels harder. Not sure how i'd manage upkeep from a distance of a second house. having trouble enuf finding (and affording) a first. On trailer or manufactured communities (there are tons of affordable ones in Florida), i'm not sure if i can handle the chemical toxins of manufactured housing, and for trailors, not even sure how that works- hookups for sewere and water and elec and gas in a trailor park? would it be noisy?

what's your time talbe for a plan. i'm really hopinng to have this settled by end of june but seems hard.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: backatit on November 03, 2019, 06:26:51 AM
Trailers in Florida aren't a great idea for two reasons - they tend to be moldy, and hurricanes. The offgassing in newer models is also a concern to me. I don't mind Florida winters, though - I'm here now visiting relatives and it's a bit warm, but it's a lot colder up North! I've been in February and it's just gorgeous.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Second Chance on November 03, 2019, 10:31:22 AM
Quote from: backatit on November 03, 2019, 06:26:51 AM
The offgassing in newer models is also a concern to me.

Same here. its the same kind of issue as manufactured housing.
Still stuck...Yes, if i go someplace cold, would like to spend Febs in florida; have too many "would likes" and have to take action on something.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: larryc on November 04, 2019, 10:54:55 PM
There are many good places to live. I agree that the Pacific Northwest seems to fit your bill pretty well. Obviously Portland and Seattle are out of reach, but check out Olympia, Tacoma, etc. My wife and I were in Port Townsend last month and it is charming and quirky and quiet and cultured. If you don't mind a bit of snow explore east of the mountains--Ellensburg, Spokane, Bend.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Second Chance on November 06, 2019, 11:04:30 AM
Quote from: larryc on November 04, 2019, 10:54:55 PM
. I agree that the Pacific Northwest seems to fit your bill pretty well.

Thanks. Not sure  I can get myself there to visit. Come across anything Eastern half of country that has similar vibes?
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: mamselle on November 08, 2019, 06:42:37 PM
Delaware, OH, or if you want an actual college-like town, just outside of Worthington (north of Col's) or Otterbein.

Or Oberlin, Mansfield, Athens, Miami/Ohio.

Each has a school, and each has a nearby apron of open space linked by small state routes to the nearby larger towns.

The campus towns tend to be more diverse than other parts of the state; you will get snow and cold air in winter, but that's when you're going to Florida, right?

Likewise, the areas near but not in college towns in Illinois and Indiana.

M.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: nebo113 on November 10, 2019, 05:55:31 AM
Access to medical care.  My retirement area is experiencing hospital consolidation and it's a disaster.  If I have a heart issue, I'll be shipped off to a hospital about two hours from here.  It's making me rethink my long term residency.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: backatit on November 10, 2019, 06:20:42 AM
Quote from: Second Chance on November 06, 2019, 11:04:30 AM
Quote from: larryc on November 04, 2019, 10:54:55 PM
. I agree that the Pacific Northwest seems to fit your bill pretty well.

Thanks. Not sure  I can get myself there to visit. Come across anything Eastern half of country that has similar vibes?

Portland, Maine is quite nice. I've spent some time there for various reasons and it's cold in the winter, but reasonably affordable (compared to the PNW) and close to Boston (there is a train). REALLY good restaurants, beautiful seafront, and lots of fun stuff to do.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: spork on November 10, 2019, 07:06:01 AM
Quote from: nebo113 on November 10, 2019, 05:55:31 AM
Access to medical care.  My retirement area is experiencing hospital consolidation and it's a disaster.  If I have a heart issue, I'll be shipped off to a hospital about two hours from here.  It's making me rethink my long term residency.

This is why I mentioned academic medical centers upthread. For example, although the Research Triangle is the most expensive real estate market in North Carolina, Durham and its environs has less expensive real estate than Chapel Hill, while Winston-Salem with Wake Forest Med Center/Baptist Health is even cheaper. Or Huntsville, AL. Or Iowa City, IA. Or Minneapolis/St. Paul, Rochester, etc. in Minnesota (a state that is at or near the top of various measures of health and health care in the USA).
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Anselm on November 10, 2019, 08:37:02 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qmxd7GWWP_k

I can't help but to recall this scene from Judge Dredd about retirement.  Send them out to the lawless wilderness to correct people regarding grammar, spelling, logical errors, miscalculations, fake news, etc.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Second Chance on November 13, 2019, 08:57:56 AM
Thanks much for all the input.

