Where would you live in the USA minus Hawaii? But you can't have multiple residences.
Mequon.
Winter in San Diego
Summer in Milwaukee
1. Where I am.
2. Around MU's campus, where it is safer.
3. Snowbirding is a thing. Leelanau peninsula for the summer. Somewhere with open golf courses in the winter. I like Sultan's San Diego idea.
Read my rules. I'm not saying you can't travel but you can't have multiple residences.
Quote from: MuggsyB on August 01, 2024, 07:17:19 PM
Read my rules. I'm not saying you can't travel but you can't have multiple residences.
I'm rich. Therefore I can ignore rules.
Southwest Utah. They have all the recreational activities that I enjoy: golf, hiking, skiing, and good bike trails. Plus it doesn't get anywhere near as cold as it does here. Maybe food options aren't great but I have unlimited funds so I can travel to CT for proper pizza and lobster rolls. My only qualm with the golf is that when I was there in May, they wouldn't let me walk most of the courses. I really don't enjoy playing golf out of a cart.
Quote from: jutaw22mu on August 01, 2024, 08:01:12 PM
Southwest Utah. They have all the recreational activities that I enjoy: golf, hiking, skiing, and good bike trails. Plus it doesn't get anywhere near as cold as it does here. Maybe food options aren't great but I have unlimited funds so I can travel to CT for proper pizza and lobster rolls. My only qualm with the golf is that when I was there in May, they wouldn't let me walk most of the courses. I really don't enjoy playing golf out of a cart.
What's the weather like there Dec-March?
My current house, after a major renovation
Europe......
In the US, Oceanside CA, or PNW.
Quote from: MuggsyB on August 01, 2024, 08:44:21 PM
What's the weather like there Dec-March?
Haven't visited during those times, but I am thinking St. George area and I think at worst it might be in the high 20s for a handful of days. It looks like average high is 50s and average low is 30s. Sounds better to me than we we get in Kenosha/Lake County during that stretch.
Asheville or that area seems like a very desirable place to live.
Quote from: MuggsyB on August 02, 2024, 07:31:34 AM
Asheville or that area seems like a very desirable place to live.
Asheville is great. Beautiful location and great food/beverage culture.
Quote from: MuggsyB on August 02, 2024, 07:31:34 AM
Asheville or that area seems like a very desirable place to live.
I love it there... only issue is there isn't enough water nearby.
How's the ⛳️ there?
Vero Beach, Florida, with my wife.
That's why we sold our home in Libertyville, IL and doubled down in Florida. We rent a place in Chicago for July and August (and, no Brother Muggs, that's not owning two homes). We have a nice home down here and the people are incredible.
Plus, we have the added advantage of living with manatees just down the street from our back door and alligators all over the place. Just south of us, in Palm Beach and Okeechobee Counties is the python capital of North America. What more could someone want in retirement?
Quote from: MuggsyB on August 02, 2024, 07:47:24 AM
How's the ⛳️ there?
I'm not a golfer, but I attended a wedding last year and most of the guys did a couple of rounds over the weekend.
Quote from: dgies9156 on August 02, 2024, 07:50:02 AM
Vero Beach, Florida, with my wife.
That's why we sold our home in Libertyville, IL and doubled down in Florida. We rent a place in Chicago for July and August (and, no Brother Muggs, that's not owning two homes). We have a nice home down here and the people are incredible.
Plus, we have the added advantage of living with manatees just down the street from our back door and alligators all over the place. Just south of us, in Palm Beach and Okeechobee Counties is the python capital of North America. What more could someone want in retirement?
I haven't been to VB, but the only spot I've really enjoyed in Florida is Marathon in the Middle Keys. That said , I haven't spent that much time in Tampa. I'm not a fan of Miami at all. Is the summer tolerable in your area brother dgies? The manatees are a bit of an X factor.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on August 02, 2024, 07:51:48 AM
I'm not a golfer, but I attended a wedding last year and most of the guys did a couple of rounds over the weekend.
Off the subject I have some friends that hit Nook last weekend in Maddy. They said it was well worth it .
Quote from: MuggsyB on August 02, 2024, 08:05:15 AM
Off the subject I have some friends that hit Nook last weekend in Maddy. They said it was well worth it .
