Help Me Scout Retirement Locations…. (1 Viewer)

[steelerfan1]

I just got home (sadly) from two weeks in Tahoe. My sis has been retired there 8 years. She's rich. Zillow says her home is worth 10 million. Tough place to retire for us commoners. The winter is nice to visit but pretty rough to be stuck there, snowed in, etc. We had to drive down to Reno once (get someone at the airport) and Carson City twice (Costco run, eating). The road to Reno is awful. The road to Carson City is beautiful. I really like the two towns south of Carson City, Gardnerville and Minden. I could be happy retired there. Long beautiful Fall and Spring. Snows in winter but doesn't stick. Summer can have a couple heat spells but they're short and back to paradise. Four seasons for sure. All the amenities are 10 minutes away in Carson City. Real estate is 30% above national average but other cost of living markers are 10% below. I don't care for Reno in comparison. Feels dirty, but just 40 minutes away when needed. Tahoe is just an amazing place, 30 minutes away. That's the calling card. 30 minutes to Tahoe in an affordable very nice small town ten minutes from Costco and InNout. I looked at land. Again.

Great info! Thanks Chaos. Added to list

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Never heard this much emphasis on water for a retirement spot. Especially when not talking boating etc

I don’t get this either.

We're strongly considering retiring to the southwest, and I run into this argument all the time. I haven't looked into it enough to speak too confidently about the issue, but:

a) My understanding is that there's plenty of water for human inhabitants of the southwest. The issue is that we insist on growing row crops in desert areas. The US has plenty of arable land, and this seems like an eminently fixable problem.

b) It probably won't be a serious problem during our lifetimes.

c) Everyplace has something. My current area has six months of winter. Florida and the gulf coast have hurricanes. The southeast has humidity and bugs. The west coast has fires and earthquakes. Pick your poison and deal with it.

 

[WVU Alum]

Never heard this much emphasis on water for a retirement spot. Especially when not talking boating etc

I don’t get this either.

We're strongly considering retiring to the southwest, and I run into this argument all the time. I haven't looked into it enough to speak too confidently about the issue, but:

a) My understanding is that there's plenty of water for human inhabitants of the southwest. The issue is that we insist on growing row crops in desert areas. The US has plenty of arable land, and this seems like an eminently fixable problem.

b) It probably won't be a serious problem during our lifetimes.

c) Everyplace has something. My current area has six months of winter. Florida and the gulf coast have hurricanes. The southeast has humidity and bugs. The west coast has fires and earthquakes. Pick your poison and deal with it.

My area has meth, heroine and obesity.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Never heard this much emphasis on water for a retirement spot. Especially when not talking boating etc

I don’t get this either.

We're strongly considering retiring to the southwest, and I run into this argument all the time. I haven't looked into it enough to speak too confidently about the issue, but:

a) My understanding is that there's plenty of water for human inhabitants of the southwest. The issue is that we insist on growing row crops in desert areas. The US has plenty of arable land, and this seems like an eminently fixable problem.

b) It probably won't be a serious problem during our lifetimes.

c) Everyplace has something. My current area has six months of winter. Florida and the gulf coast have hurricanes. The southeast has humidity and bugs. The west coast has fires and earthquakes. Pick your poison and deal with it.

My area has meth, heroine and obesity.

That doesn't exactly narrow it down.

 

[Joe Bryant]

FWIW, most and least stressed cities per this measure:

Most & Least Stressed Cities in America in 2024

Most & Least Stressed Cities in America in 2024

wallethub.com

 

[Joe Bryant]

c) Everyplace has something. My current area has six months of winter. Florida and the gulf coast have hurricanes. The southeast has humidity and bugs. The west coast has fires and earthquakes. Pick your poison and deal with it.

Yup.

And to add, in my experience, most places have positives. A ton of it's about mindset and how one sees things.

 

[steelerfan1]

Never heard this much emphasis on water for a retirement spot. Especially when not talking boating etc

I don’t get this either.

We're strongly considering retiring to the southwest, and I run into this argument all the time. I haven't looked into it enough to speak too confidently about the issue, but:

a) My understanding is that there's plenty of water for human inhabitants of the southwest. The issue is that we insist on growing row crops in desert areas. The US has plenty of arable land, and this seems like an eminently fixable problem.

b) It probably won't be a serious problem during our lifetimes.

c) Everyplace has something. My current area has six months of winter. Florida and the gulf coast have hurricanes. The southeast has humidity and bugs. The west coast has fires and earthquakes. Pick your poison and deal with it.

Agree everywhere has something. Regarding water for crops. I remember watching a show and seeing that CA almond production takes up 10% of CA’s total water supply. Just crazy to me.

 

[steelerfan1]

Never heard this much emphasis on water for a retirement spot. Especially when not talking boating etc

I don’t get this either.

We're strongly considering retiring to the southwest, and I run into this argument all the time. I haven't looked into it enough to speak too confidently about the issue, but:

a) My understanding is that there's plenty of water for human inhabitants of the southwest. The issue is that we insist on growing row crops in desert areas. The US has plenty of arable land, and this seems like an eminently fixable problem.

b) It probably won't be a serious problem during our lifetimes.

c) Everyplace has something. My current area has six months of winter. Florida and the gulf coast have hurricanes. The southeast has humidity and bugs. The west coast has fires and earthquakes. Pick your poison and deal with it.

My area has meth, heroine and obesity.

Which is kinda contradictory being meth and herron should be producing a thinner merca…

 

[steelerfan1]

I just got home (sadly) from two weeks in Tahoe. My sis has been retired there 8 years. She's rich. Zillow says her home is worth 10 million. Tough place to retire for us commoners. The winter is nice to visit but pretty rough to be stuck there, snowed in, etc. We had to drive down to Reno once (get someone at the airport) and Carson City twice (Costco run, eating). The road to Reno is awful. The road to Carson City is beautiful. I really like the two towns south of Carson City, Gardnerville and Minden. I could be happy retired there. Long beautiful Fall and Spring. Snows in winter but doesn't stick. Summer can have a couple heat spells but they're short and back to paradise. Four seasons for sure. All the amenities are 10 minutes away in Carson City. Real estate is 30% above national average but other cost of living markers are 10% below. I don't care for Reno in comparison. Feels dirty, but just 40 minutes away when needed. Tahoe is just an amazing place, 30 minutes away. That's the calling card. 30 minutes to Tahoe in an affordable very nice small town ten minutes from Costco and InNout. I looked at land. Again.