Would love NH or Maine- but too cold. I can't be certain i'd be able to get away for a couple months each year. 40 degrees is just fine Below that, not so sure.  maybe i'm better with the opposite - be in a plac ethat's too warm and if i can't escape to NH or Maine for a couple of months, then i'm better off than the reverse situation.

will look more into NC and Alabama. Never thought about ohio illinois or indiana - i can't decide how much to weight gut sense of which places i graviate to or not- since alot of it is just based on bias and misinformation and pecularities of life experiences.

good point on med care- where i am now, even tho university health system, it seems to suck. or at least its so crowded, all they can dispense is flow chart medicine. they even have procedures in place to try to make flow chart medicine as efficient a factory as possible. its awful. The last place though, smaller city, the university health system was excellent.

and why do i keep getting this sense that i wanta town with a  "cool factor"? or at least a good reason. might just be snobbery- or perhaps its just to quell the oddness of picking up and moving somewhere unknown witthout a compelling reason for choosing that place over another- perhaps that's academic analyiss paralysis at its worst.

anyone know anythign about post-hurricane Puerto Rico? any university (retiree? "expats" there?).

I'm also struggling with whether i shoujld be a "condo person" or not. i'm not instinctively- i'm an introvert, like my space, like controlling my envirnment. in many ways logically condo means less mainetence and makes sense for someone losing their natural university social group. But geez, does'nt sit well - remember i started this post saying i need quiet. No shared walls with structure-bourne noise. Was checking out a local condo (getting desperate to move even if local) and was told yes you can hear a neighbor flush a toilet, yes if someone runs aboue you , you will hear it, if someone has an excercise machine you will hear it. yes you can hear a neigbors alarm clock. yet he says they almost never get noise complaints...could not get a straight answer on whether you hear people snore like I can where i currentl am. A friend who wants to downsize and not have any more responsiblities thought this condo sounded great but it's making my lip sort of cortort into an odd shape...

balancing logic and gut feelings is tricky.

i'll probably just perish in place. is this the older version for washed up academics of publish or perish?.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Anselm on November 13, 2019, 10:59:35 AM
'm also struggling with whether i should be a "condo person" or not. i'm not instinctively- i'm an introvert, like my space, like controlling my environment. in many ways logically condo means less maintenance

Keep in mind that as you age you will not be able to do all of that yourself.  This is one of the reasons people downsize to something smaller.  One sudden injury can prevent you from using stairs or ladders.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: spork on November 13, 2019, 11:38:38 AM
Puerto Rico is America's very own Third World country. Ordinary folks are wonderful, the school system is terrible, governance is various proportions of greed, corruption, and incompetence. As an island in the Caribbean, it's more susceptible to the effects of climate change than, for example, Cleveland. You'd probably be better off in Cuba given the medical care there.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Puget on November 13, 2019, 01:38:45 PM
I would not recommend Ohio if you don't like cold.
I did my undergrad in northern Ohio, and though I loved my college I can't say that the area had much to recommend it in terms of culture, landscape or weather (sorry Mamselle!).
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Second Chance on November 14, 2019, 07:14:44 AM
Quote from: Anselm on November 13, 2019, 10:59:35 AM
One sudden injury can prevent you from using stairs or ladders.

Am well aware of this and one of the reasons that logically condos make sense. Remember also retiring early due to health reasons so i'm more concious of this things change in a secondn thing  than most  people. Trying to balance logic and gut feeling, as i mentioned.

maybe a compromise is no shared walls but no living in the middle of nowhere on 10 acres either. So perhaps that means an hoa type situation but stand alone houses.

still tho, can i handle the rules of an HOA? and not sure ive ever understand why someone would want to buy a condo rather than just renting an apt. .

And there's a buncyh of  stand alone houses in hoa type commuiteis that are manufactured housing- mentioned before, that's likely too toxic for me. if i find a real  old one , not sure if will all have offgassed by now.

Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Second Chance on November 14, 2019, 07:17:48 AM
Quote from: Puget on November 13, 2019, 01:38:45 PM
I would not recommend Ohio if you don't like cold.
I did my undergrad in northern Ohio,

Thanks. its never been one of my gravitate too states, so would just assume cross it off the list. I did give a colloquium in Bowling Green once. was sort of interesting - and odd. Tractor trailor races...I did like tho  everyone drank Ginger Ale as the soda of choice. Everyone smoked though (long time ago). Took me awhile to realize the instructions on my hotel walls had to do with what to do if there's a tornado.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Second Chance on November 14, 2019, 07:20:32 AM
Quote from: spork on November 13, 2019, 11:38:38 AM
Puerto Rico is America's very own Third World country. Ordinary folks are wonderful, the school system is terrible, governance is various proportions of greed, corruption, and incompetence. As an island in the Caribbean, it's more susceptible to the effects of climate change than, for example, Cleveland. You'd probably be better off in Cuba given the medical care there.

I like the third world part - except for the medical care issue. Then again, conventional MDS, even the "good ones" have little to offer me anyway. Not concerned with climate change (except as an academic and ethical issue of course). Would be risky since I would not be able to just fly back and forth- if i went i'd be there for better or worse.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: mamselle on November 15, 2019, 06:12:01 PM
Quote from: Puget on November 13, 2019, 01:38:45 PM
I would not recommend Ohio if you don't like cold.
I did my undergrad in northern Ohio, and though I loved my college I can't say that the area had much to recommend it in terms of culture, landscape or weather (sorry Mamselle!).

No hard feelings--I moved away, return now to visit, but would probably only return to live there if a compelling job or a covalent relationship required it....and neither of those seem very likely at present!

But, to be specific, the "lake effect" in Northern Ohio (and the other former Northwest Territories) doesn't get so far down as Columbus, and Cincinnati is even warmer. So it's always worth checking climate by exact location.

I'm surprised the Cleveland Symphony and Museum of Art as well as their spin-off communities didn't offer enough that was satisfying culturally; while I think the Columbus Symphony has grown a lot in depth and range, the Columbus Metropolitan Ballet has gotten quite good, and the CGFA has always been both a stable and innovative cultural presence (and I grew up with and was grateful for all these), I agree they're not the Metropolitan Opera, the NYCB, or the Guggenheim. But they're strong, self-respecting, and I always found them stimulating.

Cincinnati's art, dance, and music scenes likewise are strong in some ways, less so in others...but overall, it's not a wasteland by any means.

But..to each their own!

M.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: paultuttle on November 17, 2019, 06:26:36 PM
:raises hand:

Cary, North Carolina, has made the list of "most affordable small towns in the USA" several years in a row. While housing prices are indeed rising, there are still retirement-friendly homes in Cary and its surroundings--and Cary is in the Research Triangle area of NC.

I also second the upthread mentions of Asheville, Durham, and Winston-Salem while adding that the central part of North Carolina has not one but two collections of three cities: the Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) and the Piedmont Triad (Greensboro-Winston-Salem-High Point). Each is anchored by at least one nationally-ranked teaching hospital, each has considerable artistic and cultural opportunities/activities/venues, and each has affordable housing for retirees coupled with considerable medical services.

Oh, and it's 2-4 hours to the mountains and 2-3 hours to the beach, in terms of driving distance. Just sayin'. (Not to mention Lexington barbecue, Calabash-style seafood, and other temptations that can lead you on a variety of culinary road trips across the state.)
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: professor_pat on November 17, 2019, 07:41:14 PM
I chuckled when I saw Puget's suggestion of Olympia, Washington, because I was about to recommend Bellingham WA. My SO has a close retired-professor friend who's chosen to live there with his wife — a great college town and the climate you prefer, and when we've visited them the town has seemed really charming, right on saltwater, great walkable neighborhoods. Olympia is a bit warmer, but in either case you're looking at 70's-80's in summer and 40's-50's in winter. Olympia is also the state capital, so not as college-towny as Bellingham.

