Highlands is located in extreme southwestern North Carolina. It is in the southern Appalachian Mountains, within the Nantahala National Forest. The permanent population was 1,072 in 2020, with a median age of 57 years. The population can swell up to 20,000 during spring to fall. The town got its name from its high elevation (4,118').  In the 1930s the town…...

Located in the Swannanoa Valley, Black Mountain is a recreational, homey town in North Carolina, not that far from Asheville. Hiking, biking, golf, gallery-hopping, and swimming are some of the main activities here. The town has a reputation as being an artistic town that attracts weekenders, vacationers, and retirees who tilt toward the liberal side. There is a nice downtown…...

Muskoka is a district that spans 2,500 square miles in central Ontario. Its year round population is about 50,000, but another 50-100,000 visit here to enjoy the summers. Being east of Georgian Bay. Muskoka is very scenic area with a number of picturesque villages, farms, and vacation hotels and resorts alongside the many lakes in the area....

Hilo, the second largest city in Hawaii, is one of the most interesting places to retire in the U.S. It is located on the eastern coast of Hawaii (the “Big Island”), and near Mauna Loa, one of the active volcanoes in Hawaii.   Volcanoes National Park, the climate, the scenery, and the lifestyle are all superb. The Hilo area offers…...