Eventual relocation out of Massachusetts thread

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

I'll make this as short as possible, while trying to help you understand my intentions. My wife and I are both from MA. We have stayed here to take care of our parents as they aged. My wife's mother is the last one left, and she is being treated for cancer. This is her third time. Breast cancer twice, and now small cell lung cancer with lesions on her pancreas and kidneys. They're treating, but the prognosis isn't good. I'm not trying to be morbid thinking about this already, but we've been talking about this again lately. Our son will turn 11 this summer, and some of his schooling is already leaning hard left. No surprise there, being where we are. Also, I got my arse kicked by Lyme disease for several years. I've mostly recovered, but have some lingering muscle and joint issues that I'm probably stuck with. As it was, I was the only one of us that liked the cold, since I used to ski and ride snowmobiles. The wife and kid are summer people. Now, me and cold weather don't mix as well, so we're looking for somewhere with mild winters.

Here's where you come in. I know we have much of the country covered by our membership. If you like where you live, I'd love to hear about it. My wife lived in Dandridge, TN for awhile, and eastern TN is on our short list. Great area and people. Visited multiple places in FL and the Carolinas, but never long enough to get a feel for them. Even though we're from MA, we lean pretty far right and a mix with libertarian. I won't, as Serk might say, "California your Texas". Nowhere is a gun-free zone if I'm in it, so to speak.

The thought of picking up everything and leaving is a little daunting, but even my son says he can make new friends. He really hates the cold. Strange thread, I know, but I value your opinions (now you can go tell your spouse that at least someone does  )

[Serk]

Thanks for the shoutout!

I'll honestly say I'd avoid anywhere within spitting distance of the big cities in Texas at this point. I'm ~30ish miles outside of Dallas in the suburbs, but my state senator and rep, as well as US rep are all hard left (D)'s now...

Texas overall is hanging on by our fingernails, you'd be fine out in the country.

I'd give the Texas Hill Country a good hard look (Around Kerrville) if I were looking to move.

I know eastern Tennessee area is also a nice area to be.

Good luck on your quest!

If possible, maybe plan a multi week motorcycle ride over the summer and just make a big loop through several possibilities and see if any of 'em particularly tickle your fancy?

[Psychotic Bovine]

I love Indiana.  Sure, the northern part where I live isn't pretty, but southern Indiana is gorgeous.  We get snow, but not like the east coast.  We get cold weather, but not significant stretches of sub zero temps.  We get hot weather, but not like the plains where 100 degree days are the norm.  We are at the tail end of tornado alley, but we don't get a lot of the "barn burner, fire and brimstone" storms (a pity, really, for me). Taxes are low, property costs are low.  I pay about 600 a year for property tax, but I live in a very modest house in a middle class neighborhood.  The people here are friendly, for the most part.  
Politically, we are very conservative.  And have amazing freedoms when it comes to firearms ownership.
The northern part of Indiana has some amazing lakes, and we have a small chunk of the shore of Lake Michigan.  We are close to many places that people want to go.  

[Jess from VA]

eastern TN is on our short list

I don't know how you improve on this.  Beautiful country, as good (and low) of taxes as you can find anywhere, temperate year round weather, and a good strong republican (gun friendly) state gov history (that isn't going to flop communist like VA anytime soon).

I never lived there, but I visited there, and I always planned to move there when I retired, and if I do have to move, I'm probably moving there (or maybe WVa where all my people were from, but still a bit nippier winters than I'd like).

I have no specific recommendation for inside E TN.  I thought Johnson City (and environs) was a wonderful clean small town/city but with enough business, doctors and essential services readily available.  Look from Knoxville, east.  

I once took a close look at moving more into mountain views in E TN, well out of towns, and the prices went right up largely.

Now aging,  I am thinking small town (outskirts) with good gas, elect, water, sewer, and cable rather than out in the sticks with septic and well and no nat. gas, and rabbit ears, and longer drives to get things you need.  

[Moonshot_1]

Considering some of your thoughts, Eastern Iowa may be worth a look. Along the Mississippi valley. From Davenport to the NE corner (called "Little Switzerland" No joke. Mini mountains everywhere) of the state.

I am on the western Iowa side.

My Daughter and her husband live just north of Davenport.

Great cycle roads in Iowa with easy access to great cycle roads in Minn, Wisc. and Illinois.

Fishing - Eastern Iowa trout streams (lots of them) annually stocked. Lakes and ponds with public access, and of course the Mississippi

Boating - Pontoon boat down the Miss. is a great time. Go through some locks and dams too. (Kids have a pontoon boat)

Food - We make it here. Lots of it.

