The “I want to retire soon” thread (5 Viewers)

[nirad3]

I just know exactly what I'll want at age 59ish. I'll still want a walkable community with bars/restaurants nearby

This is yet another reason I’d love to move to HHI.

Had to Googlez.

But yeah, I know three sets of folks from very different parts of my life that have already semi-retired or will be retiring in the coastal-ish areas of North and South Carolina. Very popular region right now.

 

[-OZ-]

I just know exactly what I'll want at age 59ish. I'll still want a walkable community with bars/restaurants nearby

This is yet another reason I’d love to move to HHI.

Had to Googlez.

But yeah, I know three sets of folks from very different parts of my life that have already semi-retired or will be retiring in the coastal-ish areas of North and South Carolina. Very popular region right now.

We’ve been there for a week almost every year for the last 24 years. I first went with my then Fiancé and future in laws in 99. It’s home away from home. My wife convinced me to keep going back because wet we moved a lot while I was active duty, now I think I like it more than she does. I absolutely would move there, she wants to be close to family and friends.

 

[jamny]

I've mentioned this before I think, but my wife really likes the idea of moving into a 55+ community. TBH, that is not really what I had in mind, but the general idea is growing on me -- I'll need to make friends somehow, and it seems like it would be easier to do so in a planned community like that.

One adjustment that I'll have to make is learning how to deal with an HOA, which I've never had to worry about before. But really, I don't see what the big deal is. I have never put up Christmas or Halloween decorations ever. Not a single time. I don't put up yard signs. I know you guys are probably surprised to hear this, but the Karamazov household does not have one of those "In This House We Believe" signs out front. My wife and I are both judgey about people who don't park their cars in their garage. We don't want to paint our house a weird color. We don't want to keep chickens or anything.

Come to think of it, I think I'll fit right in with the typical HOA.

This is where we are. We've actually looked at a couple of 55+ places but we aren't ready to leave downtown Boise yet. It's too much fun living in the city and the 55+ places are like a half hour away. If they built something close, we'd do it. As for HOA, it's been a bit of a challenge for my wife who is an extreme neat freak. We're in a multi-floor condo and some of the people really are slobs in the common areas, elevators, garage, etc. There are also some renters so that doesn't help either. Drives her nuts. She's actually on the cleaning committee now. She once vacuumed the entire 5th floor carpet and regularly wipes down the elevator walls. Even cleaned up after someone who let their dog pee in the garage. Getting a separate house in a 55+ community will help.

 

[SFBayDuck]

I've mentioned this before I think, but my wife really likes the idea of moving into a 55+ community. TBH, that is not really what I had in mind, but the general idea is growing on me -- I'll need to make friends somehow, and it seems like it would be easier to do so in a planned community like that.

One adjustment that I'll have to make is learning how to deal with an HOA, which I've never had to worry about before. But really, I don't see what the big deal is. I have never put up Christmas or Halloween decorations ever. Not a single time. I don't put up yard signs. I know you guys are probably surprised to hear this, but the Karamazov household does not have one of those "In This House We Believe" signs out front. My wife and I are both judgey about people who don't park their cars in their garage. We don't want to paint our house a weird color. We don't want to keep chickens or anything.

Come to think of it, I think I'll fit right in with the typical HOA.

This is where we are. We've actually looked at a couple of 55+ places but we aren't ready to leave downtown Boise yet. It's too much fun living in the city and the 55+ places are like a half hour away. If they built something close, we'd do it. As for HOA, it's been a bit of a challenge for my wife who is an extreme neat freak. We're in a multi-floor condo and some of the people really are slobs in the common areas, elevators, garage, etc. There are also some renters so that doesn't help either. Drives her nuts. She's actually on the cleaning committee now. She once vacuumed the entire 5th floor carpet and regularly wipes down the elevator walls. Even cleaned up after someone who let their dog pee in the garage. Getting a separate house in a 55+ community will help.

I just recently learned about those giant 55+ communities in Florida like The Villages, I didn't even know that was a thing. I only know of condos/apartments here, along with a mobile home park not too far away (which seems to be the most common 55+ living arrangement here). No thanks. But a community with single family homes? I can see the appeal, for sure. I suppose not too many retirees are moving to Eugene, Oregon.

 

[Nugget]

She's also a big "Bucket Strategy" fan. She's only 2 years in cash, which seems pretty reasonable to me. She's just leaning into the mental accounting that seems to resonate with lots of people, and talks about how it tends to lead to close to a 60/40 portfolio anyway. My issue is that other bucket/piecake fans are like 5 years of cash, and the math shows that's just not anywhere near optimal to hold as it will absolutely be a drag on SWR. But that doesn't mean it isn't the best approach for some people that lean toward a conservative approach - sleeping at night is kind of important!

5 years cash seems excessive. Unless by “cash” you’re including things like I bonds or CDs. I generally like the bucket strategy, 2 years in savings, 3 years worth of bonds, 20 years of equities. This approach leads to an 80/20 portfolio. Which is basically our target anyway. (Keep in mind, our true fixed income / pensions are fairly significant).

To me "cash" is anything short term that is "cash-like" - cash, money markets, CDs, individual shorter-term bonds, and T-bills. Essentially anything short-term that is focused on "return of your money" and not "return on your money". Once you get out to intermediate and longer term bonds that's in that bond category.

Roger Whitney with his "pie cake" strategy believes in having 5 years of spending in cash-like instruments as the first layer of that cake.

When we have someone that goes into retirement, our baseline is that they have a minimum of five years of their consumption that they need to fund with their financial assets de-risked and in individual things—CDs, individual bonds, and so on—so we can prefund their consumption. I’m much more concerned of the return of the money.

I've heard 3-5 years often associated with the bucket strategy. Fritz Gilbert says 1-3 years, but does three himself (while also only withdrawing 3%).

