Singles and Retirement: Where, Why, and the Issues

Hi - my comments for men is if you are single - it may be tough to find an "accepting" community. I moved to MB, SC into a 55 plus community where the primary status of the residents was married. It was accepting of my single status however when the "group" went to do things, single men were "odd man" out. When everyone is coupled up and you are not - well. I moved again.

Paul Elkins--Have you observed that "acceptance" in your former 55+ community applied to single women as well? I suspect that there are more singe women/widows than single men/widowers in these communities, but it's awful to feel that you're always the third wheel. It's no wonder you moved on. I myself do not feel comfortable in being the only single among a bunch of couples, even when I am acquainted with the couples. (When I am among close friends who are couples I feel more like "one of the gang" and very much accepted.)

I'm not single, but due to a health issue, am beginning to think more "single" -- or maybe that should be phrased, more "self-centeredly". Fortunately, I do have a loving wife and she understands that nothing that I do is meant to leave her out -- she is invited and encouraged to join me. But I satisfy my need for sun and WARM over short time regardless.

I want most of all to talk (again) about the importance of experimenting without committing -- don't throw everything away (like a move) without spending time at other places. There is so much you just can't learn from a casual visit. A month to six months in a new situation will let you know if you like it, what the expense is for you personally, whether it's a lifestyle you want and so much more.

I also specially picked out one comment from the article, "– Think of your retirement in 10 year increments – each decade will be different". AMEN! You just can't know. We've been retired now 12 years and are NOT in the same emotional or physical place we were at 55. In fact, our perspective has evolved twice over this time. Looking forward, I now expect the same in the future.

So we retired early and together. We stayed at home in central NC in the (paid for) home we planned for retirement. We have traveled quite a bit (from weekends nearby to weeks and even months thousands of mile away) always looking for alternatives. We were interested in and tried RV life, being snowbirds, finding a better place, etc.

I'm a military brat -- I think that contributes to the wanderlust. My wife is happy whether at home or "testing" new places. What we found is that there is nowhere "better" than where we are. We DON'T like being away from home for extended times (now resolved to any more that 2 - 3 weeks). We've visited key areas multiple times for various lengths (FL, AZ, CA, CO) and many, many places (more than 30,000 road miles US and numerous places overseas on 3 other continents. We stayed a month or more at several potential move locations on the way. That time was most important at eliminating alternatives and discovering our basic love of home. We expect for sure to age in place and are working to make our home which we designed for aging in place to be even more specifically practical since we are beginning now to learn the physical limitations of aging.

At 67 and having determined that our original home is ideal, this is the summary. We don't like being away and will limit trip lengths. I am growing more chill, cloudy, and cold intolerant (SAD) and will narrow almost all future travels of more than a weekend to FL or south) and during winter time (Feb especially). But this has all taken years of travel and visits to determine. Hopefully, not everyone will have my wanderlust, but if you do, consider whether it is a need to change or a temporary need to just get away.

We've been fortunate to retire on a shoestring and to have that grow (with careful and constant budget management) to a strong rope. We are still able to "experiment". That is something that should always continue. I hope others can understand the value of trying out a new place in depth over time before committing to a life -- that can be a years long endeavor starting before retirement. And remember: – Think of your retirement in 10 year increments – each decade will be different.

Rich

I am single and moved out of my apartment and put my furnishings in storage in May, 2009. I stay in all suites hotels and airbnb in OH, NC,SC,TX,NE and WA. I travel to other regions based on weather to play golf. I find the cost not much more than if I had a one bedroom apartment, utilities, cable and internet total. I spend anywhere from two to four months in each area. This has worked for me and I plan on continuing this since I do not wish to stay in one city.