Iowa has some of the best educational opportunities in the nation.

The state is generally conservative leaning though the urban areas tend to not be so much.

The landscape of the river valley is gorgeous.

You can look to live in a small city area like the Quad Cities to a small town to a small acreage out in the country.

And most of the time life is at a comfortable pace.

[Willow]

I live in Kansas now.  I like it.  No real hills though.

If I had no relationships to hold me I'd go back to Oklahoma where I grew up or south Texas. 

[Bret SD]

Avoid California at all cost, the state and weather are beautiful, but that's where it ends.
San Diego is turning blueerer  every year, it's crowded and very expensive to live here.

It's one of the last small town big cities in Cali and was great 30 yrs ago. The last 10-12 yrs have really been incredibly bad here and it's getting worse. The future prognosis is pretty dim as dims control everything.

Stay away unless you hate your freedom and money. 

[sandy]

I’m going to recommend AZ. Cave Creek, just North of PHX has great schools. If this seems too hot, Prescott is at 4600’ altitude and has a dusting of snow a couple of times per winter. Summers are 20 deg cooler than the PHX area. We have all 7 life climate zones in AZ. The only state with all the climate zones.
I came home from snow skiing in the white mtns and followed a ski boat down into the valley after passing the turnoff for Roosevelt Lake. Our politics is getting diluted with youth and CA escapees.

[Valker]

I like my area (Panhandle of Texas near Amarillo) for several reasons. I like seeing long distances, I like winters that last about a week, I like our severe lack of humidity, we have very few days over 100°. Most people think this part is flat, and if you never get off I-40 - that's correct. I can be in the high (9000'+) mountains of NM and CO in a matter of 4-5 hours. You can buy nice homes here for prices that may save enough to enable many other activities or a more comfortable retirement. My town: https://www.zillow.com/homes/79065_rb/

[scooperhsd]

I like Kansas (grew up in this state, spent many years away).

The last state we lived in was North Carolina, close to Raleigh. If family circumstances didn't rule it out, I'd still be there - close to the beach (great in the summer), not too far from the mountains (well, Valkarado would call them Hills). winters not too bad - usually a week or 3 below 25F. Politically - pretty neutral, except in the biggest cities.

I'd avoid a 100 mile radius around Washington DC, you might shorten that some out in West VA / Western Md.  Expensive, and as Jess would agree - too damn liberal.

Fl isn't too bad, but you better like the bright sun all year round.

I've got an email friend that moved from Otis ANG base area down to Chesapeake VA - Tidewater Virginia isn't too bad.

[old2soon]

     I Really LIKE where I am in Southern Missouri. Memphis Tn. bout 4 hrs or less St. Louis Mo. bout the same Kansas City bout 4 and a half hours and Springfield Mo. near an hour and a half away. Springfield/Branson Airport easy peasy departure and arrival. Taxes moderately low as are vehicle tags and insurance. Gasoline like everywhere else IS creeping upward price wise. I've mentioned this before but I Can be draggin pegs about 10 minutes or less from my Casa. Arkansas less than an hour from here due South. And iffin yer so inclined Branson an hour and a half two hours away depending on traffic. And Warning Branson IS Expensive to live in. Far as arming yourself goes open carry without permit Concealed carry Requires a permit. As I've stated-I LIKE it here!  RIDE SAFE.

[98valk]

so some thoughts and opinions
I would think you should look at this as possibly your last move.
look at future retirement taxes (property taxes are the big reduction in wealth), gun laws, weather, east of Mississippi river are various levels of humidity.
I also look at vehicle inspections and if allowed to work on own vehicles. town in cali just made it illegal to work on ones private vehicles.

consider real climate change per the Sun.  right now heading into a cold sun for the next 10-12yrs some are calling it a mini-ice age, and then the sun will get hot again with increase temps.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_inspection_in_the_United_States

this is updated end of every yr.
https://www.kiplinger.com/kiplinger-tools/retirement/t055-s001-state-by-state-guide-to-taxes-on-retirees/index.php

Humidity, 50-60 is when it starts to be uncomfortable.
http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/01/53801-004-B16FA0D5.jpg

for lyme disease this place is very experienced in getting people better.  there are people from all over the country go here.
https://www.innovativemedicalassociates.com/medical-hydration-therapy/

[RainMaker]

I live in the DFW area of Texas so while I like it here, if I had my druthers, I'd be in Tennessee.  More moderate weather, many more beautiful places to ride or drive, no hurricanes and not as many tornadoes as Texas and further from the open southern border (thank you, Uncle Joe) than here. 