For me, 1-2 years totally makes sense. Three years? Ok, if you're pretty risk averse. But beyond that? Now you're getting to 12%-20% or more of your assets and that would seem to be a drag on your portfolio and, most importantly, to your SWR. If you're overfunded and can get by with a 2.5% or 3% withdrawal rate, then go for it! But if you're trying to maximize your SWR, it's going to make it tougher on you to do so.

If you’re using 3% you can probably do anything you want except keep money in cash.

What is your targeted portfolio heading into retirement?

ETA: That's how I see these "cash-like" instruments - at best they'll keep up with inflation, at worst (actual cash) they're losing purchasing power.

This is why I’m continuing to buy I bonds at 1.3% plus CPI. they’ll keep up with inflation. But after we buy the rest of ours in October, we’re still under 3% of our portfolio so far.

I really still like iBonds. They help me sleep well at night and serve as that tier 2 emergency fund. I’d like to hit retirement in 11 years with 10-15% MMF/iBonds, LTT for another 15-20%, 20% Intl stock, 50% US stocks. My youngest should be 27 at that point and I can reassess if I want to/able to keep working.

 

[fantasy stud]

I've mentioned this before I think, but my wife really likes the idea of moving into a 55+ community. TBH, that is not really what I had in mind, but the general idea is growing on me -- I'll need to make friends somehow, and it seems like it would be easier to do so in a planned community like that.

One adjustment that I'll have to make is learning how to deal with an HOA, which I've never had to worry about before. But really, I don't see what the big deal is. I have never put up Christmas or Halloween decorations ever. Not a single time. I don't put up yard signs. I know you guys are probably surprised to hear this, but the Karamazov household does not have one of those "In This House We Believe" signs out front. My wife and I are both judgey about people who don't park their cars in their garage. We don't want to paint our house a weird color. We don't want to keep chickens or anything.

Come to think of it, I think I'll fit right in with the typical HOA.

This is where we are. We've actually looked at a couple of 55+ places but we aren't ready to leave downtown Boise yet. It's too much fun living in the city and the 55+ places are like a half hour away. If they built something close, we'd do it. As for HOA, it's been a bit of a challenge for my wife who is an extreme neat freak. We're in a multi-floor condo and some of the people really are slobs in the common areas, elevators, garage, etc. There are also some renters so that doesn't help either. Drives her nuts. She's actually on the cleaning committee now. She once vacuumed the entire 5th floor carpet and regularly wipes down the elevator walls. Even cleaned up after someone who let their dog pee in the garage. Getting a separate house in a 55+ community will help.

I just recently learned about those giant 55+ communities in Florida like The Villages, I didn't even know that was a thing. I only know of condos/apartments here, along with a mobile home park not too far away (which seems to be the most common 55+ living arrangement here). No thanks. But a community with single family homes? I can see the appeal, for sure. I suppose not too many retirees are moving to Eugene, Oregon.

Sign me up for a smaller condo. No yard work , minimum maitenence.

 

[Sand]

I've mentioned this before I think, but my wife really likes the idea of moving into a 55+ community. TBH, that is not really what I had in mind, but the general idea is growing on me -- I'll need to make friends somehow, and it seems like it would be easier to do so in a planned community like that.

One adjustment that I'll have to make is learning how to deal with an HOA, which I've never had to worry about before. But really, I don't see what the big deal is. I have never put up Christmas or Halloween decorations ever. Not a single time. I don't put up yard signs. I know you guys are probably surprised to hear this, but the Karamazov household does not have one of those "In This House We Believe" signs out front. My wife and I are both judgey about people who don't park their cars in their garage. We don't want to paint our house a weird color. We don't want to keep chickens or anything.

Come to think of it, I think I'll fit right in with the typical HOA.

This is where we are. We've actually looked at a couple of 55+ places but we aren't ready to leave downtown Boise yet. It's too much fun living in the city and the 55+ places are like a half hour away. If they built something close, we'd do it. As for HOA, it's been a bit of a challenge for my wife who is an extreme neat freak. We're in a multi-floor condo and some of the people really are slobs in the common areas, elevators, garage, etc. There are also some renters so that doesn't help either. Drives her nuts. She's actually on the cleaning committee now. She once vacuumed the entire 5th floor carpet and regularly wipes down the elevator walls. Even cleaned up after someone who let their dog pee in the garage. Getting a separate house in a 55+ community will help.

I just recently learned about those giant 55+ communities in Florida like The Villages, I didn't even know that was a thing. I only know of condos/apartments here, along with a mobile home park not too far away (which seems to be the most common 55+ living arrangement here). No thanks. But a community with single family homes? I can see the appeal, for sure. I suppose not too many retirees are moving to Eugene, Oregon.

Sign me up for a smaller condo. No yard work , minimum maitenence.

Sign me up for never moving again.

 

[Sand]

I also just got her book "How to Retire" in the mail today, I had pre-ordered it a while ago. It basically recaps of a bunch of interviews/podcasts with people like Blanchett, Guyton, Pfau, Bernstein and a bunch of others. Looking forward to continuing my education!

My copy is supposed to be here tomorrow.

Reviews would be helpful when you guys get a chance.

Review.

How To Retire (A Book Review) - The Retirement Manifesto

How To Retire is a new book by Christine Benz and a "must read" for anyone within +/- 5 years of retirement.

www.theretirementmanifesto.com

 

[Sand]

Interesting chart on the working population vs. age. Blows me away almost 20% of working age adults don't work.

https://abnormalreturns.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Exit_0924.png

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Interesting chart on the working population vs. age. Blows me away almost 20% of working age adults don't work.

https://abnormalreturns.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Exit_0924.png

Really? Why?

 

[Steve Tasker]

I've mentioned this before I think, but my wife really likes the idea of moving into a 55+ community. TBH, that is not really what I had in mind, but the general idea is growing on me -- I'll need to make friends somehow, and it seems like it would be easier to do so in a planned community like that.