You really should arrange to visit the PNW as you consider your options.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: emprof on November 18, 2019, 12:48:55 PM
Sounds like a university town in a mid-Atlantic state might be what you're looking for? Friends just moved to Blacksburg, VA and really like it for many of the reasons your post stated.

Most of the Midwest is going to have weather more extreme than you're looking for, New England is too cold and the South is too hot.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: larryc on November 19, 2019, 09:37:11 PM
Quote from: Second Chance on November 06, 2019, 11:04:30 AM
Quote from: larryc on November 04, 2019, 10:54:55 PM
. I agree that the Pacific Northwest seems to fit your bill pretty well.

Thanks. Not sure  I can get myself there to visit. Come across anything Eastern half of country that has similar vibes?

The trick is that your requirements of not too cold and yet not too sunny are hard to meet outside of the Pacific Northwest. There are places in the mid-Atlantic that might fit your bill but I wonder about the noise.

I went to school in Williamsburg, VA for my Ph.D., lots of quiet places but enough going on to keep it interesting. Sticky hot summers but very nice the other seasons. There are so many small historic communities around the greater Chesapeake Bay.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Anselm on November 20, 2019, 06:59:07 AM
Not too cold and not too hot is how I remember the Ozarks. 
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Juvenal on November 20, 2019, 07:41:06 AM
There has to be some middle ground--I guess.  I live (and am sorta retired and kinda emeritus and definitely getting on in years) in a county that has more people than the state I have had some thought would be a nice place to be as my few remaining years drain off.  But Crowdland has easy access to the things that make retirement less of a chore: lotsa docs of all flavors; lotsa folks who can fix the things that need repair and are now beyond you; lotsa "culture" to partake of (or ignore).  Mild winters?  Cool summers?  What are central heating and air conditioning for if not to make a frigid winter and a hot summer m.o.l bearable?

The state I have had thoughts of retiring to (with no chance of implementing this), is noted for frigidity and snow (at the appropriate times of the year, of course).  Somewhere, I have read that people who inflict this on themselves actually last a little longer than those who live otherwise (see Tennyson's, "The Lotos Eaters," for a description of ending in a retirement spot with great weather).  Maybe the idea that dramatic seasonal shifts are life-prolonging is just wishful thinking. . . And on the other hand, if so, all too easy to mutter, "Oh, my God, winter's coming again."
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: backatit on November 20, 2019, 07:56:05 AM
My dad actually retired back up to Maine, and I do think it prolonged his life (I always used to joke that it froze all the germs). But really he was pretty active up there - he did the little things you're supposed to do as you age - bring in wood, garden, walk down to the pond to check the ice levels, snowshoe up the hill to see if the deer have been through yet, etc. So I don't know - that's my plan. Depending on Brexit it may involve the UK rather than here, but we'll see. I don't really plan on actually retiring (the idea is to keep a low-key level of consulting going on - I'm working on building that now, as I have about 10 or 15 years to go till actual retirement, depending on my health).
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Second Chance on November 21, 2019, 07:03:47 AM
Quote from: emprof on November 18, 2019, 12:48:55 PM
Sounds like a university town in a mid-Atlantic state might be what you're looking for? Friends just moved to Blacksburg, VA .

Thanks. Will add blacksburg VA to list - Never heard of it. I'ts possible mid-Atlantic is the sweet spot. new england is too cold. Not sure though if south is too hot. So maybe my short list for region that's emerging to consider based on everyones commetns is mid adlantic, south of there as well, including NC, northern florida, eastern alabama, and also the ozarks, and then in addition, the northwest, especially Washingon.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Second Chance on November 21, 2019, 07:11:06 AM
Quote from: larryc on November 19, 2019, 09:37:11 PM

The trick is that your requirements of not too cold and yet not too sunny are hard to meet outside of the Pacific Northwest. There are places in the mid-Atlantic that might fit your bill but I wonder about the noise.

I went to school in Williamsburg, VA for my Ph.D., lots of quiet places but enough going on to keep it interesting. Sticky hot summers but very nice the other seasons. There are so many small historic communities around the greater Chesapeake Bay.