I had not heard of it, but it looks amazing and I will have to check it out for sure.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on August 02, 2024, 08:16:20 AM
I had not heard of it, but it looks amazing and I will have to check it out for sure.
I know it took them like 2 months to get a res. It's just one table and 12 seats. Anyway, apparently Door County cherries are in season because they won't stop talking about the cherry courses.
Quote from: MuggsyB on August 02, 2024, 08:01:15 AM
I haven't been to VB, but the only spot I've really enjoyed in Florida is Marathon in the Middle Keys. That said , I haven't spent that much time in Tampa. I'm not a fan of Miami at all. Is the summer tolerable in your area brother dgies? The manatees are a bit of an X factor.
I'm actually in Vero Beach today. Summer is smoking hot. Ridiculously so. That's why we go back to Chicago for two months.
The same people who love summers in Vero wrestle alligators, run stills in the swamps and ban books in the school libraries! ;D
This is a tough one and I've gone through several thoughts. My first, immediate reaction was in the Rockies. I'm partial to SW Colorado, but would also want to take a look at Idaho and Montana. I'm not sure my wife would love that. My second thought was Cleveland area to be near family. We could -- and would -- travel extensively and only use NE Ohio as a home base. I've always been a believer that if you have enough money to buy a second home, then you have enough money to rent a house in all the places that you want to go. With unlimited funds, I'd test the limits of that theory. Other areas that I'd consider - Maine, South Carolina, North Carolina.
Quote from: StillAWarrior on August 02, 2024, 08:32:08 AM
This is a tough one and I've gone through several thoughts. My first, immediate reaction was in the Rockies. I'm partial to SW Colorado, but would also want to take a look at Idaho and Montana. I'm not sure my wife would love that. My second thought was Cleveland area to be near family. We could -- and would -- travel extensively and only use NE Ohio as a home base. I've always been a believer that if you have enough money to buy a second home, then you have enough money to rent a house in all the places that you want to go. With unlimited funds, I'd test the limits of that theory. Other areas that I'd consider - Maine, South Carolina, North Carolina.
Maine has some beautiful spots. But I'm somewhat partial to Novs Scotia and the Maritime provinces. I can't wait to get up there in a few weeks!
Quote from: MuggsyB on August 02, 2024, 08:37:08 AM
Maine has some beautiful spots. But I'm somewhat partial to Novs Scotia and the Maritime provinces.
Read your rules...USA minus Hawaii.
Naples, FL next door to Lenny!!
Quote from: jutaw22mu on August 01, 2024, 08:01:12 PM
Southwest Utah. They have all the recreational activities that I enjoy: golf, hiking, skiing, and good bike trails. Plus it doesn't get anywhere near as cold as it does here. Maybe food options aren't great but I have unlimited funds so I can travel to CT for proper pizza and lobster rolls. My only qualm with the golf is that when I was there in May, they wouldn't let me walk most of the courses. I really don't enjoy playing golf out of a cart.
Maybe it's my limited experience, but it seems more courses require carts and more require caddies. I want neither.
If I have to be in one place all year, I'd want to avoid the weather extremes. So maybe San Diego or Santa Barbara.
Otherwise I'd take a few months of harsh winter and snow over months of extreme heat.
Quote from: StillAWarrior on August 02, 2024, 08:32:08 AM
This is a tough one and I've gone through several thoughts. My first, immediate reaction was in the Rockies. I'm partial to SW Colorado, but would also want to take a look at Idaho and Montana. I'm not sure my wife would love that. My second thought was Cleveland area to be near family. We could -- and would -- travel extensively and only use NE Ohio as a home base. I've always been a believer that if you have enough money to buy a second home, then you have enough money to rent a house in all the places that you want to go. With unlimited funds, I'd test the limits of that theory. Other areas that I'd consider - Maine, South Carolina, North Carolina.
Good thoughts. If we made the decision to live near family, it would be Milwaukee or somewhere else in southern Wisconsin. If we made the decision that we could always just visit family, it would likely be a place like Asheville or Chattanooga.