One adjustment that I'll have to make is learning how to deal with an HOA, which I've never had to worry about before. But really, I don't see what the big deal is. I have never put up Christmas or Halloween decorations ever. Not a single time. I don't put up yard signs. I know you guys are probably surprised to hear this, but the Karamazov household does not have one of those "In This House We Believe" signs out front. My wife and I are both judgey about people who don't park their cars in their garage. We don't want to paint our house a weird color. We don't want to keep chickens or anything.

Come to think of it, I think I'll fit right in with the typical HOA.

My parents are in Sun City, outside of Phoenix (I think Peoria/Glendale technically, you can see the Cardinals stadium from their backyard), and they love it. They're doing activities all day and they've made a ton of friends despite not really knowing anyone when they made the move 5 years ago.

My dad does hate the HOA though. He had to take down a shed that he build in his backyard because it wasn't up to HOA code, whatever that means.

 

[brun]

I've mentioned this before I think, but my wife really likes the idea of moving into a 55+ community. TBH, that is not really what I had in mind, but the general idea is growing on me -- I'll need to make friends somehow, and it seems like it would be easier to do so in a planned community like that.

One adjustment that I'll have to make is learning how to deal with an HOA, which I've never had to worry about before. But really, I don't see what the big deal is. I have never put up Christmas or Halloween decorations ever. Not a single time. I don't put up yard signs. I know you guys are probably surprised to hear this, but the Karamazov household does not have one of those "In This House We Believe" signs out front. My wife and I are both judgey about people who don't park their cars in their garage. We don't want to paint our house a weird color. We don't want to keep chickens or anything.

Come to think of it, I think I'll fit right in with the typical HOA.

My parents are in Sun City, outside of Phoenix (I think Glendale technically, you can see the Cardinals stadium from their backyard), and they love it. They're doing activities all day and they've made a ton of friends despite not really knowing anyone when they made the move 5 years ago.

My dad does hate the HOA though. He had to take down a shed that he build in his backyard because it wasn't up to HOA code, whatever that means.

I know a brother and sister in Sun City West. He likes it because he participates in a couple different activities and has met people to socialize with. He and his SO have been there 6-8 years.

The sister mostly sits home and reads and will probably move out soon to be with her son. She doesn't like or dislike it. She's been there 3-4 years.

Places like this, The Villages, etc. Seem to have a lot going on and can appeal to people with many and varied interests.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

I've mentioned this before I think, but my wife really likes the idea of moving into a 55+ community. TBH, that is not really what I had in mind, but the general idea is growing on me -- I'll need to make friends somehow, and it seems like it would be easier to do so in a planned community like that.

One adjustment that I'll have to make is learning how to deal with an HOA, which I've never had to worry about before. But really, I don't see what the big deal is. I have never put up Christmas or Halloween decorations ever. Not a single time. I don't put up yard signs. I know you guys are probably surprised to hear this, but the Karamazov household does not have one of those "In This House We Believe" signs out front. My wife and I are both judgey about people who don't park their cars in their garage. We don't want to paint our house a weird color. We don't want to keep chickens or anything.

Come to think of it, I think I'll fit right in with the typical HOA.

My parents are in Sun City, outside of Phoenix (I think Glendale technically, you can see the Cardinals stadium from their backyard), and they love it. They're doing activities all day and they've made a ton of friends despite not really knowing anyone when they made the move 5 years ago.

My dad does hate the HOA though. He had to take down a shed that he build in his backyard because it wasn't up to HOA code, whatever that means.

I know a brother and sister in Sun City West. He likes it because he participates in a couple different activities and has met people to socialize with. He and his SO have been there 6-8 years.

The sister mostly sits home and reads and will probably move out soon to be with her son. She doesn't like or dislike it. She's been there 3-4 years.

Places like this, The Villages, etc. Seem to have a lot going on and can appeal to people with many and varied interests.

Yeah, I get it. This is one of those times where I know my wife is right, and not just in the "your wife is always right" sense. She's correctly assessing that we need to go a little out of our way to make connections if we pick up and move.

But man, I still really like the idea of living out in the sticks and having the desert right up against my house.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

I've mentioned this before I think, but my wife really likes the idea of moving into a 55+ community. TBH, that is not really what I had in mind, but the general idea is growing on me -- I'll need to make friends somehow, and it seems like it would be easier to do so in a planned community like that.

One adjustment that I'll have to make is learning how to deal with an HOA, which I've never had to worry about before. But really, I don't see what the big deal is. I have never put up Christmas or Halloween decorations ever. Not a single time. I don't put up yard signs. I know you guys are probably surprised to hear this, but the Karamazov household does not have one of those "In This House We Believe" signs out front. My wife and I are both judgey about people who don't park their cars in their garage. We don't want to paint our house a weird color. We don't want to keep chickens or anything.

Come to think of it, I think I'll fit right in with the typical HOA.

My parents are in Sun City, outside of Phoenix (I think Peoria/Glendale technically, you can see the Cardinals stadium from their backyard), and they love it. They're doing activities all day and they've made a ton of friends despite not really knowing anyone when they made the move 5 years ago.

My dad does hate the HOA though. He had to take down a shed that he build in his backyard because it wasn't up to HOA code, whatever that means.

Mine are in a Sun City place here outside Charlotte (technically in South Carolina). They love it. We asked them to do dinner this Sunday and they declined because they have their bocce league that night. Words I never expected them to say.

 

[Desert_Power]

I've mentioned this before I think, but my wife really likes the idea of moving into a 55+ community. TBH, that is not really what I had in mind, but the general idea is growing on me -- I'll need to make friends somehow, and it seems like it would be easier to do so in a planned community like that.

One adjustment that I'll have to make is learning how to deal with an HOA, which I've never had to worry about before. But really, I don't see what the big deal is. I have never put up Christmas or Halloween decorations ever. Not a single time. I don't put up yard signs. I know you guys are probably surprised to hear this, but the Karamazov household does not have one of those "In This House We Believe" signs out front. My wife and I are both judgey about people who don't park their cars in their garage. We don't want to paint our house a weird color. We don't want to keep chickens or anything.

Come to think of it, I think I'll fit right in with the typical HOA.