While your son may not like the cold, he sure as heck won't like the heat during the summer months in Texas or many southern states. 

I have friends who lived in Massachusetts that moved to Delaware and love it there.  Same area of the country but a lot less expensive.  Still too far north of the Mason-Dixon line for me.

That's my 2 cents.

RainMaker

[Serk]

Just something to chew over, I'll leave this here for consideration:

https://www.fsp.org/

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

Just something to chew over, I'll leave this here for consideration:

https://www.fsp.org/

I've been a member of the FSP FB page for several years. I've spent a lot of time in NH. While it's far less restrictive than MA, like many other places, they're leaning further left every year. Just like Texas, people move there and try to turn it into the place they left. Probably mostly us Ma$$holes. I have family in NH, and where they don't get taxed in some areas, they get hit in others. They live in Belmont, NH. They're not on Lake Winnisquam, but they can see it. Because of that, they pay a "View Tax". The song remains the same...

[Rams]

Realizing what you have already said about cold winters, there’s things you’ve left out as far as what other   things are important than just avoiding the cold.

Will you need employment, not every place may offer a need for your skills or occupation.   Schools for that son will also be a huge consideration.

I’ve lived in 14 different states, I now live in Southern Mississippi.   I also no longer enjoy cold weather but there are other reasons this became home.   The tax incentives helped bring me here.   MS doesn’t tax retirement income, offers homestead exemptions, has good roads and has a fair sales tax.   Housing is affordable and utilities are reasonable.  The Gulf is just over an hour away.   Choose wisely, decisions have consequences.   Good luck in whatever you decide.

All those things don’t make MS paradise but, the winters are mild and we have a lot of riding days.   I agree that TN and KY are also beautiful states.   I left KY for MS for multiple reasons but, I did love it also.

Rams

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

Thanks for all of the opinions so far. I am taking all considerations seriously, and yes, we are going to be very particular about the school system before we make a decision. We aren't helicopter parents by any means, but I don't want to shortchange him from the get go. He's a Cub Scout now, and moving into the Boy Scouts next month. He's very into the aspect of scouting and outdoors, which pleases me. I feel like he'll be fine as long as the opportunity is there. I hope so, anyway.

[carolinarider09]

First, let me apologize for the long response.  But there are many things that need to be considered in making a decision like the one you are making. 

First, opinions are like…..  we all have them. 

Where have I lived????  Michigan (Midlands and Benton Harbor areas), Washington (Bremerton area), Florida (Crystal River area).  But where I have spent most of my life is in the State of South Carolina.  I “grew up” in Myrtle Beach.  I would not move back there today. 

When I retired I had chosen a place I wanted to live.  I built a house there, that way I would know what the house’s limitations were, what construction techniques were used and its faults and its good things.

The place I chose was to be in a rural area.  Not far out, just not a sub division or (as my brother used move into) or a “patio home”.    I picked a site with 8 acres of land that was mostly wooded.  It was a farmed field in years past, but was now filled with hardwoods and pines and a small creek (well its actual a result of run off from rain fall but it is always wet) at the back of the property.  I wanted independence and did not want to worry about the neighbors.  But did not mind having neighbors nearby, just not “next door”. 

The town I picked to live nearby (well I do live in the city limits, but just at the outer edge, just fate regarding the property we purchased) was in South Carolina.  I grew up in the state.  I know the state’s history, the history of the people and  the people in rural areas are all friendly, supportive, are dependable.  I am sure that there are areas in North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee that are the same and I have been to a couple.  I just find South Carolina to be the place I liked best.  And it was were I chose to work for the last 40 years.   

This town had to have several “things”.  It had to have a small equipment (chain saw, mower, trimmer/edger) sales and maintenance place (it had, they retired and a small repair shop came back a few years later).  It had to have a drug store with a pharmacy.  It had to have a hardware store.  It had to have an auto parts store (it did have a NAPA store which closed a few years after we started construction).  It had to have a small restaurant. 

Natural gas should be available to my property.  That was for several reasons, mainly to minimize the requirements of having to depend on someone else to keep a propane tank filled and the cost of the tank and the maintenance.  Natural gas, done right, is very dependable.  I preferred water from a “service” rather than a well.  Several reasons but the biggest one was the fact that my house in Florida had a well and my parents house had a well and both needed maintenance over the years. 