Quote from: The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole on August 02, 2024, 10:28:03 AM
Good thoughts. If we made the decision to live near family, it would be Milwaukee or somewhere else in southern Wisconsin. If we made the decision that we could always just visit family, it would likely be a place like Asheville or Chattanooga.
Chattanooga also a great place.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on August 02, 2024, 10:34:48 AM
Chattanooga also a great place.
It really is.
I was a finalist for a job there a number of years ago, and had to remove myself from consideration because the family timing could not have been worse. While it was clearly the right decision, I found myself saying "why could this not have happened three or four years later?"
Vegas.
StillaWarrior
For years my retirement goal has been for my wife to alternate picking a city to live in for a year. Every second year one of us gets to pick a location pretty much anywhere in the world and go there for a year. Not that concerned on level of accommodations, more wanting to get the feel of the location. Want to get the feel of the city and live life enjoying a new location.
I have a long list of places that I could live for a year and hope we are healthy enough and can afford this endeavor, even if we only each get to pick one location. I would prefer doing this than owning a second home.
Quote from: Goose on August 02, 2024, 11:47:23 AM
StillaWarrior
For years my retirement goal has been for my wife to alternate picking a city to live in for a year. Every second year one of us gets to pick a location pretty much anywhere in the world and go there for a year. Not that concerned on level of accommodations, more wanting to get the feel of the location. Want to get the feel of the city and live life enjoying a new location.
I have a long list of places that I could live for a year and hope we are healthy enough and can afford this endeavor, even if we only each get to pick one location. I would prefer doing this than owning a second home.
Same
Quote from: MuggsyB on August 02, 2024, 08:05:15 AM
Off the subject I have some friends that hit Nook last weekend in Maddy. They said it was well worth it .
Enough of that dirty talk.
Quote from: Goose on August 02, 2024, 11:47:23 AM
StillaWarrior
For years my retirement goal has been for my wife to alternate picking a city to live in for a year. Every second year one of us gets to pick a location pretty much anywhere in the world and go there for a year. Not that concerned on level of accommodations, more wanting to get the feel of the location. Want to get the feel of the city and live life enjoying a new location.
I have a long list of places that I could live for a year and hope we are healthy enough and can afford this endeavor, even if we only each get to pick one location. I would prefer doing this than owning a second home.
That sounds fantastic. Hope you can pull it off.
Not a lot of votes for Gary, IN.
How is the golf there?
Re the OP ...
What do you mean, "If"?
Quote from: Goose on August 02, 2024, 11:47:23 AM
StillaWarrior
For years my retirement goal has been for my wife to alternate picking a city to live in for a year. Every second year one of us gets to pick a location pretty much anywhere in the world and go there for a year. Not that concerned on level of accommodations, more wanting to get the feel of the location. Want to get the feel of the city and live life enjoying a new location.
I have a long list of places that I could live for a year and hope we are healthy enough and can afford this endeavor, even if we only each get to pick one location. I would prefer doing this than owning a second home.
Nice!
Potentially my plan as well. But might get a small place in Spain, then do the digital nomad thing for a while. Maybe AirBnb the Spain location.
Flyer
My plan is to really live in the city vs being a nomad. Definite junkets, but more embracing the spot we shack up in. The cool for us is that we have very different ideas on where to choose and I think that could make it very interesting.
Quote from: Goose on August 02, 2024, 04:31:16 PM
Flyer
My plan is to really live in the city vs being a nomad. Definite junkets, but more embracing the spot we shack up in. The cool for us is that we have very different ideas on where to choose and I think that could make it very interesting.
I love that idea.
Sadly, I will not be retiring until a bit later than some of my layabout compatriots (looking at you chick! ;D). So the number of years to live in different places may be a bit more limited. So, the see as many places as I can is the current plan. A month or longer in each local, so to get a feel for the place. I like it? Stay longer. Don't? Bail early.
There is a digital nomad I know that used to update their blog, but bailed on it last year, but some of their location reads are interesting. Maybe some ideas for you.
https://readyjetroam.com/
Flyer
I just turned 61 in July and hoping we can have our first adventure year in 7-8 years. Unfortunately I am one of those Dad's that want to leave my kids some dough, so I definitely need to plan ahead on when to start.
