Florida's known as a retirement state. Living in FL, we not only have local senior citizens, but we also have those that get away from the freezing winters up north that spend about 6 mo. down here every year. They're referred to as "snow birds". I was running errands today, and saw quite a few grandparents picking up Easter baskets for their grandkids.I remembered getting those baskets as a kid and looking for eggs after church. Before church,...more
High up in the mountains of South Carolina, encircled by rolling hills, forests, lakes and framed by mountain ranges, are picturesque and reasonably priced mountain communities. The Montebello community near Greenville South Carolina is "New Urbanism." With common zones, it got its aesthetic ideas from the Tuscan hills of Italy. The Blue Ridge Mountains and Greenville skyline in the distance are only a short drive away. Facilities at this...more
From Wilmington in the south to the Outer Banks in the north, there are plenty of affordable coastal communities for when you retire or relocate to choose from in North Carolina. Many of these communities present active lifestyles for old age and resettlement in protected, sociable, inexpensive communities with plenty of services. Albemarle Plantation, near the Albemarle Sound, is just N.E. of Edenton, North Carolina. Being 1,600 acres in size, this coastal community has access to the Intracoastal Waterway, a full service deep water marina, 212 slips, 25 meter pool, 12,000 square foot clubhouse, country club casual restaurant, tennis courts, fitness centre, walking and biking trails and card, craft, and yacht clubs. You'll find the 18-hole golf course created by Dan Maples breathtaking.Only accessible by a twenty-minute boat ride from Southport across Cape Fear River is Bald Head Island. At this location you'll commune on the 1,200 acres of the coastal community on public trams and electric carts, play golf on the 18-hole course designed by George Cobb, or even play tennis. There is a 10,000 square foot Shoals Club with decks, porches, dining and banquet rooms, a full marina harbor...more
It looks like whenever I'm at the magazine shelf I notice another list of the "Top Ten Towns for Boomers," or the "Ten Most Affordable Retirement Places," or the "Best Places for Paper Airplane Lovers." You get the idea. Any which way, it is always the same places, and to this day I don't understand the way they are selected. What makes these...more
"55 Plus" Communities, or Retirement Communities these days amount to more than a group of houses in the same neighborhood or geographic area. Communities set a standard for design and development and offer an impression of certainty the money you've invested will be safe-guarded and sustained. It does not so much concern the community being walled...more
Which do You Want from Your Party Plan Company?Is your dream to quit your job and stay home with the children or to provide extras for your family? Are you a stay at home mom who would like to do something for yourself? Perhaps you are looking for a career with flexibility? Then it is time to look at party plan companies.When searching for the company that gives you the perfect fit, look for the golden goose instead of the bag of gold. Remember Jack and the Beanstalk? In this fairy tale Jack traded the family cow, which had quit giving milk, for a bag of magic beans. His mother, deeming that the beans were worthless, threw them out the window. When Jack awakened the next morning, a huge beanstalk had grown to the top of the sky. Jack raced up, curious to see what was at the top. Jack ends up stealing a bag of gold from the ogre and his wife who lived in a mansion at the top of the sky. The gold provided for Jack and his mother for quite some time, but it eventually ran out. Jack climbed up the beanstalk again. This time he stole a goose that laid golden eggs on command. The next time Jack climbed the beanstalk it wasn't because he was broke. Kimberly built a business with a 'bag of...more
Redmond is a unique blend of rural and small town living. It is home to Microsoft, so it is full of technological knowhow. But it is a rugged Washington city known for pristine landscapes and temperamental weather. If you are looking to relocate,...more
Long Beach, CA is a beach lover's paradise. Stretching for miles, the sand and surf is there for the taking. Fortunately for renters, the apartment market is vast and the prices are affordable. It is important, as it is anywhere, to secure consistent...more
Moving to Las Vegas is a dream for some people. The excitement, the cuisine, the opportunity and entertainments. It's a potent mix that is full of allure. But getting to Vegas and finding a decent apartment are two different things. You have to be...more
Nestled just outside of Atlanta, Marietta, GA offers residents and visitors alike a rare glimpse into the quaint side of life that people here have come to know and love.A small city populated with impressive school systems, historic squares and...more
California is the most populous state for a reason. It's diversity -- beaches, mountains, cities and beaches -- make it a highly coveted place to live. It is a huge state, with thousands of square miles. This means there is plenty of places to live....more
Located just across the Charles River from Boston, Cambridge is a vibrant city with numerous universities and a rich culture. Moving here can be daunting, as prices for apartments are high and competition is stiff. But if you know where to go and how...more