The small town I live it is pretty well run.  It still has a “Western Auto” store.  It has a small bar that is well run.  It has a grocery store (now a Food Lion).

The draw back to living on 8 acres is maintenance.  I only cleared the land I needed for my drive way and my observatory.  I then had to clear a large area for a drain field for the septic system.  Maintenance of these areas requires mowing devices. I just recently purchased a “zero turn” mower.  A little over kill for my needs but…..

I also purchased a Massey Ferugson tractor (MF1250) when we first purchased the land and began construction.  And we purchased a bunch of implements for the tractor.  All have been used over the last 20 years of the tractors life, but today, not as often.  The most used implement today is the “land plane” for keeping the gravel driveways flat and maintained.    Today the tractor is not use very much.  If needed, I could plow some fields and grow some crops but there is a down side to that and its wildlife.  There is a large deer population on and around the property.  Keeping them out of the crops would be an issue.   A very high fence would be needed. 

Other considerations I had not considered at the time but might be worth thinking about.  A local dependable legal service/person.  A local doctor or dentist (mine is about 25 minutes away). 

Issues with having a location like the one I have is basically two fold.  There is independence but that comes at a price as you get older.  To interact with people on a daily basis takes work since the nearest neighbor is a couple hundred yards away.  Security is your responsibility.  Have a good local law enforcement group is nice but, not a deal breaker. 

Finally, after reading some of the other responses, I failed to consider the school aspects. My mother was a teacher and taught in schools in Myrtle Beach and other areas.  The only issue with schools I have (and its sort of weird) is that it is my opinion that schools in rural areas, take Newberry, SC for instance, are good places to learn.  I have several reasons for saying this but would list them here (take to many more paragraphs.). Where as schools in "urban" areas not so much. 

[burple05]

Arkansas is nice.  Low rent, mild winters.  Some of the best riding in the country.  With the Ozark mountains in the North, and Quachita mountains to the South.  I'd stay away from the college town of Fayettville, most liberal part of state.  Traffic is horrendous for these parts.  I live in Van Buren, grew up here.  If I was going to move here, I would choose North central location.  Around Mountain Home, or Mountain View.  Awesome riding in any direction.  Laid back, country people.  Also has the White river and lots of large lakes.  Some of the best trout fishing in the country.  Just my opinion.  I forgot to ad, It's hot as hell here in the summertime.

Peace, Ron.

[Led]

That IS the problem.  All the Liberals flee their State, because of draconian Taxes or a myriad of other Laws.......

But then they keep voting the same way, in their "new" State.......as if the outcome will become any different?   Beats me,  but we are now running OUT of any "Red" States......to flee to!!    

Not directed to the OP.....He said He was right leaning.  But He is a rare one these days...???

[Willow]

Arkansas is nice.  Low rent, mild winters.  Some of the best riding in the country.  With the Ozark mountains in the North, and Quachita mountains to the South.  I'd stay away from the college town of Fayettville, most liberal part of state.  Traffic is horrendous for these parts.  I live in Van Buren, grew up here.  If I was going to move here, I would choose North central location.  Around Mountain Home, or Mountain View.  Awesome riding in any direction.  Laid back, country people.  Also has the White river and lots of large lakes.  Some of the best trout fishing in the country.  Just my opinion.  I forgot to ad, It's hot as hell here in the summertime.

Peace, Ron.

My brother and family live in Salesville just outside of Mountain Home and I've spent some time riding around there and around Mountain View.  I would second your selection.  One small thing has troubled me, though.  Hillary Clinton is from Arkansas.      

[Moonshot_1]

Arkansas is nice.  Low rent, mild winters.  Some of the best riding in the country.  With the Ozark mountains in the North, and Quachita mountains to the South.  I'd stay away from the college town of Fayettville, most liberal part of state.  Traffic is horrendous for these parts.  I live in Van Buren, grew up here.  If I was going to move here, I would choose North central location.  Around Mountain Home, or Mountain View.  Awesome riding in any direction.  Laid back, country people.  Also has the White river and lots of large lakes.  Some of the best trout fishing in the country.  Just my opinion.  I forgot to ad, It's hot as hell here in the summertime.

Peace, Ron.

My brother and family live in Salesville just outside of Mountain Home and I've spent some time riding around there and around Mountain View.  I would second your selection.  One small thing has troubled me, though.  Hillary Clinton is from Arkansas.      

But she is NOT there now. So Arkansas is STILL in the running.