I thought about a month or two at a place, but I thought committing to year forces you to embrace the location if you do not like it and that could be a good thing. Good news, I am just dreaming about it and a lot can change in 7-8 years.
Quote from: GOO on August 02, 2024, 10:22:03 AM
Maybe it's my limited experience, but it seems more courses require carts and more require caddies. I want neither.
If I have to be in one place all year, I'd want to avoid the weather extremes. So maybe San Diego or Santa Barbara.
Otherwise I'd take a few months of harsh winter and snow over months of extreme heat.
Good point...sorta forgot the funds were unlimited. SB or SD would not be terrible....
One thing that could change my answer is where my 17 year old settles after college. My daughter's long term location is between Baltimore and DC. If my son were to settle on the east coast, too, my wife and I are agreed that we could be very happy there. Downsizing, to be sure. But we love the geography and the history.
Quote from: MuggsyB on August 02, 2024, 07:31:34 AM
Asheville or that area seems like a very desirable place to live.
Wife and I tied the knot at Lake Junaluska which is 30 miles west of Asheville. Mother-In-Law from that area so just returned from annual family reunion. I would probably do the foothills of NC to avoid snow which is what I have grown to distain. Quick ascend into the NC Smokies if want to escape summer heat to cooler weather.
Doesn't really matter to me since all my friends r online friends only :(
Mrs. Warriorfan and I have discussed this at length.
The requirements:
- no state income tax
- no tax on retirement income
- low property tax
- conservative political environment
- Good air travel links to everywhere
- Near Beach
Based on the above we probably end up in Dubai.
Quote from: Goose on August 02, 2024, 11:47:23 AM
StillaWarrior
For years my retirement goal has been for my wife to alternate picking a city to live in for a year. Every second year one of us gets to pick a location pretty much anywhere in the world and go there for a year. Not that concerned on level of accommodations, more wanting to get the feel of the location. Want to get the feel of the city and live life enjoying a new location.
I have a long list of places that I could live for a year and hope we are healthy enough and can afford this endeavor, even if we only each get to pick one location. I would prefer doing this than owning a second home.
This is our plan.
Year 1 Manhattan
Year 2 Manhattan Beach
Year 3 Ski town
I want to be embedded. Like get a job at the bodega or volunteer for recess duty at a Catholic grade school.
If you're saying I gotta pick one...it's Manhattan / Hermosa Beach
Does anyone have some insight on the US Virgin Islands?
Quote from: MuggsyB on August 03, 2024, 07:55:54 AM
Does anyone have some insight on the US Virgin Islands?
My dad lived there for a year when he was in his mid-20s. After about eight months, he was ready to leave. He had seen everything and been everywhere. There just wasn't enough to do.
Obviously that was sixty years ago and it's different now. But St. Thomas is only 32 square miles - compared to Oahu's 600. So it's tiny. Charlotte Amalie only has 15,000 people.
The Lens
Manhattan has always been number one for me, but it is not entirely the same to me post pandemic. It is still on my list and there are now others I am considering for my first pick.
I agree on truly being embedded and that has always been my thought. I definitely want to have some type of job in the location that we pick, even if only 10-15 hours a week.
Quote from: The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole on August 03, 2024, 08:05:58 AM
My dad lived there for a year when he was in his mid-20s. After about eight months, he was ready to leave. He had seen everything and been everywhere. There just wasn't enough to do.
Obviously that was sixty years ago and it's different now. But St. Thomas is only 32 square miles - compared to Oahu's 600. So it's tiny. Charlotte Amalie only has 15,000 people.
Ya...that's kind of what I assumed.
I like Santa Fe but don't think I could live there year round. Plus I would probably gain weight with the food there.
Quote from: Goose on August 02, 2024, 09:35:38 AM
Naples, FL next door to Lenny!!
I, Mrs. Lenny and the entire community would welcome you with open arms!
Thanks, Lenny.
With both our boys and grandchildren living in the Milwaukee area we would want to be near them. But with unlimited funds we could fly back at least once a month. That leaves cities with direct flights so I would choose between Charlotte & Salt Lake City. As much as we love skiing, Charlotte is a shorter flight and closer to the ocean.
