Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Pensions and Retirement

For many of us retirement finances are very much related to our current or expected pension, and in these economically troubled times you'd be well advised to make sure you understand not only what you *probably* have coming to you in terms of a pension but what your rights are in the case that things don't turn out as planned.

Here, from the US Department of Labor, are some guidelines and definitions about Pensions and retirement:

Retirement Plans, Benefits & Savings

Types of Retirement Plans

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) covers two types of pension plans: defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans.

A defined benefit plan promises a specified monthly benefit at retirement. The plan may state this promised benefit as an exact dollar amount, such as $100 per month at retirement. Or, more commonly, it may calculate a benefit through a plan formula that considers such factors as salary and service — for example, 1 percent of average salary for the last 5 years of employment for every year of service with an employer. The benefits in most traditional defined benefit plans are protected, within certain limitations, by federal insurance provided through the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC).

A defined contribution plan, on the other hand, does not promise a specific amount of benefits at retirement. In these plans, the employee or the employer (or both) contribute to the employee's individual account under the plan, sometimes at a set rate, such as 5 percent of earnings annually. These contributions generally are invested on the employee's behalf. The employee will ultimately receive the balance in their account, which is based on contributions plus or minus investment gains or losses. The value of the account will fluctuate due to the changes in the value of the investments. Examples of defined contribution plans include 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, employee stock ownership plans, and profit-sharing plans.

A Simplified Employee Pension Plan (SEP) is a relatively uncomplicated retirement savings vehicles. A SEP allows employees to make contributions on a tax-favored basis to individual retirement accounts (IRAs) owned by the employees. SEPs are subject to minimal reporting and disclosure requirements. Under a SEP, an employee must set up an IRA to accept the employer's contributions. Employers may no longer set up Salary Reduction SEPs. However, employers are permitted to establish SIMPLE IRA plans with salary reduction contributions. If an employer had a salary reduction SEP, the employer may continue to allow salary reduction contributions to the plan.

A Profit Sharing Plan or Stock Bonus Plan is a defined contribution plan under which the plan may provide, or the employer may determine, annually, how much will be contributed to the plan (out of profits or otherwise). The plan contains a formula for allocating to each participant a portion of each annual contribution. A profit sharing plan or stock bonus plan include a 401(k) plan.

A 401(k) Plan is a defined contribution plan that is a cash or deferred arrangement. Employees can elect to defer receiving a portion of their salary which is instead contributed on their behalf, before taxes, to the 401(k) plan. Sometimes the employer may match these contributions. There are special rules governing the operation of a 401(k) plan. For example, there is a dollar limit on the amount an employee may elect to defer each year. An employer must advise employees of any limits that may apply. Employees who participate in 401(k) plans assume responsibility for their retirement income by contributing part of their salary and, in many instances, by directing their own investments.

An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a form of defined contribution plan in which the investments are primarily in employer stock.

A Money Purchase Pension Plan is a plan that requires fixed annual contributions from the employer to the employee's individual account. Because a money purchase pension plan requires these regular contributions, the plan is subject to certain funding and other rules.

A Cash Balance Plan is a defined benefit plan that defines the benefit in terms that are more characteristic of a defined contribution plan. In other words, a cash balance plan defines the promised benefit in terms of a stated account balance. In a typical cash balance plan, a participant's account is credited each year with a "pay credit" (such as 5 percent of compensation from his or her employer) and an "interest credit" (either a fixed rate or a variable rate that is linked to an index such as the one-year treasury bill rate). Increases and decreases in the value of the plan's investments do not directly affect the benefit amounts promised to participants. Thus, the investment risks and rewards on plan assets are borne solely by the employer. When a participant becomes entitled to receive benefits under a cash balance plan, the benefits that are received are defined in terms of an account balance. The benefits in most cash balance plans, as in most traditional defined benefit plans, are protected, within certain limitations, by federal insurance provided through the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC).

Department of Labor Web Pages on the "Retirement Pension" Topic

Consumer Information on Pension Plans
Publications and other materials providing information about your rights as pension plan participants under federal pension law.

Compliance Assistance
Provides publications and other materials designed to assist employers and employee benefit plan practitioners in understanding and complying with the requirements of ERISA as it applies to the administration of employee pension and health benefit plans.

A Look at 401(k) Fees for Employers
Provides information to help you ask the right questions to better understand and evaluate the fees and expenses related to your plan.

