Towns, Communities, Real Estate, Taxes and More

Charming Fernandina Beach sits on idyllic Amelia Island on the northeastern Florida coast and possesses a wonderful downtown, tree-lined neighborhoods and miles of white sand beaches.

High on a ridge at the end of the lush Cumberland Plateau outside of Chattanooga, pretty Signal Mountain overlooks the Tennessee River and has a suburban country vibe.

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.

In a sun soaked locale, Bisbee is a quirky artists’ colony stuck in time. Fun antique shops, B&Bs, art galleries and cafes attract not only tourists but the occasional celebrity.

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.

A secluded little waterfront village on the Outer Banks, Manteo Has an artsy downtown, a boardwalk and nearby oceanside beaches.

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.  

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.

White fairy tale castle with blue roofs in amusement park in Orlando against bright sky on sunny day

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.

Flat lay of tax documents, calculator, and pencils on green surface.

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.

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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

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