Share where - you're living and why

[madman]

Where are you living now? Is your town or 55+ community a good place to retire, or is it a place you would rather be fun? Are the taxes reasonable, are there plenty of activities that baby boomers would like to do? And how about the weather? Let everybody know and we will all learn something.

[2putz]

I live in Madison, Connecticut near New Haven. Our beautiful old New England town is on the beautiful Long Island Sound. It has a strong community sense, great bookstore and library, some restaurants, terrific beaches. You can take a train from town and be in NYC in just over 2 hours. It also has very high property taxes, plus CT income tax. Property values are very high, with starter homes in the $300's. Many retired people are trapped here if they didnt save enough money; hanging on in their community is very hard. Many are tempted to leave for the Carolinas or FL - they can get more house for less money while escaping our winters and high taxes.

[62andout]

This isn't really about where i live now (the northeast), but more about where i want to live. My goal is to retire to an active adult community like The Villages, where there is always something happening and the prices are reasonable. If California wasn't so far maybe I would move to Laguna Woods Village in CA. Anyway, Florida's taxes aren't too bad (no income tax, Homesteaded property taxes), so if the state doesn't go bankrupt it will be a nice place to retire.

[quag04]

Come on down to the Villages, Florida. while we are investigating other options in Texas(I can't stand still) we have been here for almost six years. Buildout here is 2014 with a projected population of 100,000. Almost every village (subdivision) and we have 53 of them, has a pool and rec center. We have seven country clubs and over 500 holes of golf. There are more social clubs than I can count. Costs are moderate in that real estate taxes can be a bit high, we cover three counties. If you decide to look seriously get a realtor from a private agency, not the Villages. The Villages Realty group is not in the MLS system and they are not cheap. However, in all fairness, it is the complete package and I have found no other place like it in the deep south or along the Atlantic Coast.

[Kim63]

Venice, Florida is on the westcoast of Florida. It is a retirement community median age is 69. We have a beautiful growing community here called Islandwalkat the West Villages, which is a gated community. It will be a Resort encompassing amenities such as a fitness center, heated lap pool (completed), heated lagoon pool, 8 lighted tennis courts (completed), basketball court, bocce ball courts Tennis pavilion, Main Hall, Lakeside gazebo, Tot lot, Card room, library, Post Office, Beauty Salon, Gift shop, multi-purpose rooms (next to be built), convenience store, bank, deli, gas pumps and car wash. The whole development is layed out in Venetian style with small foot bridges throughout the community and a wildlife preserve with a bridge to walk across the center. It has been designed so that all lots back up to water so that everyone has a breathtaking view. Not to mention it's right down the road from as many stores as one could possible want. Prices start at $187,900. Venice has many of the Arts to offer as well as being know for as The Sharkstooth Capital of the World. Beaches are beautiful and there is a walking trail that lines the Intercoastal. Come visit, you won't want to leave.

[Drumlin]

2putz, Madison is gorgeous, but you're right, it sure is pricey. My favorite town is Guilford, right next door. It has the beaches and the beautiful town green, but also is a bit closer to New Haven (theatres, train station, medical services). Since it's on the shoreline, it's warmer than inland. AND it's closer to my family than Florida.