[Moonshot_1]

Arkansas is nice.  Low rent, mild winters.  Some of the best riding in the country.  With the Ozark mountains in the North, and Quachita mountains to the South.  I'd stay away from the college town of Fayettville, most liberal part of state.  Traffic is horrendous for these parts.  I live in Van Buren, grew up here.  If I was going to move here, I would choose North central location.  Around Mountain Home, or Mountain View.  Awesome riding in any direction.  Laid back, country people.  Also has the White river and lots of large lakes.  Some of the best trout fishing in the country.  Just my opinion.  I forgot to ad, It's hot as hell here in the summertime.

Peace, Ron.

My brother and family live in Salesville just outside of Mountain Home and I've spent some time riding around there and around Mountain View.  I would second your selection.  One small thing has troubled me, though.  Hillary Clinton is from Arkansas.      

And Geez, on this thread everyone is keeping out of the political pool (maybe a little toe in there now and then) and you just run up and "CANNON BALL!!!!" jump right in there. LOL

Just to get back on track, Eastern Iowa is the hidden gem. And as far as Iowa goes, we got John Wayne and Radar O'Reilly by the way.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Arkansas is nice.  Low rent, mild winters.  Some of the best riding in the country.  With the Ozark mountains in the North, and Quachita mountains to the South.  I'd stay away from the college town of Fayettville, most liberal part of state.  Traffic is horrendous for these parts.  I live in Van Buren, grew up here.  If I was going to move here, I would choose North central location.  Around Mountain Home, or Mountain View.  Awesome riding in any direction.  Laid back, country people.  Also has the White river and lots of large lakes.  Some of the best trout fishing in the country.  Just my opinion.  I forgot to ad, It's hot as hell here in the summertime.

Peace, Ron.

My brother and family live in Salesville just outside of Mountain Home and I've spent some time riding around there and around Mountain View.  I would second your selection.  One small thing has troubled me, though.  Hillary Clinton is from Arkansas.      

I think she married into the hills. She’s from the suburbs of Chicago.

[Jess from VA]

One small thing has troubled me, though.  Hillary Clinton is from Arkansas.

I think she married into the hills. She’s from the suburbs of Chicago.

Every one knows she is the daughter of Pantsuit Satan (regardless of any particular geography).    

So it would be unfair to blame Arkansas.

 

[scooperhsd]

I didn't think Iowa was so great if you didn't like winter ?

[Jersey mike]

I can’t offer you any relocation advice but I hope it works out for you. Hope you family have a great new experience. Wish you guys all the best.

[Willow]

...
And Geez, on this thread everyone is keeping out of the political pool (maybe a little toe in there now and then) and you just run up and "CANNON BALL!!!!" jump right in there. LOL 

Just for the record my distaste for Hillary Clinton is not entirely political.

As for keeping out of the political pool, the O.P. implied his reason for relocation is politically motivated culture.   

[Moonshot_1]

...
And Geez, on this thread everyone is keeping out of the political pool (maybe a little toe in there now and then) and you just run up and "CANNON BALL!!!!" jump right in there. LOL  

Just for the record my distaste for Hillary Clinton is not entirely political.

As for keeping out of the political pool, the O.P. implied his reason for relocation is politically motivated culture.  

Just for the record my distaste for Hillary Clinton is not entirely political.  ______________________________________

Notice my 10' pole does not touch this.

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

Politics definitely play a part of it. Not all, but a portion of it. Massachusetts seems to be in a competition with California to see who can take more of your rights away. I'm a member of the NRA, GOAL (gun owner's action league), and the NSSF, and frankly, I'm ready to walk away and let MA eat itself.

My wife has been living at her Mother's place for a month and a half because her mom is so weak and frail that she needs nearly constant help, and that's more than we can, or the insurance is willing to pay for. Therefore, we only see each other once or twice a week and mostly communicate by texts right now. None of this will get sorted anytime soon, but I at least look around Zillow and Realtor.com with all of your suggestions and thoughts.

Again, I appreciate all of the input.


PS: Re Hillary. She thinks I'm deplorable, and I think she's worse than that. My somewhat twisted mind enjoys the thought of her sitting somewhere thinking about how she never got to be president, but the ever-confused Biden did. Must eat at her soul... if she has one.

[_Sheffjs_]

The growth in Sarasota is staggering, and you can name almost all other areas of Florida. When the hurricanes come the roads are clogged, such a well thought out plan. Yea, right.   If Florida is a consideration seriously consider the northern part. What has happened here is quite sad. 