Understanding Retirement Plan Fees And Expenses
Provides information about plan fees, including ten questions to help you gather information about your 401(k) plan.

401(k) Plan Fees Disclosure Tool (PDF)
Provides employers with a way to get uniform information on fees from prospective plan service providers to make apples to apples comparisons of prospective plan service providers.

Cash Balance Plans: Questions and Answers
Provides answers to commonly asked questions about cash balance plans.

Pension and Health Care Coverage: Questions and Answers for Dislocated Workers
Provides answers to commonly asked questions from dislocated workers about their pension and health plan benefits.

QDROs: The Division of Pensions through Qualified Domestic Relations Orders
QDROs are domestic relations orders that recognize the existence of an alternate payee's right to receive benefits payable to a participant under a pension plan. This fact sheet provides questions and answers on QDROs.

ERISA Filing Acceptance System (EFAST)
The EFAST system streamlines filing and processing of the annual return/report forms through the use of computer scannable forms and electronic filing technologies. This Web site provides assistance on using this system.

Simplified Employee Pensions: What Small Businesses Need to Know
Describes an easy, low-cost retirement plan option for employers.

Easy Retirement Solutions for Small Businesses
Provides information about retirement plan options for small businesses.

Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees of Small Businesses
Provides information about the basic features and requirements of SIMPLE plans that involve individual retirement accounts or annuities (SIMPLE IRAs).

What You Should Know About Your Pension Rights
Provides information to help answer many of the most common questions about pension plans.

Your Employer's Bankruptcy: How Will it Affect Your Employee Benefit?
Provides information on bankruptcy’s effect on pension plans and group health plans.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Retire USA full site launching .... soon.

Here at Retire USA we are hoping to launch our full website soon. The site will eventually have over 7500 listings featuring Retirement Communities all over the country as well as Real Estate, Financial and Health services information for most of the major communities in the USA.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Senior Discount? You might save more....

Senior Discounts are a great feature for many retirees,, but as this USA Today report notes you may get even better discounts elsewhere.

In the meantime remember that the age to join AARP is only 50 and can give you some discounts, your spouse can be an AARP members even if they are under 50.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Best Places to Retire Version XXIV

US News and World Report has profiles of 1000 places for retirement, and lists the following "Best Places to Retire" in a feature from 2007:

• Bozeman, Mont.
• Concord, N.H.
• Fayetteville, Ark.
• Hillsboro, Ore.
• Lawrence, Kan.
• Peachtree City, Ga.
• Prescott, Ariz.
• San Francisco, Calif.
• Smyrna, Tenn.
• Venice, Fla.

Of course you need to use great caution when interpreting these "best lists" because your personal retirement priorities are likely to differ from those of the magazine editor, but lists ofter a good "starting point" from which you can jump off to more information about areas and cities.

Retirement in Bridgeville, Delaware

Bridgeville is located in Sussex County in the southwestern part of Delaware. It is located on U.S. 13 approximately 30 miles south of Dover, the capital of Delaware. Bridgeville is one of the oldest surviving communities in western Sussex County. Bridgeville is a pleasant agricultural-oriented community known for fine homes and broad tree-lined streets. In my research on this great little town, I enjoyed looking at all the beautiful photos of this charming spot in Delaware.

Population: According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the town is 1,578.

Housing Costs: Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $132,800 (it was $79,900 in 2000)

Health Care:
Hospitals/medical centers near Bridgeville:
NANTICOKE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL INC (about 7 miles; SEAFORD, DE)
DEER'S HEAD CENTER (about 25 miles; SALISBURY, MD)
HEALTHSOUTH CHESAPEAKE REHAB HOSPITAL (about 25 miles; SALISBURY, MD)

Transportation:
Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Bridgeville:
DOVER AFB (about 28 miles; DOVER, DE; ID: DOV)
SALISBURY-OCEAN CITY WICOMICO REGIONAL (about 29 miles; SALISBURY, MD; ID: SBY)
NEW CASTLE COUNTY (about 64 miles; WILMINGTON, DE; ID: ILG

Colleges and Universities:
Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Bridgeville:
DELAWARE TECHNICAL AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE-OWENS (about 20 miles; GEORGETOWN, DE)
SALISBURY STATE UNIVERSITY (about 25 miles; SALISBURY, MD)
DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY (about 30 miles; Dover, DE)
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND-EASTERN SHORE (about 39 miles; PRINCESS ANNE, MD)
UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE (about 57 miles; NEWARK, DE)
WILMINGTON COLLEGE (about 59 miles; NEW CASTLE, DE)
DELAWARE TECHNICAL & COMM COLL-STANTON-WILMINGTON (about 62 miles; NEWARK, DE)