Thanks for sharing so many comments. It's really interesting to see where everyone is going. Most of my adult life I've lived with roommates; even now as a nearly-65 woman, I share my house with a 34-year man. Each roommate is different, so anyone interested in Golden Girls or roomies possibilities, don't give up if someone doesn't work out the 1st, 2nd, or even 3rd time. I have had very good experiences with graduate students looking for a place to live, and I usually pick someone from another country for the cultural exchange and, sometimes, the cultural comedy of errors. The international graduate students I lived with were quiet, focused on studying, pay their rent and bills on time, and are not prone to give me "advice" since they were learning about living in a U.S. household (albeit one a bit more counterculture than some other possibilities). Many seemed to be relieved to live with an American who was interested in them as human beings. Plus, since they are graduate students, the university holds them to certain ethical and behavioral standards, so they tend to be well mannered. Highly recommended.

Also of interest:

Jacque B. wrote a great anecdote in my book about living in a co-housing community (she is a single woman). The specific community is Wolf Creek Lodge (www.wolfcreeklodge.org), but here is a general site for this type of living: www.cohousing.org

Several people I interviewed for my book told me they moved to The Villages (in Florida - there has been a lot of discussion about The Villages on TopRetirements) precisely because of their active singles' club. Here is a link to their singles' club site: http://tvsinglesclub.com/

Jan Cullinane, author, The Single Woman's Guide to Retirement

Thanks for everything here. Everyone's been so helpful. I'm 63, single, a writer, and can't afford to and don't want to stop working -- I love it too much. But because of a two-year book contract (not huge, but enough) I was able to quit my teaching job last fall and work anywhere. I'm using these two years to try out four places for about six months each. In each place, I have good friends and/or family.
I'm leaving the first place, Austin TX, this weekend. I lived here through the 80s and 90s and have many friends in the area. But I can't afford Austin any more, and the traffic is terrible. I'll just have to visit. Next, I'm trying south/central Maine, though I have my doubts about it, after the recent winter. At least summer will be nice. In November, I'm moving to Colorado to test that winter. I've lived in it before, and the sun shines many more days than in Maine. The last location is up for grabs.
BTW, I can't do Florida. I grew up there, am no fan of the summers, and hate what unrestricted growth and "master planned communities" have done to the state's natural beauty. I'm an outdoors girl with two active dogs, planning to work for at least ten more years, looking for good environmental/professional/social fit. Feel lucky to have time to experiment -- and agree with the decade-by-decade idea.
For what it's worth, I'm renting out the house I own in another part of Texas. Got rid of TONS of stuff when I moved out so a lot of purging has already happened. Yet I'm purging again as I leave Austin. Traveling light is the way to go.

I am a single male, 63 and still working in downtown Chicago. I just bought a 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo in the River North neighborhood on the edge of downtown, where I plan to retire at least for awhile. For me, there is so much to do in Chicago that it cancels out the winters. I have a heavy coat. My condo is in a secured high-rise on a high floor with a great view of the Chicago skyline and the western sky, where I can watch sunsets. I like the seasons, the lake, the great transit options, and the youthful vibe in my new neighborhood. It's within walking distance of the hot technology districts where companies like Google and Uber are setting up shop. I hope that will keep me young! Plus my friends are here. If I get tired of it, I'll sell and move someplace else or spend winters in Barcelona, Rio, Gulf Shores, etc.

All extremely useful comments and summaries. Praises and accolades and loud round of applause to John Brady for featuring this extremely important aspect of retirement re locations. The coupled world continues to assume that the world is coupled.

But it;s not.

Since I've lived in suburbs most of my life I somehow assumed this was the "only" way. Comments and observations in this forum have convinced me to look a lot more carefully at urban or semi-urban settings. Right now I'm thinking about St.Paul, Austin, Annapolis and Greenville SC. Comments on any of these welcome! I've heard Austin is crazy expensive because it's become so trendy.... Also looking for comments on The Coves, NC.

Thanks again John.

I have been looking at newer and larger 55+ communities. I thought that newer communities would have neighbors who would be receptive to new friendships, and that larger communities were more likely to have a larger number of singles or people with similar interests. I am becoming very nervous about the HOA fees in these communities though. Spending $2,000-$4,000 in nondeductible HOA fees (plus real estate taxes, insurance, and utilities even if my home is paid-off) will take a big bite out of my budget. The cost of all those amenities and the resulting HOA fees are going to be subject to inflation, but I think it's likely that I will use those amenities less as I get older. Another dilemma.