What are your thoughts on Carson City itself? Don’t see much real estate for the places you mentioned but more in CC.

 

[MAC_32]

If mountains aren't that important, somewhere around Brecksville OH (15 miles south of Cleveland) checks every other box- cross the river if you want better taxes.

Mountains would be ideal, but not a deal breaker if everything else was there. I notice Traverse City appearing to check a lot of boxes too, but missing mountains. Adding it to the list. Thanks!

It doesn't get much better than Traverse City and other places along the Lake Michigan coast from early July - late August, but they're still exposed to nasty winters whereas those appear to becoming a thing of the past around here. When we get something bad recently it's been one of those cross country types rather than...seemingly every day feeding off lake erie. The lack of sunshine is very real, but that's going to be the case anywhere near the great lakes.

 

[Desert_Power]

Never heard this much emphasis on water for a retirement spot. Especially when not talking boating etc

I don’t get this either.

We're strongly considering retiring to the southwest, and I run into this argument all the time. I haven't looked into it enough to speak too confidently about the issue, but:

a) My understanding is that there's plenty of water for human inhabitants of the southwest. The issue is that we insist on growing row crops in desert areas. The US has plenty of arable land, and this seems like an eminently fixable problem.

b) It probably won't be a serious problem during our lifetimes.

c) Everyplace has something. My current area has six months of winter. Florida and the gulf coast have hurricanes. The southeast has humidity and bugs. The west coast has fires and earthquakes. Pick your poison and deal with it.

Agree everywhere has something. Regarding water for crops. I remember watching a show and seeing that CA almond production takes up 10% of CA’s total water supply. Just crazy to me.

Now, with states like Arizona, you have the water usage for the semi-conductor fabrication facilities being built. Feel like that state has higher risk than others.

 

[Desert_Power]

FWIW, most and least stressed cities per this measure:

Most & Least Stressed Cities in America in 2024

Most & Least Stressed Cities in America in 2024

wallethub.com

Some really cool data here.

 

[steelerfan1]

FWIW, most and least stressed cities per this measure:

Most & Least Stressed Cities in America in 2024

Most & Least Stressed Cities in America in 2024

wallethub.com

Some really cool data here.

DETROIT IT IS!

 

[the moops]

Reno is pretty good, but real estate prices have also gotten ridiculous there

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

I just got home (sadly) from two weeks in Tahoe. My sis has been retired there 8 years. She's rich. Zillow says her home is worth 10 million. Tough place to retire for us commoners. The winter is nice to visit but pretty rough to be stuck there, snowed in, etc. We had to drive down to Reno once (get someone at the airport) and Carson City twice (Costco run, eating). The road to Reno is awful. The road to Carson City is beautiful. I really like the two towns south of Carson City, Gardnerville and Minden. I could be happy retired there. Long beautiful Fall and Spring. Snows in winter but doesn't stick. Summer can have a couple heat spells but they're short and back to paradise. Four seasons for sure. All the amenities are 10 minutes away in Carson City. Real estate is 30% above national average but other cost of living markers are 10% below. I don't care for Reno in comparison. Feels dirty, but just 40 minutes away when needed. Tahoe is just an amazing place, 30 minutes away. That's the calling card. 30 minutes to Tahoe in an affordable very nice small town ten minutes from Costco and InNout. I looked at land. Again.

My college freshman roommate has taught school and lived in Gardnerville for 28 years. I can't speak to many of the criteria that steelerfan is asking about but it is a beautiful place.

 

[Zow]

On a serious note, what about Reno? It's close to Lake Tahoe, probably more affordable, and may match some of the wish list.

Thanks Zow, even before posting this topic I had kind of been toying around looking at areas. Reno was an area I scanned and saw temps in the 100s and was onto the next without much more research. Maybe if I tolerate the dry like jamny mentioned a few posts up it is worth more research.

I've been there in the summer several times for golf tournaments. Now, I have experience in parts of AZ where the temps were regularly over 110 so my experience is relative, but I didn't find the Reno summer heat to be bad at all. To borrow an AZ term, it's a "dry heat" meaning the humidity stays low.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

On a serious note, what about Reno? It's close to Lake Tahoe, probably more affordable, and may match some of the wish list.

Thanks Zow, even before posting this topic I had kind of been toying around looking at areas. Reno was an area I scanned and saw temps in the 100s and was onto the next without much more research. Maybe if I tolerate the dry like jamny mentioned a few posts up it is worth more research.

I've been there in the summer several times for golf tournaments. Now, I have experience in parts of AZ where the temps were regularly over 110 so my experience is relative, but I didn't find the Reno summer heat to be bad at all. To borrow an AZ term, it's a "dry heat" meaning the humidity stays low.

Reno is gross

 

[Zow]

On a serious note, what about Reno? It's close to Lake Tahoe, probably more affordable, and may match some of the wish list.

Thanks Zow, even before posting this topic I had kind of been toying around looking at areas. Reno was an area I scanned and saw temps in the 100s and was onto the next without much more research. Maybe if I tolerate the dry like jamny mentioned a few posts up it is worth more research.

I've been there in the summer several times for golf tournaments. Now, I have experience in parts of AZ where the temps were regularly over 110 so my experience is relative, but I didn't find the Reno summer heat to be bad at all. To borrow an AZ term, it's a "dry heat" meaning the humidity stays low.

Reno is gross

I mean, it's no Laughlin or Parump...

 

[the moops]

On a serious note, what about Reno? It's close to Lake Tahoe, probably more affordable, and may match some of the wish list.

Thanks Zow, even before posting this topic I had kind of been toying around looking at areas. Reno was an area I scanned and saw temps in the 100s and was onto the next without much more research. Maybe if I tolerate the dry like jamny mentioned a few posts up it is worth more research.