My parents are in Sun City, outside of Phoenix (I think Peoria/Glendale technically, you can see the Cardinals stadium from their backyard), and they love it. They're doing activities all day and they've made a ton of friends despite not really knowing anyone when they made the move 5 years ago.

My dad does hate the HOA though. He had to take down a shed that he build in his backyard because it wasn't up to HOA code, whatever that means.

Mine are in a Sun City place here outside Charlotte (technically in South Carolina). They love it. We asked them to do dinner this Sunday and they declined because they have their bocce league that night. Words I never expected them to say.

I've been down there. It's a nice setup. Much rather be in a city/smaller house when I am that age.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

I've mentioned this before I think, but my wife really likes the idea of moving into a 55+ community. TBH, that is not really what I had in mind, but the general idea is growing on me -- I'll need to make friends somehow, and it seems like it would be easier to do so in a planned community like that.

One adjustment that I'll have to make is learning how to deal with an HOA, which I've never had to worry about before. But really, I don't see what the big deal is. I have never put up Christmas or Halloween decorations ever. Not a single time. I don't put up yard signs. I know you guys are probably surprised to hear this, but the Karamazov household does not have one of those "In This House We Believe" signs out front. My wife and I are both judgey about people who don't park their cars in their garage. We don't want to paint our house a weird color. We don't want to keep chickens or anything.

Come to think of it, I think I'll fit right in with the typical HOA.

My parents are in Sun City, outside of Phoenix (I think Peoria/Glendale technically, you can see the Cardinals stadium from their backyard), and they love it. They're doing activities all day and they've made a ton of friends despite not really knowing anyone when they made the move 5 years ago.

My dad does hate the HOA though. He had to take down a shed that he build in his backyard because it wasn't up to HOA code, whatever that means.

I’ve gotta visit one of these places and check it out. Gut instinct is that it’s just a poor fit for me, but my wife would love it. She has this philosophy of “I can learn something from each person, and my job is to be inquisitive and find out what that is.” In contrast, I enjoy interacting with approximately 1-2% of the population consistently.

The HOA stuff just isn’t happening for me. My life is already micromanaged by too many outside entities (wife, boss, kids, government). Zero interest in injecting another 3rd party into the mix, especially one that is likely populated by a bunch of Karens. (or as they say in Lincoln Park, by Chads and Trixies)

 

[Gatorade]

I've mentioned this before I think, but my wife really likes the idea of moving into a 55+ community. TBH, that is not really what I had in mind, but the general idea is growing on me -- I'll need to make friends somehow, and it seems like it would be easier to do so in a planned community like that.

One adjustment that I'll have to make is learning how to deal with an HOA, which I've never had to worry about before. But really, I don't see what the big deal is. I have never put up Christmas or Halloween decorations ever. Not a single time. I don't put up yard signs. I know you guys are probably surprised to hear this, but the Karamazov household does not have one of those "In This House We Believe" signs out front. My wife and I are both judgey about people who don't park their cars in their garage. We don't want to paint our house a weird color. We don't want to keep chickens or anything.

Come to think of it, I think I'll fit right in with the typical HOA.

try Sun City or Margaritaville

 

[Sand]

Interesting chart on the working population vs. age. Blows me away almost 20% of working age adults don't work.

https://abnormalreturns.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Exit_0924.png

Really? Why?

Because everyone I know works their *** off to live. There is no way we have 1 of 5 living lives of leisure in this country.

 

[Gatorade]

I just know exactly what I'll want at age 59ish. I'll still want a walkable community with bars/restaurants nearby

This is yet another reason I’d love to move to HHI.

about 300 restaurants on an island 12 miles long and 5 miles wide. plenty of bars but nothing outrageous. any type of food you would want but the main thing is the fresh seafood. there are walkable areas and you can ride your beach cruiser all over the island. lots of musical talent here and many venues. free outdoor concerts are frequent. if you need more, savannah is only an hour away. there is a small town feel here on HHI . you can frequent the busy tourist areas or you can live in a quiet gated community. the beach is everywhere and plenty of boating opportunities.

 

[-OZ-]

I just know exactly what I'll want at age 59ish. I'll still want a walkable community with bars/restaurants nearby

This is yet another reason I’d love to move to HHI.

about 300 restaurants on an island 12 miles long and 5 miles wide. plenty of bars but nothing outrageous. any type of food you would want but the main thing is the fresh seafood. there are walkable areas and you can ride your beach cruiser all over the island. lots of musical talent here and many venues. free outdoor concerts are frequent. if you need more, savannah is only an hour away. there is a small town feel here on HHI . you can frequent the busy tourist areas or you can live in a quiet gated community. the beach is everywhere and plenty of boating opportunities.

Yep.
My 21yo son is interested in working there, preferably in boat maintenance. he isn’t trained for it, but he has some light welding and maintenance classes and worked for a welder for a little while.

 

[Peggy]

I've mentioned this before I think, but my wife really likes the idea of moving into a 55+ community. TBH, that is not really what I had in mind, but the general idea is growing on me -- I'll need to make friends somehow, and it seems like it would be easier to do so in a planned community like that.

One adjustment that I'll have to make is learning how to deal with an HOA, which I've never had to worry about before. But really, I don't see what the big deal is. I have never put up Christmas or Halloween decorations ever. Not a single time. I don't put up yard signs. I know you guys are probably surprised to hear this, but the Karamazov household does not have one of those "In This House We Believe" signs out front. My wife and I are both judgey about people who don't park their cars in their garage. We don't want to paint our house a weird color. We don't want to keep chickens or anything.

Come to think of it, I think I'll fit right in with the typical HOA.

The LOL emoji is gone again?

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Interesting chart on the working population vs. age. Blows me away almost 20% of working age adults don't work.

https://abnormalreturns.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Exit_0924.png

Really? Why?

Because everyone I know works their *** off to live. There is no way we have 1 of 5 living lives of leisure in this country.

Couldn’t some of them be stay at home moms? Or lazy people living in poverty (like my cousins)?