Quote from: MuggsyB on August 03, 2024, 07:55:54 AM
Does anyone have some insight on the US Virgin Islands?
I used to travel there for work all the time. I always told coworkers that I'm happy to let them take my place.
There are some nice beaches. If you want to spend a year drinking on a beach in hot weather, it's great. Anything else? Not so much. Third world infrastructure. Economy is geared almost exclusively for the cruise ship crowd. Oh and you get to deal with cruise ship crowds almost every single day from 8am to 5pm.
Iguana meat is plentiful!
Quote from: pbiflyer on August 03, 2024, 09:34:52 AM
I used to travel there for work all the time. I always told coworkers that I'm happy to let them take my place.
There are some nice beaches. If you want to spend a year drinking on a beach in hot weather, it's great. Anything else? Not so much. Third world infrastructure. Economy is geared almost exclusively for the cruise ship crowd. Oh and you get to deal with cruise ship crowds almost every single day from 8am to 5pm.
Iguana meat is plentiful! Tastes like manatee.
Okay. Hard pass.
Please delete your last sentence pbi.
Quote from: pbiflyer on August 03, 2024, 09:34:52 AM
I used to travel there for work all the time. I always told coworkers that I'm happy to let them take my place.
There are some nice beaches. If you want to spend a year drinking on a beach in hot weather, it's great. Anything else? Not so much. Third world infrastructure. Economy is geared almost exclusively for the cruise ship crowd. Oh and you get to deal with cruise ship crowds almost every single day from 8am to 5pm.
Iguana meat is plentiful!
St. John > St. Thomas. No cruise ships. Mostly a National Park that one of the Rockefeller's donated. But one of the hurricanes hit it hard if I'm remembering correctly.
Quote from: Sir Lawrence on August 03, 2024, 10:46:06 AM
St. John > St. Thomas. No cruise ships. Mostly a National Park that one of the Rockefeller's donated. But one of the hurricanes hit it hard if I'm remembering correctly.
But you can't really live there.
Quote from: MU82 on August 03, 2024, 10:51:56 AM
Why can't one live on St. John?
I guess you can if find a place. But it's 95% national park.
Quote from: MU82 on August 03, 2024, 10:51:56 AM
Why can't one live on St. John?
You can.I have a friend who moved to coral bay. Loves it.
And before one asks. yes I do have friends
Quote from: The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole on August 03, 2024, 11:00:05 AM
I guess you can if find a place. But it's 95% national park.
It's actually about 60%.
https://www.nps.gov/articles/virginislands.htm#:~:text=Virgin%20Islands%20National%20Park%20covers,the%20United%20States%20Virgin%20Islands.
We've been to St. John a couple of times, and there are definitely residential areas as well as a pretty large commercial/tourist zone. It's a great place to visit and I could see someone wanting to live there. The frequent hurricane scares would be enough to dissuade me.
Quote from: MU82 on August 03, 2024, 11:03:35 AM
It's actually about 60%.
https://www.nps.gov/articles/virginislands.htm#:~:text=Virgin%20Islands%20National%20Park%20covers,the%20United%20States%20Virgin%20Islands.
We've been to St. John a couple of times, and there are definitely residential areas as well as a pretty large commercial/tourist zone. It's a great place to visit and I could see someone wanting to live there. The frequent hurricane scares would be enough to dissuade me.
Ok. My bad. That's me going on memory and not looking it up.
Quote from: lawdog77 on August 03, 2024, 11:01:20 AM
You can.I have a friend who moved to coral bay. Loves it.
And before one asks. yes I do have friends
St John is gorgeous. Some of the best quarter day hikes and snorkeling off beaches I've ever seen. Highly recommend for a week-10 days.
But I do think it would be tough to live there. You absolutely can, but it suffers to a pretty moderate extent from a lot of the things that plague other Caribbean destinations - namely that everything is expensive and not especially fresh bc it needs to be brought in from St. Thomas and that trickle down economics hasn't worked so the local folks haven't really benefitted from the tourism and expats, and imho don't have particularly fond feelings toward them.
Yeah St John's is great to visit.
