Apex is a fast-growing town of about 63,000(2021) that is just west of Raleigh, North Carolina. The population grew by 211% between 2000-2021 - an indication of its popularity as a retirement community. Apex's motto is "The Peak of Good Living".  The restored downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A recent visitor described it as…...

Naples represents the gold coast of southwest Florida. People who say they don’t like Florida might not have seen this upscale retirement community. Its downtown is as sophisticated as any in the world, but charming too – you can pull up to a 5 star hotel’s valet parking, and then walk 50 feet to a old-fashioned bar where you can…...

Islandia is small village in the middle of Long Island, New York.  It is about 50 miles east of New York City. Although it is not on the coast, it is a short drive to either the Long Island Sound side (north), or Atlantic Ocean Beaches.  Picture of Connetquot River and picture of CA Technologies courtesy of Wikipedia and Americasroof. ...

Newport News is a busy port, shipbuilding center, and military center in Virginia's Hampton Roads. The population is about 180,000.  Photo of Oyster Point City Center, a redevelopment project, courtesy of Wikipedia and Durrock. The North End is an historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The city has its rough edges as well as its charms.…...