Retirement Communities: Heritage Shores 23 White Pelican Court Bridgeville, Delaware 19933 Telephone (302) 337-1040 Toll Free (866) 684-3348 heritageshores@brookwash.com

Delaware has a unique tax structure. It may be an consideration when choosing that retirement spot! Delaware Tax Structure: Delaware is a uniquely affordable place to live with no state, personal property or inventory taxes, very low local real property taxes, and no state or local general sales taxes.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Retirement in Dover, Delaware

The city of Dover website says it best "Dover offers an ideal location along with a quality of life second to none. Conveniently located halfway between Washington and New York, Dover is within a few hours of one third of our nation's population, yet without the hassles and problems of large cities. Living in Dover, you will experience a vibrant downtown, a very attractive historical district and well established neighborhoods as well as brand new subdivisions.You will feel connected to your community, be able to enjoy its natural beauty as well as attend arts & entertainment activities. The Schwartz Center for the Arts and Dover Downs brings in national acts on a regular basis. Dover was chosen as one of the 10 Best Small Cities by Employment Review Magazine based on employment rates, cost of living and overall quality of life."

The City of Dover is located in Central Delaware in Kent County and is the capital of Delaware .It is located on the St. Jones River in the Delaware River coastal plain.

Population: As of the censusof 2000, there were 32,135 people.

Universities and Colleges: Dover is home to Delaware State University (a land-grant university and Delaware's only historically black university), and Wesley College. It is also home to the Terry Campus of the Delaware Technical & Community College and that college's administrative offices. Dover also has satellite locations of the University of Delaware and Wilmington University.

Things to See and Do: The former Dover Opera House, , was recently renovated and converted to the Schwartz Center for the Arts, which hosts performances by the Dover Symphony Orchestra, ballet, and classic films.
The Delaware State Library, Delaware State Museum, and the Delaware State Archives are located in downtown Dover and are open to the public for research and browsing.
In Dover's historical district is the Sewell C. Biggs Museum of American Art, featuring collections from the Colonial days to the present. Dover may not be a huge city, but it seems it has big city culture!

Housing Costs: Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $156,000 (it was $111,300 in 2000) I read that Dover was one of the fastest growing cities in Delaware because of the relatively low cost of living.

Retirement Communities: Heritage at Dover, www.genesishcc.com Westminster Village, www.wmvdover.org

Monday, May 19, 2008

Retire to New Castle, Delaware

As the first capitol of the first state, founded in 1651 by the Dutch, New Castle with its unique cobblestone streets is recognized as a crown jewel. Unlike many historic communities, New Castle is a residential town where people live and work. Each house reflects the individuality of its past and present owners. New Castle has been named a National Historic Landmark..
This small, picturesque village allows vacationers, as well as business travelers, a refreshing respite from the pressures of daily life. Whether you enjoy the beaches, the Brandywine Valley, or other treasures of Delaware, be sure to include New Castle in your search for the perfect place to retire.

Population:As of the census of 2000, there were 4,862 people, 2,012 households, and 1,339 families residing in the city.

Housing Costs: Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $197,500 (it was $123,000 in 2000)

Nearest Large Cities: Nearest city with pop. 50,000+: Wilmington, DE (5.9 miles , pop. 72,664).
Nearest city with pop. 200,000+: Philadelphia, PA (37.0 miles , pop. 1,517,550).


Hospitals/medical centers in New Castle:
DELAWARE PSYCHIATRIC CENTER (1901 N DUPONT HIGHWAY)
MEADOWWOOD BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SYSTEM (575 SOUTH DUPONT HIGHWAY

Transportation:
Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to New Castle:
NEW CASTLE COUNTY (about 3 miles; WILMINGTON, DE; )
PHILADELPHIA INTN (about 27 miles; PHILADELPHIA, PA; )
DOVER AFB (about 39 miles; DOVER, DE;)

Amtrak stations near New Castle:
6 miles: WILMINGTON (M. L. KING BLVD, & FRENCH ST.). Services: ticket office, partially wheelchair accessible, enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, snack bar, ATM, paid short-term parking, paid long-term parking, car rental agency, taxi stand, intercity bus service, public transit connection.
14 miles: NEWARK (429 S. COLLEGE AVE.). Services: public payphones, free short-term parking, call for car rental service, call for taxi service, public transit connection