Leslie,
Also try Madison, WI as it is very similar to St. Paul and Austin.

Has anyone retired to the Las Vegas area. Have not seen any posts and would like some information.

62 y/o semi retired ER doc. I've spent last two years looking in the south for warmth and to find "more fishes in the pond" to go out with. Compared to my cold and puddle of intolerant liberal fish.
Hoping to move back into a city and meet a variety of more sophisticated woman has not been very fruitful. Most interesting cities are full of young going nowhere kids working in bars, restaurants, etc.
The vast majority of people I met were men older than me. Women tend to flock together or go out as the third wheel. Men are loners. Enclave of conservative single men and women....haven't discovered that pot of gold yet.

This comment came in from Maggie (thanks!):

I am single and moved to The Villages in 6/2014. I am renting for a year to see if I like it. Most people who visit buy a home immediately because the place is quite unique. There’s a lot to do and most people who live or visit rave about the community. There are many organized singles groups. Here is a list of the clubs and other info:
Singles Baby Boomers (http://singlesbabyboomers.com/)
Sumter Singles Club (http://sumtersingles.org/)
Single Golfers of the Villages (http://www.sgvclub.com/)
America Singles Golf Association (http://www.singlesgolf.com/chapter.php?chapter_number=1013)
The Villages Singles Club (http://www.tvsinglesclub.com/)
Single at The Villages - Travel Channel (http://www.travelchannel.com/shows/grannies-gone-wild/video/single-at-the-villages)
Talk of the Villages Single Forum (http://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/singles-124/)

I am looking for 55+ "conventional" apartment communities to rent in Reno/Sparks, NV & also in Las Vegas/Henderson, NV areas - any information - pros & cons about these areas would be appreciated.

I have a question for those that are single (with or without children) that moved to a state their family members do not live in. When completing an application (for whatever) who do you put down for your "emergency" contact? Do you have pre-arranged plans on what you would do if you were hospitalized, etc.? What about your pets?

A tip for those of you thinking of moving to Austin, TX. I was born, raised & unfortunately still live here. It has become very crowded, horribly expensive to live, and if you do not like 90 days of 100+ degrees, humidity that will suck the air out of you, & another 120 days of 90 to 100 degrees - save your money - don't move here. Sorry to be on the negative side - but having lived here for 60 years and witnessed the transformation from a small college town to a mammoth of people and cars - I can't help it! I'm newly divorced, retired with a pension and feel sad that rents have skyrocketed in the metro area.

My ancestors are from New England. I love visiting Vermont and New Hampshire and I'm seriously considering moving to NH in about 5 years. It has been a long time dream of mine. I hope I find the guts to do it.

I am single, looking to retire near water of some sort, and in or near a city with cultural and artistic facilities. I'd like to rent, not buy, and I don't think a 55+ community is for me. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

Thank you Nancy! I am single and retiring this Fall and looking for a place to land. My son will be moving to Austin soon and thinks I should also. Although I would love to be near him, I wasn't sure about moving to a completely unknown area of the country. From what I found on line, housing seemed quite expensive and you have confirmed that. Although I'm sure Austin is a wonderful city in many ways, I think it will be too expensive and too hot and humid for me. I have pretty much decided to focus on Delaware, Virginia and Maryland as retirement destinations. These states have four seasons without extremes in either hot or cold. I just need to find an affordable, culturally active area to live. Not so easy to do. Any ideas would be very welcome!

I will be moving from my home in Houston to the Phoenix area the beginning of next year. Fingers crossed. Just a thank you to Dick for his info. I think I also will look into All Suites and store my stuff until I figure out a place to permanently stay. I am downsizing right now and that is a full-time job.

I agree Nancy,I'm presently looking for an apartment in NH preferably near the coast.I'm from Rhode Island and I miss the ocean,proper seafood,and my sisters.I currently live in Michigan and retired a year ago.I am used to the winters so that does'nt come into play.Anyway good luck with your move.

