Towns, Communities, Real Estate, Taxes and More
Along the shores of Lake Michigan and two other lakes in scenic northern Michigan, Charlevoix is a pretty lakefront town known for its fun events, cute downtown, water recreation and baskets of petunias.
On a bluff overlooking the May River along the South Carolina coast, charming Bluffton has a cute downtown, canopy lanes and boat docks.
Funky, friendly and slightly worn, Galveston sits on two barrier islands along Texas’ north coast. Locals enjoy fun festivals, museums, a boardwalk and miles of beaches.
Surrounded by towering peaks in scenic central Colorado, hip, historic Salida is a colorful town with a wonderful downtown, warm mineral springs, abundant outdoor recreation, lively events and more.
One of the prettiest towns in Alabama, little Magnolia Springs sits at the headwaters of the Magnolia River and brims with flowers. It also has its mail delivered by boat.
Unassuming Jensen Beach is on Florida’s southeastern coast and possesses a colorful downtown, a beautiful oceanside beach, sea turtles and a low key way of life.
A casual, slightly faded waterfront town, Colonial Beach sits along the Potomac River outside of Washington, D.C. and has Virginia’s second longest beachfront.
Communities
Tucked in the shadow of the Cascade Mountains, The Vineyard is a cozy, lush community with single family homes, a vineyard and lakes, including one with a bridge and an island gazebo. Residents enjoy a nice clubhouse, a beautiful swimming pool and lots of activities.
A lush, soothing lakeside community at the base of the base of the Great Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee, Rarity Bay has single family homes and attached homes. Amenities include a swim and tennis club, a golf course, a lovely clubhouse and ten miles of shoreline.
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. Â
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.
Downsizing is part of almost every retirement move to Florida, but it’s rarely just about square footage.Â
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.
While every state structures its tax system differently, a handful stand out for being especially tough on retirees. Here are five of the worst states for retirement when it comes to taxes.
Check Out Our Amazon Books
Some Comments From Our Readers
I’m a long time reader of your different sites. You helped me choose Lynchburg as my retirement home. I still read your website even after making the move. Appreciate your insights.  ~Marcus Madden
Recently I have become your biggest fan! I honestly believe your reviews of retirement areas will help us find that place, the one where we will build one more house! ~ Candice Argyle