I've been there in the summer several times for golf tournaments. Now, I have experience in parts of AZ where the temps were regularly over 110 so my experience is relative, but I didn't find the Reno summer heat to be bad at all. To borrow an AZ term, it's a "dry heat" meaning the humidity stays low.

Reno is gross

Disagree. It is in a beautiful valley, with excellent weather. All 4 seasons, none too harsh. Sure, there are some terrible parts of downtown, but every city has some terrible parts

 

[Gally]

This area sounds just about perfect to me location wise. I like the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere, without being in the middle of nowhere. Will definitely be doing more research here. Thank you!

I think the lot next to us just went in the market....hahahhaha

I just looked at land there…..ouch lol. How do you feel about a neighbor in an airstream…..

Prices are a wide variety it's not very consistent. Our lot isn't on a lake or really have a lake view but it is near a golf course. Price was reasonable but it can get high with lake access and views. Just have to look around.

 

[Gally]

I've been in Boise 3 years now and outside of the occasional smoke from fires, mostly coming from out west, I haven't had any issues with air quality. Most days are clear blue skies. Maybe it's because I'm from NY but I haven't even noticed any inversion yet.

That’s from boots on the ground, so good to know. Thank you. I do see that your area as well as @Gally is crazy hot. Showing 104 to 107! That’s uncool (literally) to me. In your time there is this typical?

Hayden doesn't historically get that hot but will hit that a couple times a year but it's not typical.

 

[Osaurus]

On a serious note, what about Reno? It's close to Lake Tahoe, probably more affordable, and may match some of the wish list.

Thanks Zow, even before posting this topic I had kind of been toying around looking at areas. Reno was an area I scanned and saw temps in the 100s and was onto the next without much more research. Maybe if I tolerate the dry like jamny mentioned a few posts up it is worth more research.

I've been there in the summer several times for golf tournaments. Now, I have experience in parts of AZ where the temps were regularly over 110 so my experience is relative, but I didn't find the Reno summer heat to be bad at all. To borrow an AZ term, it's a "dry heat" meaning the humidity stays low.

Reno is gross

I mean, it's no Laughlin or Parump...

Few places are

 

[DA RAIDERS]

On a serious note, what about Reno? It's close to Lake Tahoe, probably more affordable, and may match some of the wish list.

Thanks Zow, even before posting this topic I had kind of been toying around looking at areas. Reno was an area I scanned and saw temps in the 100s and was onto the next without much more research. Maybe if I tolerate the dry like jamny mentioned a few posts up it is worth more research.

I've been there in the summer several times for golf tournaments. Now, I have experience in parts of AZ where the temps were regularly over 110 so my experience is relative, but I didn't find the Reno summer heat to be bad at all. To borrow an AZ term, it's a "dry heat" meaning the humidity stays low.

Reno is gross

Disagree. It is in a beautiful valley, with excellent weather. All 4 seasons, none too harsh. Sure, there are some terrible parts of downtown, but every city has some terrible parts

Hard pass. My bil lived there for a few years. We didn’t care for it. Tahoe on the other hand is brilliant. Very expensive though.

 

[the moops]

On a serious note, what about Reno? It's close to Lake Tahoe, probably more affordable, and may match some of the wish list.

Thanks Zow, even before posting this topic I had kind of been toying around looking at areas. Reno was an area I scanned and saw temps in the 100s and was onto the next without much more research. Maybe if I tolerate the dry like jamny mentioned a few posts up it is worth more research.

I've been there in the summer several times for golf tournaments. Now, I have experience in parts of AZ where the temps were regularly over 110 so my experience is relative, but I didn't find the Reno summer heat to be bad at all. To borrow an AZ term, it's a "dry heat" meaning the humidity stays low.

Reno is gross

Disagree. It is in a beautiful valley, with excellent weather. All 4 seasons, none too harsh. Sure, there are some terrible parts of downtown, but every city has some terrible parts

Hard pass. My bil lived there for a few years. We didn’t care for it. Tahoe on the other hand is brilliant. Very expensive though.

How long ago did he live there?

 

[DA RAIDERS]

On a serious note, what about Reno? It's close to Lake Tahoe, probably more affordable, and may match some of the wish list.

Thanks Zow, even before posting this topic I had kind of been toying around looking at areas. Reno was an area I scanned and saw temps in the 100s and was onto the next without much more research. Maybe if I tolerate the dry like jamny mentioned a few posts up it is worth more research.

I've been there in the summer several times for golf tournaments. Now, I have experience in parts of AZ where the temps were regularly over 110 so my experience is relative, but I didn't find the Reno summer heat to be bad at all. To borrow an AZ term, it's a "dry heat" meaning the humidity stays low.

Reno is gross

Disagree. It is in a beautiful valley, with excellent weather. All 4 seasons, none too harsh. Sure, there are some terrible parts of downtown, but every city has some terrible parts

Hard pass. My bil lived there for a few years. We didn’t care for it. Tahoe on the other hand is brilliant. Very expensive though.

How long ago did he live there?

It’s been a while. 15ish years. He was in a brand new suburb south of town. Perhaps it’s gotten better.

 

[the moops]

On a serious note, what about Reno? It's close to Lake Tahoe, probably more affordable, and may match some of the wish list.

Thanks Zow, even before posting this topic I had kind of been toying around looking at areas. Reno was an area I scanned and saw temps in the 100s and was onto the next without much more research. Maybe if I tolerate the dry like jamny mentioned a few posts up it is worth more research.

I've been there in the summer several times for golf tournaments. Now, I have experience in parts of AZ where the temps were regularly over 110 so my experience is relative, but I didn't find the Reno summer heat to be bad at all. To borrow an AZ term, it's a "dry heat" meaning the humidity stays low.

Reno is gross

Disagree. It is in a beautiful valley, with excellent weather. All 4 seasons, none too harsh. Sure, there are some terrible parts of downtown, but every city has some terrible parts

Hard pass. My bil lived there for a few years. We didn’t care for it. Tahoe on the other hand is brilliant. Very expensive though.

How long ago did he live there?

It’s been a while. 15ish years. He was in a brand new suburb south of town. Perhaps it’s gotten better.