Universities and Colleges: College/University in New Castle:
WILMINGTON COLLEGE (Full-time enrollment: 3,087; Location: 320 DUPONT HWY; Private, not-for-profit; Website: www.wilmcoll.edu; Offers Doctor's degree

The great thing about New Castle is that it's all real, not a colonial Disney creation. It is where you'll find great examples of colonial, Dutch and Federal architecture. As I read about this interesting town, I have realized that its history is one of the main attractions. I have noted that there are many museums, tours to historical sites, and a great deal of small town charm.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Retirement in Wilmington, Delaware

Wilmington is the largest city in the state of Delaware. It is the county seat of New Castle County and one of the major cities in the Delaware Valley metropolitan area. Beginning in the 1990s, the city launched a campaign to revitalize the former shipyard area known as the Wilmington Riverfront. Development continues as the Wilmington Riverfront tries to establish its cultural, economical, and residential importance. Recent high-rise luxury apartment buildings along the Christina River have been cited as evidence of the Riverfront's continued revival.

Population: the population of the city is 72,876 (as of the 2006 census)

Transportation: Wilmington is served by the Wilmington Rail Station, with frequent service between Boston, Massachusetts, and Washington, DC, via Amtrak's Northeast Corridor, with additional local service to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania via SEPTA Regional (commuter) Rail. The closest major airport is Philadelphia International Airport. A few miles south of Wilmington is New Castle County Airport.

Universities and Colleges: Universities and Colleges
Delaware College of Art and Design
Delaware Technical & Community College
Drexel University - Wilmington Campus
Springfield College - Wilmington Campus
University of Delaware - Wilmington Campus & Downtown Building
Widener University - Wilmington Campus, Widener University School of Law & University College
Wilmington University
Delaware State University - Wilmington Campus
Goldey-Beacom College

Health Care: Christiana Care Health System
13 Reads Way, Ste. 203, New Castle, 19720 (Click for Map)
Website: http://christianacare.org/
Phone: 302-733-1000
Christiana Care is recognized as a regional center for excellence in cardiology, cancer and women's health services, as well as Level-I trauma care and Level-III neonatal intensive care (both highest intensity). Christiana Care operates two hospitals: long-term and transitional care services and outpatient and home health services. Christiana Care provided $25.2 million of charity care last year.

Housing Costs: Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $141,600 (it was $89,100 in 2000)
Median gross rent in 2005: $736.Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2005: 23.8%

Weather: The climate in the Greater Wilmington area is moderate. The average temperature in the summer is 76 F (24 C) and 33 F (1 C) in winter. Snowfall is moderate and is most likely to occur in January-February-March. Our annual rainfall is approximately 45 inches

Retirement Communities: Sunrise of Wilmington - www.sunriseseniorliving.com , Ingleside Retirement Apartments - www.inglesidehomes.org

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

The Regions Of Delaware

Delaware is divided into three counties, creating three regions.
In the Northern Region of Delaware (New Castle County) there are du Pont properties maintained as a triumph of both natural and architectural splendor. Dine in elegant surroundings, and then immerse yourself in the Wilmington nightlife.

Central Delaware (Kent County) boasts the capital city of Dover. Horse racing and headlining entertainment at the ever-popular Dover Downs complex lies a quiet, peaceful land with many sites instrumental to the founding of a new nation. This is where you learn firsthand why "It's good being first."

Then there's Southern Delaware (Sussex County), which draws visitors through small, pastoral towns toward sand, and surf . Throughout the year, you can look forward to a relaxing escape filled with sight-seeing, golf, trips to the spa and plenty of bargain-hunting at tax-free outlet stores and antiques shops. Sounds like a retiree's heaven to me!

Retirement in Delaware

Delaware is a state located on the Atlantic Coast in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.
Delaware is famous for their tax-free shopping and world-class entertainment options, but you'll also find romantic hideaways, scenic byways and fun places for the whole family to enjoy.
Or maybe you just want to slip back into America's proud past: Walk the cobblestone streets of New Castle… visit the square in Dover where Delawareans rallied around the U.S. Constitution… enjoy festivals celebrating diverse ethnic groups.
From north to south, enchanting landscapes also promise seasons of exceptional bird watching, fishing, hunting and camping, along with an extensive trail system for biking, hiking and canoeing. Delaware's history spans from pre-Colonial days to the present. The First State offers hundreds of exciting and stimulating attractions. Enjoy museums and monuments that honor all aspects of our rich heritage.
The following website has provided some of this information, www.visitdelaware.com As I researched Delaware, I realized what a great place it is for American history buffs to retire. You would have a never ending source of material to peruse.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

CNN Asks: Can You Retire by 55?