 

[jamny]

Our HOA is actually pretty good and I appreciate all that they do. It's a thankless job. We attend all the virtual meetings, even if we don't really contribute much at the moment. Except my wife, who is an accountant, met with the woman trying to manage the finances. She helped her with questions on the books because it was clear she has limited understanding but is trying at least. Once we retire, we might get more involved if we're still here. I wish more of the owners would at least attend the meetings.
I volunteered for the security committee to look into getting cameras setup around the building. Right now there's nothing but with the city growing like it is, there will eventually be a need.

 

[Peggy]

Lots of financial talk in this thread, which is great.... but excuse me while I pivot and discuss the WHERE'S when it comes to retirement.

I know what I want in terms of a "feel" of where I want to be: smaller town with "everything one would need", but close enough to a bigger town in case I want to see a bigger live music act. I also am like 99% sure I want to be in Texas or the South. Call me crazy but I like the heat, can stand humidity, and absolutely love thunderstorms rolling through on a summer afternoon.

And I know this is the "retirement" thread, but I doubt I will ever fully "retire". Once my kids are out of the house and I'm separated/divorced, I am OUT of California. Can't happen soon enough... as much as I know I will miss the holy heck out of my nuggets. So I will need to be somewhere close-ish to a major airport so I can fly for work trips.

Right now I have my sights set on Marble Falls, TX. It's 45 minutes northwest of Austin, and reportedly will be the final stop on their rail line that extends out from Austin on a northwest path. I can probably find a nice little house for under $1MM. I don't need anything fancy. 3 BR would do, that way I could have an office and a guest room for my Mom (God willing she's alive at this point) or one of my kids.

Any other smallish towns in that vein y'all could think of that have rave reviews from residents?

I daydream about this crap way too much

Can't help you with Texas or SEC territory, sorry. We're either going to stay where we are (perfectly viable) or move to the high desert region of the southwest. What we've learned is that it's kind of tough to find these little towns when you live hundreds of miles away and you're just getting to know the area. We would also be interested in sort of a bedroom community, but we might have to live in the area for a little while before we find the right spot. As much as I hate to say this, there's no rule that says you can only move once after retirement -- we might end up moving to a "starter" location in our preferred region with the option of relocating again if we find the right spot.

To the bolded... absolutely.

I just know exactly what I'll want at age 59ish. I'll still want a walkable community with bars/restaurants nearby.

Austin area would be perfect for me since I know I'd be 45 minutes away from world class live music and plenty of friends likely to still be living there.

We're headed to a small farm in a small town nestled in the gorgeous green farm fields in the valleys of the Blue Ridge Mountains. (It even sounds like a country song!) The town is so small there is only a post office and it's only open 4 hours a day. But, 10 miles down the interstate you can get to towns with restaurants and bars, a Walmart and Lowes. Another 30 miles or so to get to a decent sized city. I'm a little worried about connecting with people and having neighbors, but, we plan to join the country club that's actually affordable because it's somewhat remote.

And like Ivan says, if we decide we don't like it....or get too old to keep up a small farm in 5 or 10 years we can always sell and make a short move. I'm pretty sure the acreage and location will turn out to be a good investment.

 

[Peggy]

HOA can be good or bad depending on local laws and implementation.

They are absolutely needed in locations where zoning laws are weak or non-existent. Nothing like having a million dollar home across the street from a duplex with couches and broken down cars in the front yard.

If they're to police a 55+ community just because they think they know what looks best for everyone's yard you better know what you're signing up for.

 

[SFBayDuck]

We're headed to a small farm in a small town nestled in the gorgeous green farm fields in the valleys of the Blue Ridge Mountains. (It even sounds like a country song!) The town is so small there is only a post office and it's only open 4 hours a day. But, 10 miles down the interstate you can get to towns with restaurants and bars, a Walmart and Lowes. Another 30 miles or so to get to a decent sized city. I'm a little worried about connecting with people and having neighbors, but, we plan to join the country club that's actually affordable because it's somewhat remote.

And like Ivan says, if we decide we don't like it....or get too old to keep up a small farm in 5 or 10 years we can always sell and make a short move. I'm pretty sure the acreage and location will turn out to be a good investment.

I've seen that movie. Watch out for the mailman.

 

[jamny]

HOA can be good or bad depending on local laws and implementation.

They are absolutely needed in locations where zoning laws are weak or non-existent. Nothing like having a million dollar home across the street from a duplex with couches and broken down cars in the front yard.

If they're to police a 55+ community just because they think they know what looks best for everyone's yard you better know what you're signing up for.

A big part is probably that the buildings are only 3 and 5 years old, so the HOA is relatively new. There has already been a bit of turnover, 3 different Presidents in that time. It's more like just a bunch of people trying to keep things going instead of anyone taking things too seriously. I'd imagine long established HOA's might have some people on power trips, which would suck.

 

[Peggy]

We're headed to a small farm in a small town nestled in the gorgeous green farm fields in the valleys of the Blue Ridge Mountains. (It even sounds like a country song!) The town is so small there is only a post office and it's only open 4 hours a day. But, 10 miles down the interstate you can get to towns with restaurants and bars, a Walmart and Lowes. Another 30 miles or so to get to a decent sized city. I'm a little worried about connecting with people and having neighbors, but, we plan to join the country club that's actually affordable because it's somewhat remote.

And like Ivan says, if we decide we don't like it....or get too old to keep up a small farm in 5 or 10 years we can always sell and make a short move. I'm pretty sure the acreage and location will turn out to be a good investment.

I've seen that movie. Watch out for the mailman.

It's going to be exactly like that.

Can't wait for our retrievers to discover the ground hogs.

 

[SFBayDuck]

Interesting chart on the working population vs. age. Blows me away almost 20% of working age adults don't work.

https://abnormalreturns.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Exit_0924.png

Really? Why?

Because everyone I know works their *** off to live. There is no way we have 1 of 5 living lives of leisure in this country.

Couldn’t some of them be stay at home moms? Or lazy people living in poverty (like my cousins)?