St Croix suffers even more of the trickle down effect.
You could also spend time in the BVIs but would soon run out of places to visit, things to do.
Quote from: MU1in77 on August 03, 2024, 09:21:21 AM
With both our boys and grandchildren living in the Milwaukee area we would want to be near them. But with unlimited funds we could fly back at least once a month. That leaves cities with direct flights so I would choose between Charlotte & Salt Lake City. As much as we love skiing, Charlotte is a shorter flight and closer to the ocean.
In reality, most likely, we end up in a condo in downtown Milwaukee. Could travel for a few months in the winter - but as long as Marquette ball is relevant - I'd probably spend most of the winter in town.
Since I'm violating the question rules already, I would be interested in checking out Lisbon and Mexico City for long term stays. Never been, heard great things.
I loved Lisbon. Great weather even in January. But.....hilly. Not an issue today. 10 plus years from now? Not so sure.
That being said, we avoided the big hills for the most part, but it seemed like housing was either a bit outside the city or on a hill. Never investigated logistics though.
1 Loire Valley
2. Marbella
Quote from: GOO on August 03, 2024, 02:51:13 PM
In reality, most likely, we end up in a condo in downtown Milwaukee. Could travel for a few months in the winter - but as long as Marquette ball is relevant - I'd probably spend most of the winter in town.
GOO - the problem is they are not building condos in downtown Milwaukee. We have looked at a few but the market just isn't there, all the new construction are apartments..
Quote from: Goose on August 03, 2024, 08:08:45 AM
The Lens
Manhattan has always been number one for me, but it is not entirely the same to me post pandemic. It is still on my list and there are now others I am considering for my first pick.
I agree on truly being embedded and that has always been my thought. I definitely want to have some type of job in the location that we pick, even if only 10-15 hours a week.
Goose, your plan is a good one, especially the part about being embedded in a location. That would be a great way to learn the culture and get the most out of each location. I would love to do that, but I think about three months would be the max amount of time I would enjoy without coming back to my home base and checking in with family.
Chilmark, MA. Martha's Vineyard
Eagle
Just because we are embedded in a city does mean that we can go home. Plus, I hope our kids love the idea and come home and visit.
One of the coastline cities on the slip of land in the gulf that clearwater is on.
Easily.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on August 02, 2024, 10:34:48 AM
Chattanooga also a great place.
Quote from: The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole on August 02, 2024, 10:38:20 AM
It really is.
I was a finalist for a job there a number of years ago, and had to remove myself from consideration because the family timing could not have been worse. While it was clearly the right decision, I found myself saying "why could this not have happened three or four years later?"
I've never been, but one of my kids was recruited by UT Chattanooga and every time I looked at pictures I'd ask, "Are you sure you're not interested?" It looks beautiful.
Quote from: Goose on August 02, 2024, 11:47:23 AM
StillaWarrior
For years my retirement goal has been for my wife to alternate picking a city to live in for a year. Every second year one of us gets to pick a location pretty much anywhere in the world and go there for a year. Not that concerned on level of accommodations, more wanting to get the feel of the location. Want to get the feel of the city and live life enjoying a new location.
I have a long list of places that I could live for a year and hope we are healthy enough and can afford this endeavor, even if we only each get to pick one location. I would prefer doing this than owning a second home.
That sounds absolutely fantastic. I'd think even three months would be great. There are so many places - even in the US - that this would be a lot of fun. If you limited it to three months, you could cover the US in around ten years (depending on where you've lived before) and say you've lived in every state.
Quote from: WarriorFan on August 03, 2024, 02:40:41 AM
Mrs. Warriorfan and I have discussed this at length.
The requirements:
- no state income tax
- no tax on retirement income
- low property tax
- conservative political environment
- Good air travel links to everywhere
- Near Beach
Based on the above we probably end up in Dubai.
Sounds like Vero Beach.
Quote from: MU1in77 on August 03, 2024, 09:21:21 AM
With both our boys and grandchildren living in the Milwaukee area we would want to be near them. But with unlimited funds we could fly back at least once a month. That leaves cities with direct flights so I would choose between Charlotte & Salt Lake City. As much as we love skiing, Charlotte is a shorter flight and closer to the ocean.