That's a good point - both not too cold and not too sunny may be too hard a combo and then mid atlantic too noisy- perhaps this dillema i'm in and why struggling a bit. Wish i could quantify too sunny better- i can get stats on number of sunny days in a year, and percent of time sun reaches ground and have been using those. But still is not adequate becaue there is something about intensity of sunlight that is hard to quantify. So super bright sunshine, no clouds at all, no shade (e.g. phoenix comes to mind) i know do not work. But whether more sunny days per year than mid atlantic, if not the intensity of the southwest for example, would be fine- don't know.  And the issue with cold really just was recent and changed things a bit. Definitely do not like lots of snow anymore. Anyone am just going in circles.

i'm fine with hot sticky summers. Was it William and Mary? I had a job talk there once- but was bad timing and I couldn't travel then and had to bail. I rethink that moment...really was too bad. Also once a talk in birmingham i very stupidly bailed on for no good reason - i think i would have liked living there and am pretty sure they would have hired me.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Second Chance on November 21, 2019, 07:24:07 AM
Quote from: Juvenal on November 20, 2019, 07:41:06 AM
There has to be some middle ground--I guess.  I live (and am sorta retired and kinda emeritus and definitely getting on in years) in a county that has more people than the state I have had some thought would be a nice place to be as my few remaining years drain off.  But Crowdland has easy access to the things that make retirement less of a chore: lotsa docs of all flavors; lotsa folks who can fix the things that need repair and are now beyond you; lotsa "culture" to partake of (or ignore).  Mild winters?  Cool summers?  What are central heating and air conditioning for if not to make a frigid winter and a hot summer m.o.l bearable?

The state I have had thoughts of retiring to (with no chance of implementing this), is noted for frigidity and snow (at the appropriate times of the year, of course).  Somewhere, I have read that people who inflict this on themselves actually last a little longer than those who live otherwise (see Tennyson's, "The Lotos Eaters," for a description of ending in a retirement spot with great weather).  Maybe the idea that dramatic seasonal shifts are life-prolonging is just wishful thinking. . . And on the other hand, if so, all too easy to mutter, "Oh, my God, winter's coming again."


If you end up finding any references, please post since i've seen some things to suggest the opposite. That is, big day to day temp fluctuations (one day hot, next day suddently cold, then hot again etc. ) has been tied to shorter lifespans. But maybe is different for seasonal variations.

is longevity higher in nothern states? can't remember the stats i was looking at recently. certainly lack of vitamin D there is going to increase morbidity if not mortality. those stat tables are full of confouds though. so south often have short lifespans- but again confounds of medical care and one needs to look at the stats seperately for different races. for cancer, there's a large rate of cancer in the North East compared to other regions-tjhough tht does not necessariily mean shorter lifespan

the only thing that sticks on mind on places to live and longevity - or perhaps that's "just" health -  is that communities which require lots of walking everywhere tend to have the healthiest residents (of course there's a direction of causility issue here too)

agree on Crowdland making things convenient and this is very much what am struggling with. I've had days where I cant (sometimes unexpedely) go out - and a quick order to Try Caviar and i've got my deli lunch for today and tomorrow delivered in 45 minutes. Whole foods delivers here with an hour or so notice as well and plenty of amazon packages are coming in with same day delivery now, and if not then next day has become the norm. I'm getting very used to this.

I do badly with airconditioning and even heating- both are way to drying for me. (On the pllus side, i can tolerate very hot rooms, if they are not dry;' i'm the last person to turn on AC in the summer, though wonen the room is 86 deg and climbing with 72 percent humidity (indoor), i finally give up and just have to turn it on.

that place in the snow and cold you fantasize about - why there?
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Second Chance on November 21, 2019, 07:28:17 AM
Quote from: backatit on November 20, 2019, 07:56:05 AM
My dad actually retired back up to Maine, and I do think it prolonged his life (I always used to joke that it froze all the germs). But really he was pretty active up there - he did the little things you're supposed to do as you age - bring in wood, garden, walk down to the pond to check the ice levels, snowshoe up the hill to see if the deer have been through yet, etc. So I don't know - that's my plan. Depending on Brexit it may involve the UK rather than here, but we'll see. I don't really plan on actually retiring (the idea is to keep a low-key level of consulting going on - I'm working on building that now, as I have about 10 or 15 years to go till actual retirement, depending on my health).