Oh it has. A much nicer place than even 7 or 8 years ago

 

[northern exposure]

Never heard this much emphasis on water for a retirement spot. Especially when not talking boating etc

I don’t get this either.

We're strongly considering retiring to the southwest, and I run into this argument all the time. I haven't looked into it enough to speak too confidently about the issue, but:

a) My understanding is that there's plenty of water for human inhabitants of the southwest. The issue is that we insist on growing row crops in desert areas. The US has plenty of arable land, and this seems like an eminently fixable problem.

b) It probably won't be a serious problem during our lifetimes.

c) Everyplace has something. My current area has six months of winter. Florida and the gulf coast have hurricanes. The southeast has humidity and bugs. The west coast has fires and earthquakes. Pick your poison and deal with it.

My area has meth, heroine and obesity.

Meth and obesity suck, but female heros would be good.

 

[skol asylum]

I just got home (sadly) from two weeks in Tahoe. My sis has been retired there 8 years. She's rich. Zillow says her home is worth 10 million. Tough place to retire for us commoners. The winter is nice to visit but pretty rough to be stuck there, snowed in, etc. We had to drive down to Reno once (get someone at the airport) and Carson City twice (Costco run, eating). The road to Reno is awful. The road to Carson City is beautiful. I really like the two towns south of Carson City, Gardnerville and Minden. I could be happy retired there. Long beautiful Fall and Spring. Snows in winter but doesn't stick. Summer can have a couple heat spells but they're short and back to paradise. Four seasons for sure. All the amenities are 10 minutes away in Carson City. Real estate is 30% above national average but other cost of living markers are 10% below. I don't care for Reno in comparison. Feels dirty, but just 40 minutes away when needed. Tahoe is just an amazing place, 30 minutes away. That's the calling card. 30 minutes to Tahoe in an affordable very nice small town ten minutes from Costco and InNout. I looked at land. Again.

Sounds great. Bookmarking.

 

[skol asylum]

Let me know when you find it. I'm tiring of Arizona. Still a few years out here as well. Probably more than you.

You looking for the same type of stuff skol?

Pretty much

 

[Zow]

Let me know when you find it. I'm tiring of Arizona. Still a few years out here as well. Probably more than you.

You looking for the same type of stuff skol?

Pretty much

You in the Valley and getting tired of the heat or something?

 

[skol asylum]

Never heard this much emphasis on water for a retirement spot. Especially when not talking boating etc

I don’t get this either.

We're strongly considering retiring to the southwest, and I run into this argument all the time. I haven't looked into it enough to speak too confidently about the issue, but:

a) My understanding is that there's plenty of water for human inhabitants of the southwest. The issue is that we insist on growing row crops in desert areas. The US has plenty of arable land, and this seems like an eminently fixable problem.

b) It probably won't be a serious problem during our lifetimes.

c) Everyplace has something. My current area has six months of winter. Florida and the gulf coast have hurricanes. The southeast has humidity and bugs. The west coast has fires and earthquakes. Pick your poison and deal with it.

My area has meth, heroine and obesity.

Adding to my top 5 list.

 

[skol asylum]

Let me know when you find it. I'm tiring of Arizona. Still a few years out here as well. Probably more than you.

You looking for the same type of stuff skol?

Pretty much

You in the Valley and getting tired of the heat or something?

Yes. And the politics.

 

[steelerfan1]

On a serious note, what about Reno? It's close to Lake Tahoe, probably more affordable, and may match some of the wish list.

Thanks Zow, even before posting this topic I had kind of been toying around looking at areas. Reno was an area I scanned and saw temps in the 100s and was onto the next without much more research. Maybe if I tolerate the dry like jamny mentioned a few posts up it is worth more research.

I've been there in the summer several times for golf tournaments. Now, I have experience in parts of AZ where the temps were regularly over 110 so my experience is relative, but I didn't find the Reno summer heat to be bad at all. To borrow an AZ term, it's a "dry heat" meaning the humidity stays low.

Having never been out your way, I find it crazy that it’s just like, eh, it’s not that bad. I’m going to have to experience it first hand I guess.

 

[steelerfan1]

On a serious note, what about Reno? It's close to Lake Tahoe, probably more affordable, and may match some of the wish list.

Thanks Zow, even before posting this topic I had kind of been toying around looking at areas. Reno was an area I scanned and saw temps in the 100s and was onto the next without much more research. Maybe if I tolerate the dry like jamny mentioned a few posts up it is worth more research.

I've been there in the summer several times for golf tournaments. Now, I have experience in parts of AZ where the temps were regularly over 110 so my experience is relative, but I didn't find the Reno summer heat to be bad at all. To borrow an AZ term, it's a "dry heat" meaning the humidity stays low.

Reno is gross

NO, YOU’RE GROSS!

 

[steelerfan1]

Never heard this much emphasis on water for a retirement spot. Especially when not talking boating etc

I don’t get this either.

We're strongly considering retiring to the southwest, and I run into this argument all the time. I haven't looked into it enough to speak too confidently about the issue, but:

a) My understanding is that there's plenty of water for human inhabitants of the southwest. The issue is that we insist on growing row crops in desert areas. The US has plenty of arable land, and this seems like an eminently fixable problem.

b) It probably won't be a serious problem during our lifetimes.

c) Everyplace has something. My current area has six months of winter. Florida and the gulf coast have hurricanes. The southeast has humidity and bugs. The west coast has fires and earthquakes. Pick your poison and deal with it.

My area has meth, heroine and obesity.

but female heros would be good.

Adding it to the wants list…

 

[steelerfan1]

I just got home (sadly) from two weeks in Tahoe. My sis has been retired there 8 years. She's rich. Zillow says her home is worth 10 million. Tough place to retire for us commoners. The winter is nice to visit but pretty rough to be stuck there, snowed in, etc. We had to drive down to Reno once (get someone at the airport) and Carson City twice (Costco run, eating). The road to Reno is awful. The road to Carson City is beautiful. I really like the two towns south of Carson City, Gardnerville and Minden. I could be happy retired there. Long beautiful Fall and Spring. Snows in winter but doesn't stick. Summer can have a couple heat spells but they're short and back to paradise. Four seasons for sure. All the amenities are 10 minutes away in Carson City. Real estate is 30% above national average but other cost of living markers are 10% below. I don't care for Reno in comparison. Feels dirty, but just 40 minutes away when needed. Tahoe is just an amazing place, 30 minutes away. That's the calling card. 30 minutes to Tahoe in an affordable very nice small town ten minutes from Costco and InNout. I looked at land. Again.

