Apple Valley is a town of about 69,000 that is northeast of San Bernardino and near Victorville. Its big claim to fame is that is was the home of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. It is ranchland and also a far-flung suburb to the LA area.  Apples were once grown here but due to water shortages long ago disappeared. Arrowhead…...

Grass Valley is a small town of about 12,000 near Nevada City, Auburn, and about 50 miles from Sacramento in California.  The town was an important part of the original California Gold Rush. It is in the foothills of the Sierra. Photo of The Josiah Royce public library, (as Grass Valley was the the birthplace and early home of philosopher…...

If your idea of a great retirement community involves stately Victorian homes with flower-boxes along tree-shaded streets, Hendersonville and the nearby Village of Flat Rock might be the place for you. The city has an exceptionally beautifully and revitalized downtown area with boutiques, antique shops and tourist attractions that will appeal to active adults 55+. Its architecture reflects the late…...

Wake Forest is a town of 47,601 residents (2020 census), and is just  north of Raleigh, the state capital. It offers parks, greenways and golf courses. Wake Forest University began here, but moved to Winston-Salem in 1956....