Yeah that was my first thought, a big chunk of that 20% is likely made up of stay-at-home parents. While I definitely know some moms (and one dad) that live "lives of leisure", most are busy running the household.

Add an average unemployment rate (people seeking work at any given time) of about 5.7%, and I'm almost surprised the number of adults not working is that low.

 

[jamny]

Here are 2 55+ communities that are still building right now here:
Star
Kuna

The good thing is that our condo will probably go for more than what we'd pay for one of these.

 

[SFBayDuck]

I’m still not sold on gold but I guess there’s a place for it. I also haven’t done managed futures but that’s just because I want to keep things simple if possible.
I have HODL, but less than 1% of our assets.

Another ATH

I was honestly not interested at all until recently, as I mentioned yesterday. A hunk of metal that generates no cash, provides no dividends, it doesn't seem to make sense. Add in one of our legendary family stories, and I had even less interest. My parents bought a few thousand worth of silver in the late 70s, it was earmarked for college funds for my sister and I who were both under 7 at the time. At the end of the decade there was that Hunt brothers scheme that led to silver spiking like 8x. They of course didn't sell, because my mom kept saying it was for college funds. It all crashed when that scheme fell apart.....and they still have that silver today that's essentially flat since they bought it almost 50 years ago.

 

[Nugget]

Interesting chart on the working population vs. age. Blows me away almost 20% of working age adults don't work.

https://abnormalreturns.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Exit_0924.png

Really? Why?

Because everyone I know works their *** off to live. There is no way we have 1 of 5 living lives of leisure in this country.

Couldn’t some of them be stay at home moms? Or lazy people living in poverty (like my cousins)?

Yeah that was my first thought, a big chunk of that 20% is likely made up of stay-at-home parents. While I definitely know some moms (and one dad) that live "lives of leisure", most are busy running the household.

Add an average unemployment rate (people seeking work at any given time) of about 5.7%, and I'm almost surprised the number of adults not working is that low.

Not sure where disabilities falls into this category - close to 40% of my cousins or their spouses are on some type of physical/medical/pyschiatric long term disability.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

HOA can be good or bad depending on local laws and implementation.

They are absolutely needed in locations where zoning laws are weak or non-existent. Nothing like having a million dollar home across the street from a duplex with couches and broken down cars in the front yard.

If they're to police a 55+ community just because they think they know what looks best for everyone's yard you better know what you're signing up for.

A big part is probably that the buildings are only 3 and 5 years old, so the HOA is relatively new. There has already been a bit of turnover, 3 different Presidents in that time. It's more like just a bunch of people trying to keep things going instead of anyone taking things too seriously. I'd imagine long established HOA's might have some people on power trips, which would suck.

I read someplace that moving into this type of community can be like going back to high school, and that was meant in a bad way. Cliques, hall monitors, class president types, etc.

Not worried about it personally because I will not get caught up in that sort of thing, but I'm looking forward to seeing if there's any truth to that. It does actually make sense.

 

[jamny]

HOA can be good or bad depending on local laws and implementation.

They are absolutely needed in locations where zoning laws are weak or non-existent. Nothing like having a million dollar home across the street from a duplex with couches and broken down cars in the front yard.

If they're to police a 55+ community just because they think they know what looks best for everyone's yard you better know what you're signing up for.

A big part is probably that the buildings are only 3 and 5 years old, so the HOA is relatively new. There has already been a bit of turnover, 3 different Presidents in that time. It's more like just a bunch of people trying to keep things going instead of anyone taking things too seriously. I'd imagine long established HOA's might have some people on power trips, which would suck.

I read someplace that moving into this type of community can be like going back to high school, and that was meant in a bad way. Cliques, hall monitors, class president types, etc.

Not worried about it personally because I will not get caught up in that sort of thing, but I'm looking forward to seeing if there's any truth to that. It does actually make sense.

Yeah that is definitely a fear in one of these other communities but we generally keep to ourselves so hopefully won't get caught up in things. Here in an apartment like living, it's just polite waves and small talk in the elevator or a little more around the community grill area. But around pools and gyms would be a different story. It's kinda why we don't want to leave right now. It works for us.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

HOA can be good or bad depending on local laws and implementation.

They are absolutely needed in locations where zoning laws are weak or non-existent. Nothing like having a million dollar home across the street from a duplex with couches and broken down cars in the front yard.

If they're to police a 55+ community just because they think they know what looks best for everyone's yard you better know what you're signing up for.

A big part is probably that the buildings are only 3 and 5 years old, so the HOA is relatively new. There has already been a bit of turnover, 3 different Presidents in that time. It's more like just a bunch of people trying to keep things going instead of anyone taking things too seriously. I'd imagine long established HOA's might have some people on power trips, which would suck.

I read someplace that moving into this type of community can be like going back to high school, and that was meant in a bad way. Cliques, hall monitors, class president types, etc.

Not worried about it personally because I will not get caught up in that sort of thing, but I'm looking forward to seeing if there's any truth to that. It does actually make sense.

Apparently other things are like High School as well. My parents' community is nicknamed Sin City and apparently STDs are common.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

HOA can be good or bad depending on local laws and implementation.

They are absolutely needed in locations where zoning laws are weak or non-existent. Nothing like having a million dollar home across the street from a duplex with couches and broken down cars in the front yard.

If they're to police a 55+ community just because they think they know what looks best for everyone's yard you better know what you're signing up for.

A big part is probably that the buildings are only 3 and 5 years old, so the HOA is relatively new. There has already been a bit of turnover, 3 different Presidents in that time. It's more like just a bunch of people trying to keep things going instead of anyone taking things too seriously. I'd imagine long established HOA's might have some people on power trips, which would suck.

I read someplace that moving into this type of community can be like going back to high school, and that was meant in a bad way. Cliques, hall monitors, class president types, etc.

Not worried about it personally because I will not get caught up in that sort of thing, but I'm looking forward to seeing if there's any truth to that. It does actually make sense.