Jim - let me know what type of apartment you find in NH (i.e. old, new, square footage, monthly rent, pets accepted, amenities, etc.) Thank you!

Nancy,
I have had this problem of local contacts whenever I have moved for jobs. I always fill out a “next of kin” although that is now down to one person. When really new to the area, it has been a problem with local contact, but I used to be able to ask either a neighbor (or work colleague) in a pinch and tell them it is temporary.

One solution I remember from the Asheville area from seminar was forming a group of about 10 of other new people strictly for that…does not necessarily have to be folks that will be in you closer friends later. But a group of folks some that may not mind be called in the middle of the night or for other emergencies. It needs to be large enough that tasks do not fall on the same person all the time, but small enough so that you occasionally get together to catch up. And the group reminds intact even when you have met good friends although would be used much less. In a 55+ this might be easy to form. In other areas, perhaps an OLLI or elder study course, senior center, YMCA, or some other group that may have a new influx of people on a regular basis. I asked for a model, but the person I asked was not forthcoming, but I do not think it would be hard to formulate. The important thing would be to keep it the right size and steer other new people to a split when approaching ideal size.

I moved to MI and hadn’t even started work when I needed a local contact for a Saturday 4 hour cross country skiing event. The likely hood I would need it was so slim that I just used my boss’ phone number…that would have been a surprise.

Leah, re: DE, VA and more
I also have an interest in Delaware and Virginia. I am exploring (mostly on-line) GA, NC and SC and even northeastern FL as well. Ideas from anyone for those areas ...any good communities please share.

I presently live in Fredericksburg VA. I moved here for the job so I do not have much longevity here so staying does not gain me much and leaving would not be as difficult as a long time in the area.

Do you have specific areas of DE and VA and have you made any visits to the area and/or communities. If yes, please share.

I will say that the Fredericksburg VA area does have a very hot humid summer (worse that SE FL) for the years that I have been here. Fredericksburg has a fair amount of 55+ and other areas that might suit active adults. a source to supplement TR is http://www.owl55.com/ and http://www.55places.com/virginia/area/fredericksburg

I am single with no children and have recently have started to lean toward an active adult community. That was not at all what I had in mind even 5 years ago. Like you I do not want to be in the middle of nowhere. Like many of others especially always single women, finances need to be considered, but I am not horribly poor and will use SSI and my investments in 401ks.

Elaine,
Thanks for sharing your experiences. Very helpful.
Ann M,
Let us know what you think of Maine after leaving Austin.

I have also used my secretary or HR Manager as an emergency contact person sometimes. However, I wouldn't give them a health care or financial power of attorney, so that isn't a good long-term solution. Finding a person who you trust enough to actually step in if there's an emergency is definitely tough. If using friends or a group of women who agree to help each other, I'd suggest using joint designees so that there's some form of check & balance.

Has anyone done the work to figure out their future retirement budgets, assuming that a house or condo is paid off? Do you have a minimum goal that you're working towards if you're still employed (aside from a number that is as big as possible, of course)? My goal has been to have $60K-$65K a year including S.S., but I have a relative who is content in retirement at $38K a year. I just met a saleswoman at a 55+ community who volunteered that owning a home in her community would cost $850/month for utilities, taxes and HOA fees since she said everyone is focused on budgeting. No kidding.