[Tropic traveler]

Florida. We need and welcome right side thinkers. As a Florida native my advice considering what you have expressed is come on down but stay away from the coast. The center part of the state is far nicer and the beach is never far away!

[burple05]

Thanks for all of the opinions so far. I am taking all considerations seriously, and yes, we are going to be very particular about the school system before we make a decision. We aren't helicopter parents by any means, but I don't want to shortchange him from the get go. He's a Cub Scout now, and moving into the Boy Scouts next month. He's very into the aspect of scouting and outdoors, which pleases me. I feel like he'll be fine as long as the opportunity is there. I hope so, anyway.

If your family likes the outdoors Arkansas is known as the Natural State.  National Forrest everywhere.  Hiking trails through the forest  that lead to glorious waterfalls, and overlooks.  If you hunt or fish, all are excellant.  Deer season runs from Oct-Feb.  Tons of clearwater lakes and rivers for fishing. 
    I've changed my mind.  Don't relocate here.  I want it all for myself.

Peace, Ron.

[Moonshot_1]

I didn't think Iowa was so great if you didn't like winter ?

Couple thoughts on that.

This year Texas got walloped by a winter storm. The effects were intense for them but relatively short lived.
The problem for the most part, and this includes many southern states, is when the winter comes, even for a short while, no one is prepared for it.

In states like Iowa, we are. Most winters are not bad at all. But when they are we got the equipment and experience to deal with the worst of it.

The issue here is where do you want to live. Wherever you live weather is a factor. Hot or cold. Unless you seasonally move.

Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, humid summertime heat, blizzards, thunderstorms. Can't run from them all.

Not even in Iowa.

I'm originally from Hawaii. I know great weather. Even when the weather in Hawaii isn't great, it is still great weather.

But I can't, on a number of levels, afford Hawaii.

[scooperhsd]

The wife and me always said if we won the big lottery, we would move tp the Big Island. We fell in love when we visited in 1994. Oahu was just Washington  DC on an island.

[Moonshot_1]

The wife and me always said if we won the big lottery, we would move tp the Big Island. We fell in love when we visited in 1994. Oahu was just Washington  DC on an island.

My Mom is from the Big Island. Just outside of Hilo. Mom and Dad are here in Iowa since 72.

Your take on Oahu is right on too.

Been a long time since I been there. Big Island is the ticket though. Good times.

[The emperor has no clothes]

The wife and me always said if we won the big lottery, we would move tp the Big Island. We fell in love when we visited in 1994. Oahu was just Washington  DC on an island.

My Mom is from the Big Island. Just outside of Hilo. Mom and Dad are here in Iowa since 72.

Your take on Oahu is right on too.

Been a long time since I been there. Big Island is the ticket though. Good times.

How long did you live there ?

[vanavyman]

The Navy brought me to eastern Virginia 40 years ago from Northern Indiana and I've been here the whole time except 3 years in Iceland.  The Tidewater area is a nice compromise in weather and location.  Virginia has turned into a blue state and taxes have been going up.  In this area over the next 10-20 years there will be tolls on almost all bridges and tunnels so for me we are a little too close to the Ocean.  We are about 4 hours from the mountains and love it from Front Royal to Cherokee on the Sky Line Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway.  We've been lucky that all 3 of our kids have settled into this area so we will probably end up staying after our final retirement. Without commitments we would be in Eastern TN or Western NC.

[Moonshot_1]

The wife and me always said if we won the big lottery, we would move tp the Big Island. We fell in love when we visited in 1994. Oahu was just Washington  DC on an island.

My Mom is from the Big Island. Just outside of Hilo. Mom and Dad are here in Iowa since 72.

Your take on Oahu is right on too.

Been a long time since I been there. Big Island is the ticket though. Good times.

How long did you live there ?

Born there in 60. Moved to Iowa in 72. Went back last time in 77.
Lived on Oahu. Got real expensive and the drug gangs were rampant. Likely worse now.

We (our little Iowa town) hosted the CABA (continental amateur baseball assoc.) 10 and under World Series a few years back. Was an umpire in the later years of the tournament. Hawaii always sent a team and was always a contender. They would find out I was from Hawaii and the food would magically appear.

One of the perks. Anyway...

Some of the parents would tell of Japanese business people driving up to their house with 500k in cash wanting to buy their house.

It has become pretty much a suburb of the Orient. All that war and they just simply come over and buy the place. Go figure.

On the plus side the food is awesome.