Apparently other things are like High School as well. My parents' community is nicknamed Sin City and apparently STDs are common.

Well, that's about enough internet for me for today. See you guys tomorrow!

 

[matttyl]

Interesting chart on the working population vs. age. Blows me away almost 20% of working age adults don't work.

https://abnormalreturns.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Exit_0924.png

Really? Why?

Because everyone I know works their *** off to live. There is no way we have 1 of 5 living lives of leisure in this country.

Couldn’t some of them be stay at home moms? Or lazy people living in poverty (like my cousins)?

Yeah that was my first thought, a big chunk of that 20% is likely made up of stay-at-home parents. While I definitely know some moms (and one dad) that live "lives of leisure", most are busy running the household.

Add an average unemployment rate (people seeking work at any given time) of about 5.7%, and I'm almost surprised the number of adults not working is that low.

Not sure where disabilities falls into this category - close to 40% of my cousins or their spouses are on some type of physical/medical/pyschiatric long term disability.

Exactly, 14% of the population has some sort of disability (and it skews older), which takes up a chunk of that 20%. As do stay at home parents, the actual unemployed…and would rather older college students apply as well? Would a just graduated but not yet working 22 year old college grad be included?

 

[Steve Tasker]

I've mentioned this before I think, but my wife really likes the idea of moving into a 55+ community. TBH, that is not really what I had in mind, but the general idea is growing on me -- I'll need to make friends somehow, and it seems like it would be easier to do so in a planned community like that.

One adjustment that I'll have to make is learning how to deal with an HOA, which I've never had to worry about before. But really, I don't see what the big deal is. I have never put up Christmas or Halloween decorations ever. Not a single time. I don't put up yard signs. I know you guys are probably surprised to hear this, but the Karamazov household does not have one of those "In This House We Believe" signs out front. My wife and I are both judgey about people who don't park their cars in their garage. We don't want to paint our house a weird color. We don't want to keep chickens or anything.

Come to think of it, I think I'll fit right in with the typical HOA.

My parents are in Sun City, outside of Phoenix (I think Peoria/Glendale technically, you can see the Cardinals stadium from their backyard), and they love it. They're doing activities all day and they've made a ton of friends despite not really knowing anyone when they made the move 5 years ago.

My dad does hate the HOA though. He had to take down a shed that he build in his backyard because it wasn't up to HOA code, whatever that means.

Mine are in a Sun City place here outside Charlotte (technically in South Carolina). They love it. We asked them to do dinner this Sunday and they declined because they have their bocce league that night. Words I never expected them to say.

A friend of mine from work lives in that same Sun City in South Carolina, and plays in the bocce league. Small world.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Interesting chart on the working population vs. age. Blows me away almost 20% of working age adults don't work.

https://abnormalreturns.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Exit_0924.png

Really? Why?

Because everyone I know works their *** off to live. There is no way we have 1 of 5 living lives of leisure in this country.

Couldn’t some of them be stay at home moms? Or lazy people living in poverty (like my cousins)?

Yeah that was my first thought, a big chunk of that 20% is likely made up of stay-at-home parents. While I definitely know some moms (and one dad) that live "lives of leisure", most are busy running the household.

Add an average unemployment rate (people seeking work at any given time) of about 5.7%, and I'm almost surprised the number of adults not working is that low.

Not sure where disabilities falls into this category - close to 40% of my cousins or their spouses are on some type of physical/medical/pyschiatric long term disability.

Exactly, 14% of the population has some sort of disability (and it skews older), which takes up a chunk of that 20%. As do stay at home parents, the actual unemployed…and would rather older college students apply as well? Would a just graduated but not yet working 22 year old college grad be included?

14%?!?!? Wow. I wonder how many of those are real disabilities vs people just gaming the system to freeload (like my deadbeat cousins in Wisconsin, for example)

 

[Steve Tasker]

I’ve gotta visit one of these places and check it out. Gut instinct is that it’s just a poor fit for me, but my wife would love it. She has this philosophy of “I can learn something from each person, and my job is to be inquisitive and find out what that is.” In contrast, I enjoy interacting with approximately 1-2% of the population consistently.

I mean it's really just kinda like a standard suburb, with more community amenities. My mom does dance classes, volunteers at the local museum, stuff like that. My dad still works 4 days a week, but fills his free time with woodworking and pickleball. There's all sorts of community centers, gym, pool, events all day every day. If you like golf (my parents don't), there's something like 6 golf courses in Sun City - some are public, some are private. They've got a giant friend group out there, all people they've met in the past 5 years, it's actually quite impressive. They've even met some people from Buffalo, and they get together to watch Bills games every weekend.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

I’ve gotta visit one of these places and check it out. Gut instinct is that it’s just a poor fit for me, but my wife would love it. She has this philosophy of “I can learn something from each person, and my job is to be inquisitive and find out what that is.” In contrast, I enjoy interacting with approximately 1-2% of the population consistently.

I mean it's really just kinda like a standard suburb, with more community amenities. My mom does dance classes, volunteers at the local museum, stuff like that. My dad still works 4 days a week, but fills his free time with woodworking and pickleball. There's all sorts of community centers, gym, pool, events all day every day. If you like golf (my parents don't), there's something like 6 golf courses in Sun City - some are public, some are private. They've got a giant friend group out there, all people they've met in the past 5 years, it's actually quite impressive. They've even met some people from Buffalo, and they get together to watch Bills games every weekend.

Nice. Cool that your parents have found a place that works. If I could find a place only populated with people from Wisconsin, that would be a big positive.

 

[matttyl]

Interesting chart on the working population vs. age. Blows me away almost 20% of working age adults don't work.

https://abnormalreturns.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Exit_0924.png

Really? Why?

Because everyone I know works their *** off to live. There is no way we have 1 of 5 living lives of leisure in this country.

Couldn’t some of them be stay at home moms? Or lazy people living in poverty (like my cousins)?

Yeah that was my first thought, a big chunk of that 20% is likely made up of stay-at-home parents. While I definitely know some moms (and one dad) that live "lives of leisure", most are busy running the household.

