<p>No mentions of the midwest? Did our weather scare everyone away last winter? Some quaint, culturally rich small college towns in Ohio that you can live on for that income of 50K-60K. And you have outdoor experiences that range seasonally and provide variety. </p>
<p>Deborah T, after you move there you can tell us. :)</p>
<p>I know I am considering areas more costly that others. However, I really think that if people look closely, there are deals to be had. Not right in downtown SF or NYC, but a consideration is to have access to the areas that you enjoy, within a reasonable amount of distance, but not close enough that you’re in the center of things. Consider downsizing greatly, and be willing to fix things up. I don’t think the price of housing is necessarily the top thing to consider, there are so many other factors. Certainly in Washington, I can guarantee you that there are very nice places not terribly far from Seattle that you could retire to. They might not be considered commutable to downtown Seattle, but if you’re retired, who cares?</p>
<p>Between ebola and figuring out housing for the future it’s no wonder the Twinkies thread is so popular. ;)</p>
<p>Ecuador, if you can go a bit higher, then Costa Rica</p>
<p>I think I am in a similar position to dstark’s friend at the top of this thread. I think I have enough to get by, but my housing cost in NYC is unpredictable since I rent. There are ways to get by very cheaply in NYC and I could probably get myself into some nice senior citizen housing (I am 66) but I have been thinking of living somewhere easier and prettier. This is a new revelation, and I probably won’t move until my daughter, now a freshman, finishes her undergrad years. I’ve thought about Flagstaff, where I visited many years ago, and NC, where I have friends who live near Boone. I realize I am completely out of the league of most CC parents, including almost everyone who has contributed to this thread except maybe Deborah T.</p>
<p>Ecuador would be ideal retirement destination for all my in-laws.</p>
<p>Ideal for them or for you to have them there? :)</p>
<p>NYC can be affordable if you look outside of hipster neighborhoods in Manhattan and Brooklyn. My parents (in 70s and 80s) live in a part of Queens where a co-op unit cost in the lower $100k with low monthly maintenance fees. It’s not terribly hip, but with access to public transportation and decent shopping close by, it’s definitely affordable.</p>
<p>"in NYC " - yes, I would never live in NYC, let lone retire, offer me a million dollar job, not attractive at all. I understand that some are there because of the job situation being much worse everywhere else. But why anybody would retire in NYC? That is totally over my head. I know that apartment that used to cost (to buy, not to rent) $163k about 15 years ago, may cost now $1.5 mln. NO wonder that rent is up. How do I know? My S. owns one. I have been to NYC many many times, I would never live there, somebdoy would need to physically take me into hostage and bring me there to live, no way, no how…</p>
<p>Doesn’t matter what “league” you are in! Wasn’t the point of this thread being a quality, affordable place for a 50-60L income??? </p>
<p>I promise, I am a regular average Joe. :)</p>
<p>oldmom, I’ve driven through Flagstaff, and it is absolutely gorgeous. A little too much snow for me, but what a pretty place to live.</p>
<p>This thread is for those closer to the middle or lower. I am going to stop the SF talk myself now. Sorry I got off track here.</p>
<p>This is the affordable thread for many. This is a restart. </p>
<p>This is the place for areas where the real middle class lives. :)</p>
<p>I agree. We have enough wealthy threads. </p>
<p>I am seeing my potential Eugene friend any minute. He is always late. :)</p>
<p>I dont know Boone at all. That is ok. I am going to look it up later.</p>
<p>Because NYC has good, cheap public transportation (including door-to-door van rides for those who can no longer take the subway, totally accessible buses, and elevators in an increasing number of subway stations) it’s a good place to live for older people who can’t drive (and yes, it happens! take a look at the parents-caring-for-parents thread) but want to live full, independent lives. If you are 50, you may not be thinking about being 80.</p>
<p>“Because NYC has good, cheap public transportation (including door-to-door van rides for those who can no longer take the subway, totally accessible buses, and elevators in an increasing number of subway stations) it’s a good place to live for older people who can’t drive (and yes, it happens! take a look at the parents-caring-for-parents thread) but want to live full, independent lives. If you are 50, you may not be thinking about being 80”</p>
<p>I have heard that from a number of people. The money that is saved by not having to own a car is substantial. Living somewhere with accessible public transportation would be a huge boon. I’ve heard there are many inexpensive/free services for seniors in the community and good health care, which is why people don’t want to move. There’s far more to it than people thinking if they can buy an inexpensive house, then they’re set. The majority of people, even those who are upper income while they are working, will still have a very modest income after retirement. Most pension plans are dead.</p>
<p>Panama has low cost of living and a sizable expat community. Costa Rica likewise, albeit a bit higher cost of living.</p>
<p>Spain could also be a good option. A lot of property has flooded the market due to their high unemployment rate.</p>
<p>Of course, a key factor to consider when retiring to a foreign country is ready availability of quality health care. The cheapest cost of living is not necessarily the best option.</p>
<p>Panama is very very hot and very crowded. We checked this one before Ecuador. We talked to somebody who is from Pnama and still has her relatives there. Panama is definitly the most advanced country there. But it is for those who love to be inside with the AC.<br>
Spain is great, but we do not care to be over the pond, simply not attractvie to us, but some may consider. It is the same as in Detroit - you can buy a house for $1, I do not know if you want to actually live in this house, it is a totally different story. If you want a $1 house, may as well consider Detroit…but the sites are probably not as imressive as in Spain. Tons of nice hospitals though.</p>
<p>I find myself comfortable in many different leagues. Lucky me! :)</p>
<p>Planet Deborah is where I determine it is.</p>
<p>It seems like there are many places that are possibilities on the east coast and in the south. The midwest too. Housing along the west coast can run high.</p>
<p>If you’re looking at coastal in the U.S., don’t forget the third coast - the Gulf Coast. There are some fine spots on the Texas coast that can be had for a much lower premium than East/West Coast waterfronts. </p>