We are hoping to retire in next 2-3 years. We met and married in San Francisco and loved that urban vibe when we were young. Kids came along and we relocated to Roswell GA just outside of Atlanta in the early aughts. It's technically suburban but was spared from Sherman's fires so it really has some history and an identity of its own. Once our youngest turn 21 and got his own place, we sold the family home, downsized and are now living in Midtown Atlanta, right in the heart of the city. I say all that that give some context on places we lived and what we like.
We are now realizing our condo is really a bit too small and we don't like sharing walls. So we are thinking about building our dream home....somewhere. We have a few ideas but thought I would ask this group to see if we ought to put some other places into consideration.
This is our list of must haves and hope to haves:
- A beautiful view, preferably mountain, but river or lake would work. We want to feel serenity and have access to nature and leave the noise and crowding of the city behind. Not huge land, just an acre or so.
- Access to good healthcare, an airport, and preferably <4 hour driving distance of a larger city.
- Local culture, restaurants, breweries, music, arts, outdoor stuff like hiking and fishing.
- A welcoming population. We want to find a community to be involved in and to give back to, where it's fairly easy to make friends and you won't be the "outsider" forever.
- Four seasons with a mild climate. Would consider cold or hot if necessary but would take a Vermont Green Mountain winter over an Orlando Summer any time.
- Not overly concerned about tax variations from state to state.
Am I missing anything that we should be considering? What suggestions do you Redditors have for me?
Thanks in advance!
Edited to correct > to <.
Edit #2 to say: WOW!! Thank you all for such great suggestions and so many of them! Hubs is traveling this week, but we'll have to got through this together when he gets back. I really appreciate all of you!