Add an average unemployment rate (people seeking work at any given time) of about 5.7%, and I'm almost surprised the number of adults not working is that low.

Not sure where disabilities falls into this category - close to 40% of my cousins or their spouses are on some type of physical/medical/pyschiatric long term disability.

Exactly, 14% of the population has some sort of disability (and it skews older), which takes up a chunk of that 20%. As do stay at home parents, the actual unemployed…and would rather older college students apply as well? Would a just graduated but not yet working 22 year old college grad be included?

14%?!?!? Wow. I wonder how many of those are real disabilities vs people just gaming the system to freeload (like my deadbeat cousins in Wisconsin, for example)

There are obviously different levels of disability. Not all preclude someone from working. My wife works in HR for a large company, and quite a few of their employees are “disabled.”

 

[nirad3]

At this point there's absolutely no way I'd live in one of those Sun City communities. Maybe my stance will change as I age but I'd rather just live in a smaller house close to a small town's downtown area. I don't need people policing me and all the "rumors" and what not

Like... Del Boca Vista or whatever that was in Seinfeld?

 

[Peggy]

HOA can be good or bad depending on local laws and implementation.

They are absolutely needed in locations where zoning laws are weak or non-existent. Nothing like having a million dollar home across the street from a duplex with couches and broken down cars in the front yard.

If they're to police a 55+ community just because they think they know what looks best for everyone's yard you better know what you're signing up for.

A big part is probably that the buildings are only 3 and 5 years old, so the HOA is relatively new. There has already been a bit of turnover, 3 different Presidents in that time. It's more like just a bunch of people trying to keep things going instead of anyone taking things too seriously. I'd imagine long established HOA's might have some people on power trips, which would suck.

I read someplace that moving into this type of community can be like going back to high school, and that was meant in a bad way. Cliques, hall monitors, class president types, etc.

Not worried about it personally because I will not get caught up in that sort of thing, but I'm looking forward to seeing if there's any truth to that. It does actually make sense.

Well compared to the rude big city everyone we've met so far has been super friendly going out of their way to talk to you, get to know you and down right polite. Example:

Walgreens in big city, Do you have ice? No. Goes back to staring at phone.
Walgreens in the country, Do you have ice? No sir, I am so sorry. Some Walgreens have ice, but I'm sorry we do not. If you just go down the street the gas station on the left sells ice. Again, I'm so sorry.

The guy we hired to mow the front yard/pasture spent over and hour talking to us when he came to give us an estimate. On a Sunday morning which is prime mowing time before it gets hot, but, we just sat there chit chatting.

I'm hoping our few interactions so far are representative of what it's like as a whole.

 

[Gatorade]

HOA can be good or bad depending on local laws and implementation.

They are absolutely needed in locations where zoning laws are weak or non-existent. Nothing like having a million dollar home across the street from a duplex with couches and broken down cars in the front yard.

If they're to police a 55+ community just because they think they know what looks best for everyone's yard you better know what you're signing up for.

A big part is probably that the buildings are only 3 and 5 years old, so the HOA is relatively new. There has already been a bit of turnover, 3 different Presidents in that time. It's more like just a bunch of people trying to keep things going instead of anyone taking things too seriously. I'd imagine long established HOA's might have some people on power trips, which would suck.

I read someplace that moving into this type of community can be like going back to high school, and that was meant in a bad way. Cliques, hall monitors, class president types, etc.

Not worried about it personally because I will not get caught up in that sort of thing, but I'm looking forward to seeing if there's any truth to that. It does actually make sense.

Apparently other things are like High School as well. My parents' community is nicknamed Sin City and apparently STDs are common.

I heard this same thing about "The Villages" in Florida

 

[ConstruxBoy]

A friend of mine from work lives in that same Sun City in South Carolina, and plays in the bocce league. Small world.

Hmmm...I'm also a Bills fan who loves Steve Tasker and an Arsenal fan. Did we just become best friends?!?
Or is this an alias account that I've forgotten about and now has gone sentient?

 

[Gatorade]

At this point there's absolutely no way I'd live in one of those Sun City communities. Maybe my stance will change as I age but I'd rather just live in a smaller house close to a small town's downtown area. I don't need people policing me and all the "rumors" and what not

Like... Del Boca Vista or whatever that was in Seinfeld?

My wife flatly refused to even visit the Sun City near us on HHI. We do have several friends that live there, but she did not want such tight restrictions that their HOA enforces . Margaritaville is also close by and we have heard that is much more relaxed, but do not know anyone that lives there

 

[Peggy]

At this point there's absolutely no way I'd live in one of those Sun City communities. Maybe my stance will change as I age but I'd rather just live in a smaller house close to a small town's downtown area. I don't need people policing me and all the "rumors" and what not

Like... Del Boca Vista or whatever that was in Seinfeld?

My wife flatly refused to even visit the Sun City near us on HHI. We do have several friends that live there, but she did not want such tight restrictions that their HOA enforces . Margaritaville is also close by and we have heard that is much more relaxed, but do not know anyone that lives there

I don't get it. It's like joining a country club, but everyone lives there and there isn't a golf course.

 

[-OZ-]

I don't get it. It's like joining a country club, but everyone lives there and there isn't a golf course

But is there a pool and jacuzzi?

 

[Sand]

Exactly, 14% of the population has some sort of disability (and it skews older), which takes up a chunk of that 20%. As do stay at home parents, the actual unemployed…and would rather older college students apply as well? Would a just graduated but not yet working 22 year old college grad be included?

If you look at the graph the level of non-working folks inside that band are pretty constant. If that was dominated by disability you'd expect to see that trend in there, but you don't.

Add an average unemployment rate (people seeking work at any given time) of about 5.7%, and I'm almost surprised the number of adults not working is that low.

Yeah, U3 is a totally massaged statistic and nowhere near reality. U6 is much closer to reality and is 1.5-2x the U3 rate. Right now we're at 8% or so.