Sounds great. Bookmarking.

Yes it does sound awesome. Smaller towns like this and @Gally mentioned are right up our alley. Feeling away from it but can be somewhere you need to be in a short amount of time.

 

[beef]

I pretty much only fish for muskie.

Not the closest to you, but my favorite little gem is Diamond Lake Oneida County. https://apps.dnr.wi.gov/lakes/lakepages/LakeDetail.aspx?wbic=1537100t It's not highly advertised as a muskie lake, but they're there. There's a small canal connecting to Squirrel Lake and muskies swim through to spawn every spring. Not a monster lake, but awesome action. I've caught 44, 42 hybrid, and many other upper 30's-40. It's a hidden gem because the canal is too small to get a big boat through. Kayak, canoe, maybe a 12-14' aluminum low V/jon boat if water is high enough. The public landing in the North Bay is usually really overgrown and hard to find. I purposely bought a small old 14' jon boat to fish this lake.

Next is Upper Gresham Lake. Medium size gem, much easier to get to and has nice ramp for bigger fishing boats. Noth on 51, half way between Arbor Vitae and Manitowish Waters. Kind a ways from you too, but the muskie action on this lake has been phenomenal for me. No big resorts and minimal boat traffic. Plenty of upper 40's muskies. No body fishes it and and drives right by to other lakes. A guide buddy I know introduced me to this one and it's a lake he takes people to often.

Where you are is a little more south than I usually go. I'd probably be fishing Crescent Lake. That's a good fishery and there's some huge muskie and walleye there. Big lake and can have a lot of fishing pressure and boat activity though. Something quieter and people always overlook is the Wisconsin River north of Tomahawk, and really any spot along the way to Rhinelander. I've caught some big lake muskie, and they can fight, but they got another on river muskies. River muskies and smallies are my favorites to fish. And that river is so beautiful. Everyone that goes up north to fish thinks they need to hit lakes and never think about the Wisconsin River. Amazing fishery. Another awesome river for muskie and smallies is the Flambeau River, just south of the dam on the Flowage. Fish it all the way to Park Falls. Maybe the best smallies action anywhere in the state.

This is awesome stuff - thanks.

I just fished Crescent this past Saturday. It's about 20 minutes from my house. Caught 12 fish - 1 pike and 11 bass. The pike and the bass came on an orange bucktail while fishing over the cabbage there. Had one muskie follow there, so I'll be back there for sure.

Diamond Lake sounds interesting and my kind of place. I have a small 12' aluminum for when I float the river. So I may try and sneak that in there - thanks for the tip.

As for the river, I've fished a ton below Pine River and floated all the way down to Brokaw. And then again from downtown Wausau upriver. Some awesome fish in that stretch. I've caught probably 8 muskie in that stretch over the last 15 years. Biggest a 47. Not to mention big sturgeon and smallies. Love the river. I'll have to check out that stretch you are talking about. Quick question about that stretch - I also have a 16' Lund with a 40HP Johnson on there. Is there enough depth there for that or is the smaller boat better there?

Will definitely check out Gresham.

I'll definitely be checking out your other suggestions. And if you are ever out and about and want someone to fish with, send me a PM.

47" river muskies, that's awesome! If you're having that kind of success between Pine River and Wausau, I'd keep fishing it. I haven't fished that part but now you got me excited to try it.

I kayak fished that section below the Hat Rapids Dam. I saw a few bigger boats but wasn't really paying attention to depths. There are some rapids and rocks, and it's the river so you never know.

 

[skol asylum]

I pretty much only fish for muskie.

Not the closest to you, but my favorite little gem is Diamond Lake Oneida County. https://apps.dnr.wi.gov/lakes/lakepages/LakeDetail.aspx?wbic=1537100t It's not highly advertised as a muskie lake, but they're there. There's a small canal connecting to Squirrel Lake and muskies swim through to spawn every spring. Not a monster lake, but awesome action. I've caught 44, 42 hybrid, and many other upper 30's-40. It's a hidden gem because the canal is too small to get a big boat through. Kayak, canoe, maybe a 12-14' aluminum low V/jon boat if water is high enough. The public landing in the North Bay is usually really overgrown and hard to find. I purposely bought a small old 14' jon boat to fish this lake.

Next is Upper Gresham Lake. Medium size gem, much easier to get to and has nice ramp for bigger fishing boats. Noth on 51, half way between Arbor Vitae and Manitowish Waters. Kind a ways from you too, but the muskie action on this lake has been phenomenal for me. No big resorts and minimal boat traffic. Plenty of upper 40's muskies. No body fishes it and and drives right by to other lakes. A guide buddy I know introduced me to this one and it's a lake he takes people to often.

Where you are is a little more south than I usually go. I'd probably be fishing Crescent Lake. That's a good fishery and there's some huge muskie and walleye there. Big lake and can have a lot of fishing pressure and boat activity though. Something quieter and people always overlook is the Wisconsin River north of Tomahawk, and really any spot along the way to Rhinelander. I've caught some big lake muskie, and they can fight, but they got another on river muskies. River muskies and smallies are my favorites to fish. And that river is so beautiful. Everyone that goes up north to fish thinks they need to hit lakes and never think about the Wisconsin River. Amazing fishery. Another awesome river for muskie and smallies is the Flambeau River, just south of the dam on the Flowage. Fish it all the way to Park Falls. Maybe the best smallies action anywhere in the state.

This is awesome stuff - thanks.

I just fished Crescent this past Saturday. It's about 20 minutes from my house. Caught 12 fish - 1 pike and 11 bass. The pike and the bass came on an orange bucktail while fishing over the cabbage there. Had one muskie follow there, so I'll be back there for sure.