Elaine, I'm in the same boat so to speak. Live in central Va. Widow,no children. 4 years ago started looking in Jacksonville, Fl. I liked the home styles, the screened lanai & pool. Proximity to ocean,top notch medical care, no snow or ice and summers a bit better than SE Florida. Big city amenities as well. I started to realize that as a single woman, it would be difficult to meet people in an established neighborhood. So I decided the 55+ community would probably be a better option to meet my social needs. But I have two big dogs that are used to a lot of yard so those become problematic...the 55+ community that is. But that is my issue to deal with. What I learned about JAX from other writers here is that Mayo is not taking new Medicare patients. I also learned that the Medicare supplement plans are twice the cost in JAX than what I will pay here for same identical plan. Home prices are really going up fast there (unfortunately not that much here) and then there are the pesky CDD fees that can add anywhere from about $800 to $3000.00 a year in addition to the HOA fees. And RE taxes are higher than here in central Va. Sure no state income tax but many states don't tax SSI and even offer senior exemptions on their other income so the savings from the no state income tax isn't that much of a savings for seniors unless they have a huge pension and/0r IRA etc. Everyone should do the math for their own personal circumstance. Just found NC as well as SC to be a bit more favorable for myself relative to costs. Even Williamsburg, Va. which is growing up fast. However then there remains the winters and snow and ice. It is a difficult decision with lots of variables. No place is perfect but still searching.

Kate, I am curious,how will you in retirement have $65,000 a year with social security? You must be lucky enough to have a generous pension. When I hear numbers like that I fear as a nurse that I will never ever be able to retire. I am a divorced woman since 2001. I have worked hard and saved but I did get a few set backs a few yers ago. I am terrified of retirement and that is why I started a business. I do not want to live in poverty nor does and single woman. Two incomes do make a big difference.

Jennifer, My husband and i have NEVER spent $65,000 in a year or anywhere near it. Does that make you feel better???

Ella - That definitely makes me feel better too!

I am fortunate enough to qualify for almost the maximum benefit when I start to pull Social Security at age 66, plus have saved enough in my 401K to pull out $30,000-$35,000 using the 4% rule. The exact number will depend on when I get laid off from my job with a big company now that I've hit 63. Don't get me started on hidden age discrimination in corporate America! (If I get laid off between 63 and 66, I'll use widow's benefits and savings that could otherwise supplement the 401K. I've decided to just take an early retirement if I lose my job -- after working over 40 years, I'm ready!)

Some of the 55+ communities that I've visited are beautiful and appear to be affordable, but I worry about getting in over my head. Like Susan, I'm searching, and trying to figure out the net cost of living in destinations that catch my eye! Inflation will push HOA fees and other costs higher. I don't want to be worried about paying bills and being in a community with retirees with a lot more disposable income. I guess I have a case of "bag lady syndrome".

Kate, if you are near the max for SS and can pull 30-35000 from a 401 your income should be over 65000.

Hi Ella:

I am more than happy that you will be secure in your retirement. The numbers mentioned made me just reflect on what my retirement fears are. If you have it, enjoy it...you have worked hard for your benefits that is for sure. I am in trouble if I must generate $65,000 per year in retirement.

I live in Washington, DC --one of the very expensive places to live even while still in the workforce...so I am carefully thinking about working beyond my normal retirement as so many seniors are here. I ride the bus to downtown DC every day and side beside an 88 year old lawyer--still working. My neighbor works at a prestigious private school here in Washington is 78 and also still working as a drama teacher. He is afraid of what retirement would be like were he to try to live on SS benefits and a pension.

Thanks for your response.

Kate, you'll be fine as max on SS is I believe some $3600.00/monrh or $43K a year. With your 401K you are over $70K a year. Watch out re: widow's benefits. I was told by SS that if my benefit is higher than my late husband's, I can't take his and let mine grow till 70. And hope you don't get laid off as individual health insurance costs are extremely high and you will not qualify for any obamacare subsidies. And many articles now are questioning the 4% rule on pulling out from 401Ks and IRAs, saying it may be too high if market tanks. I suggest adding up all expenses you currently have or using one of those calculators, don't forget to figure in inflation and taxes. Then see what you can actually afford relative to housing. Some 55+ communities include for example cable costs and yard maintenance costs in the monthly fees, others do not and only include the amenities. That could add substantially to your monthly bills. Too many variables re: finances and where to go and like you, I don't care to be worried about how I will pay the next bill or god forbid running out of money either and would like to have some 'play' money left over after working some 40 years. Remember, up to 85% of your SSI is taxed by the Fed Gov't. depending on how much you pull out of your 401K. I calculate I'll have about $62K in combined IRA + SSI and I am beginning to panic as I haven't lived on that income since I was in my 30s. And my housing costs will go up even by considerably downsizing (although I am not going to go too small as I hope to keep working and thus need a room for my office) as I will have to spend more to buy the house than what I get selling my current home. The 55+ communities are not for the faint of heart (budget) and I am beginning think the residents are a lot richer than I will be. But I do think they are the best option for a single person to meet people and establish new friendships. Lots of variables to consider particularly when you can pretty much move anywhere.

