Towns, Communities, Real Estate, Taxes and More
Tucked on a narrow barrier island along the South Carolina coast, seductive Pawleys Island boasts beautiful oceanside homes, a long white sand beach, and nearby colorful shops, eateries, galleries and more.
Towns
Living in a beach town without relying on a personal car isn’t just a romantic idea—it’s very doable in a handful of U.S. coastal towns that were built long before sprawl and parking lots took over.
A truly dog-friendly city is a place that builds everyday life around our furry friends. You notice it in sidewalks with waste stations, in cafés with water bowls and in housing options that welcome pets without excessive restrictions.
Mountain cozy is hard to define but easy to recognize. It shows up in walkable main streets, familiar cafés, historic storefronts, and surrounding scenery that stirs the soul. Here are five such places.
Known for its stunning blue waters and miles of sugar white sand, Gulf Shores sits on Alabama’s central coast and is popular with vacationers and “snowbirds.”
A charming little resort town, Petoskey sits on the banks of Lake Michigan’s sparkling Little Traverse Bay. Locals enjoy a abundant outdoor recreation, a lovely downtown and fun events such as the Chocoholic Frolic.
Often called the “Prettiest Small Town in America,” Madison sits just outside of sprawling Lake Oconee and is known for its stately historic homes along shaded lanes and charming downtown filled with colorful galleries and shops.
Communities
Before committing to a retirement community, many buyers want more than a brochure or a quick tour. “Stay and play” programs make that possible, offering short visits where you can experience daily life, amenities, and social culture firsthand.
When retirement time comes, some people no longer want homeownership responsibilities. They don’t want to mow the lawn, replace the roof or worry about appliances breaking. They’d rather lease and live maintenance-free.
Coastal planned communities are designed around access to the water rather than just close proximity to it. Marinas, docks, boardwalks, and shoreline are incorporated from the beginning, making water a part of everyday life.
Relocation
Moving to a new town often involves more than packing boxes and hiring a mover. The logistics, decisions, and emotional load can add up quickly. Fortunately, services exist to help older adults manage the process.
Transferring your medical life is one of the most important parts of a move. Doctors, prescriptions, insurance plans, and records don’t automatically follow you.
One of the most common worries people have after moving to a new town is whether they’ll find a sense of community. Here are a few tips to help.
Florida
Decades of in-migration, predictable demand, and a regulatory environment have allowed age-targeted development to bloom in Florida. The result is choice.
For many people,. moving to Florida isn’t an impulsive decision. It’s something they test carefully, often over months or even years, before making it permanent.
Downsizing is part of almost every retirement move to Florida, but it’s rarely just about square footage.
Real Estate
Most homes can be adapted to support aging safely and comfortably. The key is making smart changes early, before small inconveniences turn into real risks.
These five American towns stand apart. They aren’t interchangeable, and they don’t look like anywhere else in the country.
Whether you’re renovating, building new or simply dreaming about your next update, these emerging design trends reflect the way people want to live now—and in the future.
Taxes
Check out these five states if you want to keep more of your money in retirement.
What makes Florida such an appealing retirement destination for so many people? Yes, it’s beaches and year-round sunshine, but it’s also the state’s tax structure.
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