Maybe it was all the moving around he had to do in Maine- but who knows. i like your frozen germ theory. or maybe the population density low enough that the germs don't get a foothold to cause epidemics- so less flu, less pnemonia.

does that mean britain is on your list?

I never planned on retiring either- much yet at a young age. Guess it still doens't feel like "retirement".

would be great if i could test out living in a variety of places - perhaps some of the things i think i hate i wouldn't. for example, for all i know its snow in the particular place i experienced is that i hate it .
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Second Chance on November 21, 2019, 07:56:09 AM
Quote from: mamselle on November 15, 2019, 06:12:01 PM




and Cincinnati is even warmer. So it's always worth checking climate by exact location.



Cincinnati's art, dance, and music scenes likewise are strong in some ways, less so in others...but overall, it's not a wasteland by any means.


Years ago i visited cincinnati (man, never realized how hard that was to spell) and was pleasantly surprised and impressed. back then i liked action (things change...)  and was surpised it felt like a grown up cultured lots to do place with great sophisticated food.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: backatit on November 21, 2019, 08:04:55 AM
Quote from: Second Chance on November 21, 2019, 07:28:17 AM
Quote from: backatit on November 20, 2019, 07:56:05 AM
My dad actually retired back up to Maine, and I do think it prolonged his life (I always used to joke that it froze all the germs). But really he was pretty active up there - he did the little things you're supposed to do as you age - bring in wood, garden, walk down to the pond to check the ice levels, snowshoe up the hill to see if the deer have been through yet, etc. So I don't know - that's my plan. Depending on Brexit it may involve the UK rather than here, but we'll see. I don't really plan on actually retiring (the idea is to keep a low-key level of consulting going on - I'm working on building that now, as I have about 10 or 15 years to go till actual retirement, depending on my health).

Maybe it was all the moving around he had to do in Maine- but who knows. i like your frozen germ theory. or maybe the population density low enough that the germs don't get a foothold to cause epidemics- so less flu, less pnemonia.

does that mean britain is on your list?

I never planned on retiring either- much yet at a young age. Guess it still doens't feel like "retirement".

would be great if i could test out living in a variety of places - perhaps some of the things i think i hate i wouldn't. for example, for all i know its snow in the particular place i experienced is that i hate it .

Yes, I think it was more the low-level activity that the area encouraged (he was very into nature) more than the actual temperature. He loved going out to check on the trees and ice levels, and he once called very excited because he'd been out of power for 6 weeks and they were melting snow on the wood stove to drink and wash dishes (we all grew up in rural Maine and he was quite sporty in his youth, so to him it was like a vacation, but I was a bit horrified).

The UK is on our radar because my partner is a UK citizen and still works there, but we're not sure about whether we want to be that far from our kids (they are all scattered over the US, which is bad enough). We will make a decision probably in the next 5 years or so.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Second Chance on November 21, 2019, 08:10:33 AM
This was a post from a message on the old forum. Does anyone know which article this is. of course the post was more than 10 years old.

"Have you seen this recent article about inviting college towns for retired academics? I just thought I'd call it to your attention, as it covers some of the locations you're discussing.

Best,

Moderator"  (global moderator, from 2006)
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Hibush on November 21, 2019, 08:46:03 AM
Quote from: Second Chance on November 21, 2019, 08:10:33 AM
This was a post from a message on the old forum. Does anyone know which article this is. of course the post was more than 10 years old.

"Have you seen this recent article about inviting college towns for retired academics? I just thought I'd call it to your attention, as it covers some of the locations you're discussing.

Best,

Moderator"  (global moderator, from 2006)

That article is  from CHE March 21 2006 page 14ff. But there are articles like it published all the time in publications read by the soon to retire  LIke AARP (https://www.aarp.org/retirement/planning-for-retirement/info-2016/ten-ideal-college-towns-for-retirement-photo.html) or USNews (https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/baby-boomers/slideshows/the-best-college-towns-for-retirement). They can provide more ideas.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Second Chance on November 21, 2019, 04:05:06 PM
Quote from: Hibush on November 21, 2019, 08:46:03 AM


Best,


That article is  from CHE March 21 2006 page 14ff. But there are articles like it published all the time in publications read by the soon to retire  LIke AARP (https://www.aarp.org/retirement/planning-for-retirement/info-2016/ten-ideal-college-towns-for-retirement-photo.html) or USNews (https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/baby-boomers/slideshows/the-best-college-towns-for-retirement). They can provide more ideas.