Upon further consideration, with unlimited funds to buy my own jet, I would choose Carmel.
Quote from: Goose on August 03, 2024, 09:19:21 PM
Eagle
Just because we are embedded in a city does mean that we can go home. Plus, I hope our kids love the idea and come home and visit.
Goose, you are absolutely correct. I guess I keep getting caught in the land of confusion somewhere between vacation and retirement. Am I going on vacation to a specific destination, or am I retiring there? There is no right answer for me. The key for me is to enjoy the moment, spend time exploring new things, etc., whether that be for an extended period of time or a shorter time. Please indulge me for the following quick example (I realize it's unrelated to the OP's topic): Due to my family's conflicting schedule (teenagers and their sports schedules), it didn't look like we were going to take a vacation this summer. However, I scoured the calendar and found that we had 5 days that we could string together for a nice break. That very day, after consulting with Mrs. SCE, I booked flights and and great hotel on Waikiki Beach. Fly all the way to Hawaii for only 5 days? Yes, and I'm glad we did. We explored the north shore, relaxed by the pool/beach, had great meals, and visited Pearl Harbor. It was a whirlwind for sure. The best part was the flight home when I asked my daughter what her favorite part of the trip was. I expected to hear something about the pool, the hotel, the great food. Instead she went on and on about the trip to Pearl Harbor and the history lesson she learned during our visit. Priceless!!!
Eagle
That is awesome. Very cool response by your daughter!!
Quote from: The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole on August 03, 2024, 08:05:58 AM
My dad lived there for a year when he was in his mid-20s. After about eight months, he was ready to leave. He had seen everything and been everywhere. There just wasn't enough to do.
Obviously that was sixty years ago and it's different now. But St. Thomas is only 32 square miles - compared to Oahu's 600. So it's tiny. Charlotte Amalie only has 15,000 people.
From what the locals told us, you also don't want to be out in Charlotte Amalie after dark. They said during the day when the cruise ships are there it's very well patrolled, but told us we should get back to our hotel around 6-7 to be safe. Not sure if that was real or hyperbole, but we didn't test the theory in our two nights there before island hopping to the BVI.
Quote from: brewcity77 on August 04, 2024, 03:19:58 PM
From what the locals told us, you also don't want to be out in Charlotte Amalie after dark. They said during the day when the cruise ships are there it's very well patrolled, but told us we should get back to our hotel around 6-7 to be safe. Not sure if that was real or hyperbole, but we didn't test the theory in our two nights there before island hopping to the BVI.
Depending on where. But yeah, it's either unsafe or completely shut down for the most part.
Red Hook is better but much smaller.
Quote from: brewcity77 on August 04, 2024, 03:19:58 PM
From what the locals told us, you also don't want to be out in Charlotte Amalie after dark. They said during the day when the cruise ships are there it's very well patrolled, but told us we should get back to our hotel around 6-7 to be safe. Not sure if that was real or hyperbole, but we didn't test the theory in our two nights there before island hopping to the BVI.
We walked quite a ways to and from a restaurant in the evening and we never gave it a second thought. Nobody had warned us not to do so. It was a few years ago, though, so maybe things have changed for the worse ... or we were just lucky.
Quote from: MuggsyB on August 01, 2024, 07:08:45 PM
Where would you live in the USA minus Hawaii? But you can't have multiple residences.
I don't plan on retiring. The Missus is retired.
We agreed on no state income tax , good airport, top quality medical, walkable town and either on Ocean or Mountains.
We ended up on Ocean. Absolutely love it have a lot of friends , plenty of excellent restaurants , involved with community and local government , great local traditions, pet friendly and majority of area residents with common values.
Goal is to acquire the neighboring homes on our block, and create family compound on the beach .
Quote from: Herman Cain on August 04, 2024, 06:02:47 PM
I don't plan on retiring. The Missus is.
We agreed on no state income tax , good airport, top quality medical, walkable town and either on Ocean or Mountains.
We ended up on Ocean. Absolutely love it have a lot of friends , plenty of excellent restaurants , involved with community and local government , great local traditions, pet friendly and majority of area residents with common values.