Diamond Lake sounds interesting and my kind of place. I have a small 12' aluminum for when I float the river. So I may try and sneak that in there - thanks for the tip.

As for the river, I've fished a ton below Pine River and floated all the way down to Brokaw. And then again from downtown Wausau upriver. Some awesome fish in that stretch. I've caught probably 8 muskie in that stretch over the last 15 years. Biggest a 47. Not to mention big sturgeon and smallies. Love the river. I'll have to check out that stretch you are talking about. Quick question about that stretch - I also have a 16' Lund with a 40HP Johnson on there. Is there enough depth there for that or is the smaller boat better there?

Will definitely check out Gresham.

I'll definitely be checking out your other suggestions. And if you are ever out and about and want someone to fish with, send me a PM.

47" river muskies, that's awesome! If you're having that kind of success between Pine River and Wausau, I'd keep fishing it. I haven't fished that part but now you got me excited to try it.

I kayak fished that section below the Hat Rapids Dam. I saw a few bigger boats but wasn't really paying attention to depths. There are some rapids and rocks, and it's the river so you never know.

Heading up to Fargo and then Northern Minnesota to visit family on Sunday for 9-10 days. Looking forward to doing a little camping and fishing, and especially to eating much walleye.

 

[Chaos34]

I just got home (sadly) from two weeks in Tahoe. My sis has been retired there 8 years. She's rich. Zillow says her home is worth 10 million. Tough place to retire for us commoners. The winter is nice to visit but pretty rough to be stuck there, snowed in, etc. We had to drive down to Reno once (get someone at the airport) and Carson City twice (Costco run, eating). The road to Reno is awful. The road to Carson City is beautiful. I really like the two towns south of Carson City, Gardnerville and Minden. I could be happy retired there. Long beautiful Fall and Spring. Snows in winter but doesn't stick. Summer can have a couple heat spells but they're short and back to paradise. Four seasons for sure. All the amenities are 10 minutes away in Carson City. Real estate is 30% above national average but other cost of living markers are 10% below. I don't care for Reno in comparison. Feels dirty, but just 40 minutes away when needed. Tahoe is just an amazing place, 30 minutes away. That's the calling card. 30 minutes to Tahoe in an affordable very nice small town ten minutes from Costco and InNout. I looked at land. Again.

What are your thoughts on Carson City itself? Don’t see much real estate for the places you mentioned but more in CC.

Well, it is more affordable than the two small towns I'm enamored with, so that's good. And, it's pretty much the same idea, just busier and not as quaint and scenic. I drive the 395 north from the cali high desert and take the 50 west to Tahoe. That intersection is just after the two small towns and at the edge of south Carson City. So I miss most of Carson City. That intersection also has everything Tahoe-ers need - Costco, Traders, Home Depot, Walmart, Target, InNout, etc. So in dozens of trips, I haven't scouted Carson City, but I am curious and will this Fall when I go back.

My snobby sis and BiL love it and have considered moving down the mountain as the winters are getting a bit much in their old age. That lakeside resort they call home is 4 stories so the stairs are getting to them a little too, as is the elevation. They do not like Reno at all. I'm with DaRaiders on that place. It's gross, crimey, dirty, windy, poor access to Tahoe in comparison. Carson City deserves closer investigation. I'm interested in at least a couple acres which makes the little towns more interesting, but who knows? Maybe east of Carson City I can find it affordably.

 

[Judge Smails]

I just got home (sadly) from two weeks in Tahoe. My sis has been retired there 8 years. She's rich. Zillow says her home is worth 10 million. Tough place to retire for us commoners. The winter is nice to visit but pretty rough to be stuck there, snowed in, etc. We had to drive down to Reno once (get someone at the airport) and Carson City twice (Costco run, eating). The road to Reno is awful. The road to Carson City is beautiful. I really like the two towns south of Carson City, Gardnerville and Minden. I could be happy retired there. Long beautiful Fall and Spring. Snows in winter but doesn't stick. Summer can have a couple heat spells but they're short and back to paradise. Four seasons for sure. All the amenities are 10 minutes away in Carson City. Real estate is 30% above national average but other cost of living markers are 10% below. I don't care for Reno in comparison. Feels dirty, but just 40 minutes away when needed. Tahoe is just an amazing place, 30 minutes away. That's the calling card. 30 minutes to Tahoe in an affordable very nice small town ten minutes from Costco and InNout. I looked at land. Again.

What are your thoughts on Carson City itself? Don’t see much real estate for the places you mentioned but more in CC.

My Dad lived out there. I dunno - I’m not a fan of gambling towns. Especially around Reno. It just seems - cold. And I don’t mean the temp.

 

[Terminalxylem]

I've been in Boise 3 years now and outside of the occasional smoke from fires, mostly coming from out west, I haven't had any issues with air quality. Most days are clear blue skies. Maybe it's because I'm from NY but I haven't even noticed any inversion yet.

That’s from boots on the ground, so good to know. Thank you. I do see that your area as well as @Gally is crazy hot. Showing 104 to 107! That’s uncool (literally) to me. In your time there is this typical?

I haven't been here long enough to know how normal it is but it is breaking records so I guess it's not typical, at least this early in the summer. Two years ago there were a couple of weeks in the 100s but that was late July/early August. I'll still take 100s with mid-teens humidity over a NYC 85 degrees with 60% humidity. There were days where I would leave my house in the morning in NY and it was like a swamp. I'd be sweating by time I got to work. Here in Boise, it's really nice in the morning, low 70s even when it'll be near 100 later. In the shade is a lot cooler. I do my running in the mornings. We actually had dinner in an outdoor patio when it was 102 degrees but in the shade it was fine. And it's weird because the hottest time of day is like 5 or 6pm, unlike in NY where it was like 2pm. One of the selling points moving here was the four seasons. Winters aren't as bad as NY and summers, while hotter in temp, are better without the humidity. Beautiful spring and fall too.

Thanks jamny. Yeah, nothing like opening the door at 630 am to go to work and it’s already 80 and feels like you’re breathing through a sponge…I’ve always heard the dry heat makes things much more tolerable, but just haven’t experienced it for myself yet which I guess will be part of out travel process. Do you mind sharing brief info on your home value and property taxes? No worries if you don’t want to put your stuff out there.

