When baby boomers share notes about potential retirement towns, chances are that Asheville will be the place most frequently  mentioned. Asheville is a prosperous small city with a population 94,589 (2020 Census), (260,000 in Buncombe County) in the Blue Ridge mountains of western North Carolina. Because of its charming environment and mild weather it has long been a desirable retirement…...

Cherokee Village is an affordable 15,000 acre resort and retirement community located in the natural beauty of an Ozark forest. Amenities include two 18-hole golf courses, 6 swimming pools, a private beach, tennis courts, recreation centers, fitness center, senior center, horseshoe pits, two nature trails, and seven lakes for boating or fishing. A vibrant community, Cherokee VIllage has over 100…...

Harrisburg is the capital and almost geographical center of the state of Pennsylvania. Once depressed and down, Harrisburg had a resurgence thanks to the money being spent by the state in development. Unfortunately in 2010 the effect of that spending caused severe financial problems (see What is Not Special About Harrisburg below). Its geographical setting is spectacular, located as it…...

Knoxville is the third largest city in Tennessee, a popular retirement state. Knoxville is particularly attractive because it is home to the Vols - the University of Tennessee. It is a vibrant college town with big-time sports and many cultural events. The 2021 population was 193,000. Knoxville was the site of the 1982 World's Fair and several buildings, including the…...