Susan, thinks so much for the input. I have also hear that about Medicare doctors in the Jacksonville area. Hopefully, there are other besides Mayo clinic. The yard thing has been a problem since changing my goals to an over 55. Not sure what to do. I like to compete with my dogs although I do not have the right dog for that right now.

Finding doctors that take Medicare has been brought up before. I wonder if there are areas where this is less of a problem? Since active adult communities (and maybe just communities or town) in NC, SC GA, DE and northeast FL are in my sights, I would love to hear experiences others have had in those areas.

I know that it was noted on one of these blogs that sometimes you can find specialists more easily, but I really do not have any specialists.

Susan: Maximum Social Security benefit in 2015 at age 66 is currently $2,663, or $31,956/per annum. That climbs to $3,501 for deferring to age 70. I've assumed that I'd file with my own benefit at 66, but I'll re-examine my options when I get to age 66. Sounds like we're both considering the same retirement budget!

I hadn't thought about the difficulties with finding a doctor that will accept Medicare....now I have something else to worry about.

Note from Admin:
We seem to be getting off the track here with the discussion of Social Security benefits and now Medicare.
We have moved some of the Medicare discussion to http://www.topretirements.com/blog/health-issues/so-youre-turning-65-your-medicare-guide-101.html/

If you would like to post about Social Security then please make the post to http://www.topretirements.com/blog/financial/your-worst-case-scenario-and-social-security-the-answer-might-surprise-you.html/ so we can focus this post on singles and retirement. Thanks

i am a single woman and I am retiring in January. I have booked a house for four months in Clearwater FL through AirBnB. My daughter lives in Orlando. I am driving from California and will be stopping on the way to see possible retirement locations and I will see if any need further investigation. After my four months in Florida I will drive to the Portland OR area where I have reserved another house through AirBnB for four months. I have always thought I would retire in Portland but if after four months I decide that is not for me I will book another house through AirBnB in a different city.

Moving these comments here from another blog:

from Luanne:
Ann, I would love to find a housemate in retirement and am single also looking to relocate, but fearful of “going it alone” in a new area. I like Maryville, TN for a number of reasons and it’s close to Knoxville which is a decent sized city. I have heard good things about Austin, but have also heard of people thinking it’s getting “too big” for what they want in retirement (traffic in particular). I have a small dog also and would like to have a way to communicate since we have some things in common. If you want a pen pal with a similar story, please let me know if that’s possible off this site, administrators.

from Sharon:
Luanne, My husband and I moved from Baltimore to Maryville TN back in the 80’s. I LOVED Maryville but, my husband didn’t so he moved back to Baltimore. I did too a few months later after I divorced him. Anyway, just walking out the door in the morning and looking up at the Smokey Mountains was a beautiful site. I thought about going back when I retired but, I rented an apartment in Southwest Virginia near my relatives last year. Now I’m thinking about moving back to Pennsylvania to a retirement community. Good luck, wherever you decide.

I am a divorced woman living in New England and I would love to hear about anyone who has successfully moved to a new place where cost of living is lower and the brutal winters, like the one we are still having here in April, are milder. I never thought I could move away from family and stirke out all alone, but this winter has done me in. Any success stories?

Maimi, hello!