I was hoping the chronicle article would be of better quality. I've read so many "where to retire" articles from aarp and from money magazines  and have never gotten one useful piece of info from them. Either they value different things than me, or they are just using averages w/o anyone visiting them or using common sense, or theyre not a good fit for profs, but they just have not been applicable.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: larryc on November 23, 2019, 12:57:33 PM
Yes, William and Mary. There are lots of quiet little towns in that region.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: larryc on November 23, 2019, 12:59:31 PM
Brookings, Oregon. Brookings
Oregon 97415
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2mbmSUuRvBa6nsLaA
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Bbmaj7b5 on December 07, 2019, 12:27:48 PM
Quote from: Second Chance on November 21, 2019, 07:03:47 AM
Quote from: emprof on November 18, 2019, 12:48:55 PM
Sounds like a university town in a mid-Atlantic state might be what you're looking for? Friends just moved to Blacksburg, VA .

Thanks. Will add blacksburg VA to list - Never heard of it. I'ts possible mid-Atlantic is the sweet spot. new england is too cold. Not sure though if south is too hot. So maybe my short list for region that's emerging to consider based on everyones commetns is mid adlantic, south of there as well, including NC, northern florida, eastern alabama, and also the ozarks, and then in addition, the northwest, especially Washingon.

Blacksburg is where VA Tech is. It's a nice town in the middle of not a lot, and the nearest city of any size is Roanoke. I lived near Newark, DE for my doctoral degree, and being only a few miles from either Philadelphia or Baltimore had its advantages. That's in the same general vicinity of the country within a couple hundred miles.

Given your descriptions to date - yes, the South will be too hot for you.
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Historymistress88 on December 14, 2019, 12:26:44 PM
Dear Forumites:

I'm planning to retire in about a year, and am tired of the California fires after several evacuations.  I've been looking at Ithaca as a possibility for retirement.  Any thoughts on Ithaca?
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: cathwen on December 14, 2019, 04:05:11 PM
I lived in Ithaca for 30 years.  It is a lovely town--very progressive, excellent restaurants, nice little shops, and now some big box stores as well.  But I hope you like cold weather and snow!  Winter is very long.  The first year I lived there, it snowed in both October and May, and a lot in between.   (May snows are rare.)  While it is not as cold as probably anywhere in Minnesota or North Dakota, you will get occasional temperatures below zero, -10 or even -20.  Because of all the snow plus the many hills, winter driving can be challenging.  On the other hand, they have mastered the art of snow removal pretty well.

But summers are glorious--the state parks (yes, plural!) are beautiful, each with hiking trails through the gorges.  (And the gorges run through the city itself.)  If you're into geology, Ithaca is very interesting from that perspective. 

It will certainly be a change from California! 
Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Hibush on December 14, 2019, 05:11:01 PM
Quote from: Historymistress88 on December 14, 2019, 12:26:44 PM
Dear Forumites:

I'm planning to retire in about a year, and am tired of the California fires after several evacuations.  I've been looking at Ithaca as a possibility for retirement.  Any thoughts on Ithaca?


There is plenty of water, so fire is not a big issue (though NY bans open fires in the spring to prevent wildfires). Ithaca is full of former Californians who have adapted to the climate, which is more moderate than New England, the northern Appalachians and the upper Midwest. There is also negligible traffic.

Kendal is a retirement community for the intellectually engaged. At one time there were four or five Nobel laureates living there.

Recent Ithaca retirees who are now in their 70s were once convinced that they should not trust anyone over 30. You will find them at protests still.

That's the perspective from someone outside the 10 square miles surrounded by reality, but who sometimes ventures in.



Title: Re: Where should prof emeritus retire
Post by: Historymistress88 on December 15, 2019, 01:37:45 PM
Thanks--this is very helpful!