Goal is to acquire the next door neighbors and create family compound on the beach .
You're going to usurp your next door neighbors Herman?? :)
Somewhere in WI close enough to get to Marquette games, and close enough to an airport that has my private jet so I can fly to all the away games.
Easy. Vail. Amazing Winters, fantastic summers. Almost bought a condo there about a decade ago. Should have...
Alas, I have a similar climate now, and can still get there in less than 2 hours.
Quote from: tower912 on August 02, 2024, 05:06:56 PM
One thing that could change my answer is where my 17 year old settles after college. My daughter's long term location is between Baltimore and DC. If my son were to settle on the east coast, too, my wife and I are agreed that we could be very happy there. Downsizing, to be sure. But we love the geography and the history.
Annapolis is great, much of my family is from the area.
Quote from: MuggsyB on August 04, 2024, 06:37:45 PM
You're going to usurp your next door neighbors Herman?? :)
Not until after he roofies them.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on August 05, 2024, 06:15:38 AM
Annapolis is great, much of my family is from the area.
I am in Bethesda, and we frequent Annapolis a fair amount. Beautiful area right on the water, Naval Academy adds some local charm, maybe 30 minutes from BWI (very underrated airport and best one in the area by a mile).
Quote from: reinko on August 05, 2024, 10:43:48 AM
I am in Bethesda, and we frequent Annapolis a fair amount. Beautiful area right on the water, Naval Academy adds some local charm, maybe 30 minutes from BWI (very underrated airport and best one in the area by a mile).
LOL I absolutely despise BWI.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on August 05, 2024, 10:55:21 AM
LOL I absolutely despise BWI.
Its the tallest midget effect. DCA is just whatever, IAD is a dump, and BWI is fine, which makes it exceptional in the DMV i suppose. I don't much care for BWI either, but its like comparing EWR to LGA pre-renovation. People hated on EWR but it was one of the Middle Eastern glamour airports compared to old LGA. Thats how bad IAD is these days, IMO.
Now that I'm flying out of TPA, I regularly go through all the various United hubs to get to Asia or the elsewhere in the western US, and flying through SFO, IAH, EWR, and even ORD, is plush compared to dark and dingy Dulles.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on August 05, 2024, 10:55:21 AM
LOL I absolutely despise BWI.
Compared to that armpit Dulles? Could make an argument for DCA, just a pain in the ass to get there from me lol
Quote from: tower912 on August 02, 2024, 05:06:56 PM
One thing that could change my answer is where my 17 year old settles after college. My daughter's long term location is between Baltimore and DC. If my son were to settle on the east coast, too, my wife and I are agreed that we could be very happy there. Downsizing, to be sure. But we love the geography and the history.
I have
no idea as to the type of area that you and your wife are partial to and how close to family you would want to be,
but....
If you like to be a bit out of the metro areas, the Eastern Shore area of Maryland is very nice. If you would like to be live in a more "country" setting, I 66 brings you to the Blue Ridge Mountains area. Your $s will go
much farther in housing costs. When my wife and I go to the DC area, we go North on Rt. 29 and take I 66 into the DC area. Timing is the key to minimizing traffic backups. We get off in Vienna and take the metro from there.
Easy!
Quote from: Scoop Snoop on August 05, 2024, 11:26:56 AM
I have no idea as to the type of area that you and your wife are partial to and how close to family you would want to be, but....
If you like to be a bit out of the metro areas, the Eastern Shore area of Maryland is very nice. If you would like to be live in a more "country" setting, I 66 brings you to the Blue Ridge Mountains area. Your $s will go much farther in housing costs. When my wife and I go to the DC area, we go North on Rt. 29 and take I 66 into the DC area. Timing is the key to minimizing traffic backups. We get off in Vienna and take the metro from there. Easy!
Went to a wedding in St. Michaels, MD a few months ago (where Wedding Crashers did some filming), and you are spot on, really pretty part of the country.
5 years down the road. They live near fort Meade. Eastern Shore is lovely.
Quote from: MuggsyB on August 04, 2024, 06:37:45 PM
You're going to usurp your next door neighbors Herman?? :)
LOL Correction Noted