Dry heat is more tolerable than high humidity at the same temperature, though it comes with downside. I love desert and mountains, but every time I visit, my nose bleeds, lips and skin crack.

Nothing like getting off the plane returning to HI, where the tropical air instantly hydrates everything, and makes me feel/look 10 years younger. A little extra sweating is worth it, imo.

That said, there needs to be a breeze, and there's a ceiling on maximum temp/humidity. The east coast/SE are too high on both counts, while 95+ degrees in direct sun is always unbearable, even when humidity is low.

 

[Terminalxylem]

FWIW, most and least stressed cities per this measure:

Most & Least Stressed Cities in America in 2024

Most & Least Stressed Cities in America in 2024

wallethub.com

Top 5 are Cleveland, Detroit, Baltimore, Memphis and Gulfport MS. I haven't scrutinized their ranking methodology, but none of those are hotbeds for retirees, as far as I know.

 

[Desert_Power]

I've been in Boise 3 years now and outside of the occasional smoke from fires, mostly coming from out west, I haven't had any issues with air quality. Most days are clear blue skies. Maybe it's because I'm from NY but I haven't even noticed any inversion yet.

That’s from boots on the ground, so good to know. Thank you. I do see that your area as well as @Gally is crazy hot. Showing 104 to 107! That’s uncool (literally) to me. In your time there is this typical?

I haven't been here long enough to know how normal it is but it is breaking records so I guess it's not typical, at least this early in the summer. Two years ago there were a couple of weeks in the 100s but that was late July/early August. I'll still take 100s with mid-teens humidity over a NYC 85 degrees with 60% humidity. There were days where I would leave my house in the morning in NY and it was like a swamp. I'd be sweating by time I got to work. Here in Boise, it's really nice in the morning, low 70s even when it'll be near 100 later. In the shade is a lot cooler. I do my running in the mornings. We actually had dinner in an outdoor patio when it was 102 degrees but in the shade it was fine. And it's weird because the hottest time of day is like 5 or 6pm, unlike in NY where it was like 2pm. One of the selling points moving here was the four seasons. Winters aren't as bad as NY and summers, while hotter in temp, are better without the humidity. Beautiful spring and fall too.

Thanks jamny. Yeah, nothing like opening the door at 630 am to go to work and it’s already 80 and feels like you’re breathing through a sponge…I’ve always heard the dry heat makes things much more tolerable, but just haven’t experienced it for myself yet which I guess will be part of out travel process. Do you mind sharing brief info on your home value and property taxes? No worries if you don’t want to put your stuff out there.

Dry heat is more tolerable than high humidity at the same temperature, though it comes with downside. I love desert and mountains, but every time I visit, my nose bleeds, lips and skin crack.

Nothing like getting off the plane returning to HI, where the tropical air instantly hydrates everything, and makes me feel/look 10 years younger. A little extra sweating is worth it, imo.

That said, there needs to be a breeze, and there's a ceiling on maximum temp/humidity. The east coast/SE are too high on both counts, while 95+ degrees in direct sun is always unbearable, even when humidity is low.

I always hate stepping out of the air conditioned airport back into Charlotte. Just feels like a wall of moisture, especially if you've been in a cooler or drier place.

Do agree that the dry heat is better at the same temperature. It's worth a few degrees.

 

[AAABatteries]

FWIW, most and least stressed cities per this measure:

Most & Least Stressed Cities in America in 2024

Most & Least Stressed Cities in America in 2024

wallethub.com

Top 5 are Cleveland, Detroit, Baltimore, Memphis and Gulfport MS. I haven't scrutinized their ranking methodology, but none of those are hotbeds for retirees, as far as I know.

Those are the 5 most stressed cities.

 

[Terminalxylem]

FWIW, most and least stressed cities per this measure:

Most & Least Stressed Cities in America in 2024

Most & Least Stressed Cities in America in 2024

wallethub.com

Top 5 are Cleveland, Detroit, Baltimore, Memphis and Gulfport MS. I haven't scrutinized their ranking methodology, but none of those are hotbeds for retirees, as far as I know.

Those are the 5 most stressed cities.

Oh, I guess that makes more sense

 

[steelerfan1]

I just got home (sadly) from two weeks in Tahoe. My sis has been retired there 8 years. She's rich. Zillow says her home is worth 10 million. Tough place to retire for us commoners. The winter is nice to visit but pretty rough to be stuck there, snowed in, etc. We had to drive down to Reno once (get someone at the airport) and Carson City twice (Costco run, eating). The road to Reno is awful. The road to Carson City is beautiful. I really like the two towns south of Carson City, Gardnerville and Minden. I could be happy retired there. Long beautiful Fall and Spring. Snows in winter but doesn't stick. Summer can have a couple heat spells but they're short and back to paradise. Four seasons for sure. All the amenities are 10 minutes away in Carson City. Real estate is 30% above national average but other cost of living markers are 10% below. I don't care for Reno in comparison. Feels dirty, but just 40 minutes away when needed. Tahoe is just an amazing place, 30 minutes away. That's the calling card. 30 minutes to Tahoe in an affordable very nice small town ten minutes from Costco and InNout. I looked at land. Again.

What are your thoughts on Carson City itself? Don’t see much real estate for the places you mentioned but more in CC.

Well, it is more affordable than the two small towns I'm enamored with, so that's good. And, it's pretty much the same idea, just busier and not as quaint and scenic. I drive the 395 north from the cali high desert and take the 50 west to Tahoe. That intersection is just after the two small towns and at the edge of south Carson City. So I miss most of Carson City. That intersection also has everything Tahoe-ers need - Costco, Traders, Home Depot, Walmart, Target, InNout, etc. So in dozens of trips, I haven't scouted Carson City, but I am curious and will this Fall when I go back.

My snobby sis and BiL love it and have considered moving down the mountain as the winters are getting a bit much in their old age. That lakeside resort they call home is 4 stories so the stairs are getting to them a little too, as is the elevation. They do not like Reno at all. I'm with DaRaiders on that place. It's gross, crimey, dirty, windy, poor access to Tahoe in comparison. Carson City deserves closer investigation. I'm interested in at least a couple acres which makes the little towns more interesting, but who knows? Maybe east of Carson City I can find it affordably.

