Which Town in the West Would You Choose?
Category: Best Retirement Towns and States
April 2, 2024 — Following up on last week’s very successful article, “Brian Struggles to Find His Best Place to Retire“, we’ve created a similar scenario for a couple having a dilemma choosing a retirement location in the western half of the country. First we’ll lay out a hypothetical retirement scenario using preferences common to many of our Members and visitors, and then ask you to choose which solution you would pick. We are hoping for lots of Comments too.
Bill and Carol Head West for Retirement
Our virtual couple, Bill and Carol, have lived and worked in California most of their adult lives. They like the sunny weather and enjoy the opportunity for endless recreational opportunities, from the beach to the mountains. They don’t like the traffic and high prices for everything. Their children are grown and live in different parts of the country. Although they realize that being near all of them is not going to be possible, they are willing to travel to visit them and the grandchildren. They are not so sure about living in an active or 55+ community, but would be willing to if the situation looked right. Both of them are tired of rattling around in a house that is too big for two people, with the drawbacks of an upstairs MBR and significant maintenance and landscaping needs.
Comments on "Which Town in the West Would You Choose?"
Admin says:
In Arizona, Green Valley and Tucson seem like they would be good choices. Warm winters, plenty of outdoors, real estate not so expensive. Any with experience in these places care to comment?
RichPB says:
I think Green Valley in AZ is south and not the Verde River Valley which is just south of Sedona. We rented there for a month years ago and really liked it -- all the features of nearby Sedone but much lower cost. Most of Arizona within a few hours drive. We did consider moving there , but the extreme dryness and constant winds are a real factor and we stayed east.
Patricia McD says:
I was looking at Green Valley and now I won't consider it. Thank you Rich PB for letting me know about the wind. I cannot tolerate wind; it makes me feel like I've been pummeled. So does anyone know where the good walking neighborhoods are in Tucson?
Bill Bamber says:
Somewhere in Eastern B.C. where they have great Slopes & awesome Golf Courses!! Maybe Calgary AB. Or N.E. USA meaning Vermont.
Just sayin':
Bill Bamber,
Edmonton Alberta
Donna says:
I was born & raised in the West & have lived in 4 different states there. I have visited all 4 cities listed. I have also visited all 50 states. My short take on those 4 cities listed: Bozeman is great fun but way too bitterly cold in the winter, Prescott is just too (culturally) isolated, Bend has water & growth issues & has too many seasonal wildfires. Of the 4, Las Cruces is quite fun & has the whole red & green New Mexican cuisine & isn’t far from El Paso for plane flights to visit the grandkids. That being said, I will say that hubby & I eventually left the West entirely & are quite happily settled near Asheville, North Carolina. To each his/her own!
Pat R says:
I have been in green valley for 7 years and love it. There are windy days in the spring, such as yesterday, but it may be 30 days total at most. December through February are cooler than I personally like, but I love the rest of the year. In the winter I often make driving trips to San Carlos in Mexico where it's usually 10 degrees warmer. Or take cruises out of LA which is a short easy drive as well.
low says:
I wouldn't choose the west at all.
Steve says:
Donna has it right. None of the four towns showcased are ideal (frankly I don't know why they were selected) and Ashville is probably the best choice, but to each his own.
John says:
Stay in California!! There are so many beautiful areas in Northern California and the geography is the best in the west.
Jay says:
Bill and Carol should check out southern Utah! It's not for everyone but we really enjoy Washington County Utah. There are endless outdoor recreation opportunities, the weather is great, and there are smaller towns not as congested as the main city, St.George. As a bonus Las Vegas is a leisurely 2 hour drive. This area is on our short list. We're about to make our 3rd trip there, spending 2 weeks as we compare it to two other areas we're still considering for retirement. Good Luck!
Sharon L Alexander says:
I suggest they consider Western Washington. When I retired after working at a University on the East Coast, I came back here. Couldn't afford Seattle anymore, but settled in Olympia, which is the State Capital. Its about a 1 - 2 hr. drive to Seattle, depending on traffic. Lots to do here if you like the outdoors; boating, hiking, skiing, etc. And I might add, no income tax. Worth checking out.
Editor's Comment: Thanks Sharon. Olympia seems like a really good alternative. Here is our review of the town and other WA cities. While expensive by some standards, it is much less so than Seattle. And Jay's comment is a great alternative too. Here is the St. George review.
Yolande says:
I always appreciate the comments. You gain so much knowledge just from people who've been to, or live in other areas. Makes it more conflicting some times to decide what will be the best fit for any of us, but the info is always valuable. I lived in So. CA for 30+ yrs. I would never move back & have been gone for 3+ yrs. without visiting in about 2+ yrs. Miss it dearly, but no regrets! Montana is too cold period, beautiful but cold. I'm too old to be digging myself out.
I love, love the desert, to me the difference in the beauty from greener areas is just amazing & unbeatable, I prefer the dry climate but it no longer loves me. So I have to find a more humid climate minus the massive snow falls & cold. The dry is taking a major toll on my health. It's just really hard to find a new place to go.