I live alone in Washington DC and am also divorced. I am considering relocating and it is requiring a lot of considerations. I already live far from family--I do have a few friendships here however. My brother lives in Portland Oregon and in Lincoln City at his beach home as well. My Aunt lives in Naples Florida...that is really all the family I have. I do not have children -- could not for health reasons and so I have always had to forge my own way. I am semi-retired and work a part time job as a tour guide as well as volunteer at a historic property twice a month nearby my home. I would love to find a utopia--wouldn't we all? Nice weather, low cost of living, ability to walk to shops and markets are important to me. It is not easy to find and if once found, then it would become so popular many could no longer afford your new found paradise. You must consider making a list of the most important things to you and then compare it to where you are now--see which one comes out ahead. Finances cannot be the only consideration. Washington DC is extremely expensive and I am lucky to have purchased my condo 21 years ago or it would be out of reach now. If I go to a lower cost area and cash out my equity then I fear risking the interests I have here and being bored out of my mind--even with beautiful surroundings. Also most want to be near good healthcare--I use alternative medicine--and an airport or train station (Amtrak). It would be fun to have it all, but winter is just one season. You may like other parts of the year better and once the warm days of summer set in, it is easy to forget the snowflakes.

I've been divorced forever. My last winter in Minnesota did me in as well. I decided my retirement wasn't going to be much fun if I fell and broke my hip getting my mail. So I set out to find a better solution. I had already spent a lot of time in Florida and decided to focus on that since I like to cruise. Found a 6-month rental so I would have time to look around. Found a great condo on a canal just down the canal from where I was renting. I've never looked back. I have more friends and social life down here than I can handle--sometimes I just need a day off! Everyone down here is from someplace else and all are looking to make new friends. Many of my friends from Minnesota spend the winter here. As for family, my son was in Phoenix at the time but has since relocated to Salt Lake City which illustrates the folly of following your children in retirement. My daughter is still in Minneapolis, but she and her husband have a condo down here.

Jennifer and Linda, thanks for the input.
I love New England and the close proximity to Boston, NYC, the ocean, islands, mountains, and the quaint towns scattered in between. This year, the winter started in October with the first big storm and a week without power. Since then, I have endured 4 power outages which lasted days at a time. No heat, lights, cooking, is becoming more than an inconvenience and scary. When one outage lasted a week, I feared they would find me frozen to death. I can’t take it anymore and the taxes here are sky high.

I am thinking I should find a 3-6 month rental somewhere on the East Coast. I love Oregon, but it is just too far from my family.

Miami and Linda--You should consider The Villages in Florida. There is no place like it on this earth in terms of activities, clubs, singles groups, etc. I'm in two singles golf groups and one has 700+ members and the other 300+. I play 5 different card games on the seven nights of the week. The daily newspaper uses one complete page to list the days activities at the recreation centers. Rentals are plentiful but expensive Dec-Mar. To check out the community come during the Summer and you can stay weekly or monthly for very little money. For further info my email is bnhenkle@aol.com.

Bart what are the HOA fees to support all those activities? What does the HOA cover specifically and how much of an increase have you experienced each year? Thanks for sharing.

Bart, where is that? Do you know the price range for rentals. That sounds fun. After a long winter of being house bound, it sounds fun. I want to be near enough to the ocean. I am interested.

Maimi, The Villages are near Ocala in central Florida. Nowhere near the ocean.

Miami and Jennifer-The HOA fees are $148/mo. They were $145 a few years ago. The fees cover free golf on the executive courses, live entertainment at three different town squares 365 night per year, all maintenance of common areas, and maintenance of all the recreation centers and swimming pools. By the way we have the largest golf and pickleball complexes in the world along with 80+ swimming pools and 34 or 35 recreation centers. For further info contact me at bnhenkle@aol.com. We are approx. 1 hour from the Atlantic or the Gulf and just over an hour to Orlando. Rental rates in the Winter are probably $2500 and up. In the Summer you can rent for $800 a month more or less.

Editor's comment. Although this recent thread started out about singles we have veered into a (useful) discussion about The Villages. We have written a number of articles about that interesting community and for more about that, check out https://www.topretirements.com/blog/active-adult-communities/tempted-by-the-villages-here-are-some-of-the-best-retirement-alternatives.html/