Thanks chaos, in the times you were in the two other towns did you ever hear or see for yourself about if that area is prone to fires, smoke, etc? I’m with you preferring smaller away from it areas.

 

[steelerfan1]

I've been in Boise 3 years now and outside of the occasional smoke from fires, mostly coming from out west, I haven't had any issues with air quality. Most days are clear blue skies. Maybe it's because I'm from NY but I haven't even noticed any inversion yet.

That’s from boots on the ground, so good to know. Thank you. I do see that your area as well as @Gally is crazy hot. Showing 104 to 107! That’s uncool (literally) to me. In your time there is this typical?

I haven't been here long enough to know how normal it is but it is breaking records so I guess it's not typical, at least this early in the summer. Two years ago there were a couple of weeks in the 100s but that was late July/early August. I'll still take 100s with mid-teens humidity over a NYC 85 degrees with 60% humidity. There were days where I would leave my house in the morning in NY and it was like a swamp. I'd be sweating by time I got to work. Here in Boise, it's really nice in the morning, low 70s even when it'll be near 100 later. In the shade is a lot cooler. I do my running in the mornings. We actually had dinner in an outdoor patio when it was 102 degrees but in the shade it was fine. And it's weird because the hottest time of day is like 5 or 6pm, unlike in NY where it was like 2pm. One of the selling points moving here was the four seasons. Winters aren't as bad as NY and summers, while hotter in temp, are better without the humidity. Beautiful spring and fall too.

Thanks jamny. Yeah, nothing like opening the door at 630 am to go to work and it’s already 80 and feels like you’re breathing through a sponge…I’ve always heard the dry heat makes things much more tolerable, but just haven’t experienced it for myself yet which I guess will be part of out travel process. Do you mind sharing brief info on your home value and property taxes? No worries if you don’t want to put your stuff out there.

Dry heat is more tolerable than high humidity at the same temperature, though it comes with downside. I love desert and mountains, but every time I visit, my nose bleeds, lips and skin crack.

Nothing like getting off the plane returning to HI, where the tropical air instantly hydrates everything, and makes me feel/look 10 years younger. A little extra sweating is worth it, imo.

That said, there needs to be a breeze, and there's a ceiling on maximum temp/humidity. The east coast/SE are too high on both counts, while 95+ degrees in direct sun is always unbearable, even when humidity is low.

You’re telling me I may lose my boyish good looks then? This is going to subtract some points in the system on kupcho’s KT…

 

[steelerfan1]

I've been in Boise 3 years now and outside of the occasional smoke from fires, mostly coming from out west, I haven't had any issues with air quality. Most days are clear blue skies. Maybe it's because I'm from NY but I haven't even noticed any inversion yet.

That’s from boots on the ground, so good to know. Thank you. I do see that your area as well as @Gally is crazy hot. Showing 104 to 107! That’s uncool (literally) to me. In your time there is this typical?

I haven't been here long enough to know how normal it is but it is breaking records so I guess it's not typical, at least this early in the summer. Two years ago there were a couple of weeks in the 100s but that was late July/early August. I'll still take 100s with mid-teens humidity over a NYC 85 degrees with 60% humidity. There were days where I would leave my house in the morning in NY and it was like a swamp. I'd be sweating by time I got to work. Here in Boise, it's really nice in the morning, low 70s even when it'll be near 100 later. In the shade is a lot cooler. I do my running in the mornings. We actually had dinner in an outdoor patio when it was 102 degrees but in the shade it was fine. And it's weird because the hottest time of day is like 5 or 6pm, unlike in NY where it was like 2pm. One of the selling points moving here was the four seasons. Winters aren't as bad as NY and summers, while hotter in temp, are better without the humidity. Beautiful spring and fall too.

Thanks jamny. Yeah, nothing like opening the door at 630 am to go to work and it’s already 80 and feels like you’re breathing through a sponge…I’ve always heard the dry heat makes things much more tolerable, but just haven’t experienced it for myself yet which I guess will be part of out travel process. Do you mind sharing brief info on your home value and property taxes? No worries if you don’t want to put your stuff out there.

Dry heat is more tolerable than high humidity at the same temperature, though it comes with downside. I love desert and mountains, but every time I visit, my nose bleeds, lips and skin crack.

Nothing like getting off the plane returning to HI, where the tropical air instantly hydrates everything, and makes me feel/look 10 years younger. A little extra sweating is worth it, imo.

That said, there needs to be a breeze, and there's a ceiling on maximum temp/humidity. The east coast/SE are too high on both counts, while 95+ degrees in direct sun is always unbearable, even when humidity is low.

I always hate stepping out of the air conditioned airport back into Charlotte. Just feels like a wall of moisture, especially if you've been in a cooler or drier place.

Do agree that the dry heat is better at the same temperature. It's worth a few degrees.

Yes, absolutely unpleasant.

 

[Terminalxylem]

You’re telling me I may lose my boyish good looks then? This is going to subtract some points in the system on kupcho’s KT…

I don’t go out of my way to look young, and am increasingly shocked by people (men and women) using Botox in their 30s and 40s. I wouldn’t consider it at any age, nor any cosmetic procedure, for that matter.

That said, I feel better when my skin isn’t cracked and leathery. Not just because I look better. Dry skin is generally itchy, and in the wrong place can be downright painful.

 

[steelerfan1]

You’re telling me I may lose my boyish good looks then? This is going to subtract some points in the system on kupcho’s KT…

I don’t go out of my way to look young, and am increasingly shocked by people (men and women) using Botox in their 30s and 40s. I wouldn’t consider it at any age, nor any cosmetic procedure, for that matter.

That said, I feel better when my skin isn’t cracked and leathery. Not just because I look better. Dry skin is generally itchy, and in the wrong place can be downright painful.

I forget and just assume everyone knows I’m a wise guy. I appreciate the input. I actually do go out of my way to protect myself from the sun as we are not friends. Guess hydration and moisturizing would be super important out that way along with my crocodile Dundee hat.