Early retirement - usually with a target age of 50 or 55 - is considered something of a holy grail by Americans. Although some folks are so happy with work they'll keep on plugging away to 65, 70, or beyond, most prefer the flexibility and opportunities that come from casting off the chains of employment obligations in favor of travel and a leisure or volunteer lifestyle where they can pursue what they want to do on their own terms.

CNN helps you decide if you are or will be ready for early retirement here with some case studies and a retirement calculator.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

The Regions of Alabama

Alabama is comprised of coastal plains at the Gulf of Mexico turning to hills and broken terrain in the north. Five major land areas make up the Alabama landscape with more than two thirds of the state covered by the East Gulf Coastal Plain. You may view a generalized map of these regions or a detailed map that includes more specifics and the Black Belt Prairie.

Central Alabama- Central Alabama includes the area surrounding Montgomery, Auburn and Tuscaloosa. The Tuskegee National Forest, a portion of the Talladega National Forest, numerous State Parks and several large lakes can be found in this area.Gulf Coast Region- The Gulf Coast Region encompasses the southernmost portion of the state, in southwest Alabama. Mobile is the largest city in this region. The Gulf Coast offers white sand beaches, lakes, coves, and bayous.North Alabama- North Alabama includes the northern third of the state, from Birmingham, north. This region offers waterfalls, fish-filled rivers and lakes, rapids suited for rafting and caves to explore.Southeast Alabama- Southeast Alabama includes the area around Dothan, Eufaula, Troy and Andalusia. The region is home to the Conecuh National Forest and several State Parks

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Retire to Alabama

The State of Alabama is located in the southern region of the United States of America. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland waterways. The state ranks 23rd in population with almost 4.6 million residents in 2006. Alabama is unofficially nicknamed the Yellowhammer State, which is also the name of the state bird. Alabama is also known as the "Heart of Dixie". The state tree is the Longleaf Pine, the state flower is the Camellia. The capital of Alabama is Montgomery, and the largest city is Birmingham.

The fact that the cost of living, including home prices and taxes, are below the national average only adds to the state's attractiveness as a great place to retire. But perhaps nothing has spurred interest in Alabama as a retirement destination as much as the development of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, a system of more than twenty challenging courses spread out across the state at ten ecologically diverse locations. Combine over 50,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness in the rugged foothills of the Appalachian Mountains…miles of snow-white beaches and the pleasant sea breezes of the Gulf Coast... an almost total absence of urban congestion …and a unique and affordable collection of public golf courses… and you have a formula that makes the state of Alabama an extremely inviting place for thousands of retirees.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Elder care websites

CNN has listed some good resources for you to find services and communities for ailing parents with special needs:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/family/03/20/ep.family.care/index.html

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Bridgeport Connecticut Retirement

Bridgeport, in the Coastal Fairfield region of Connecticut. The mayor himself welcomes you to Bridgeport with this note:

Bridgeport is a thriving multicultural city located right on the water of Long Island Sound in the southern part of Connecticut. Our great location and proximity to other cities such as New York and Boston make Bridgeport a wonderful city to live, work, and visit.

Home of American icons such as PT Barnum and Tom Thumb, Bridgeport’s rich history of providing the rest of the United States with needed manufactured goods during the early- to mid-20th Century earned it the name “Arsenal of Democracy” during World War II.

Bridgeport is also often referred to as the "Park City" because it possesses such beautifully designed public parks. Our Seaside Park and Beardsley Park were both created by Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect who famously designed Central Park.

Retirement Communities:

Bridgeport Rescue Mission Inc www.bridgeportrescuemission.org
Park City Residential Care Home (203) 362-1000
Isaiah Inc (203) 549-0018
Ludlow Health Center www.ludlowecenterhealth.com - (203) 372-4501
Barnum House (203) 384-0243
Hall Commons Inc (203) 338-0615
Seymour Hollander Housing www.hollanderhouse.org

Population: 138,000

Weather: www.wunderground.com/US/CT/Bridgeport.html

Housing Costs: The Median home price in Bridgeport is 229,000 and housing prices appear fairly stable over the past year.
www.Zillow.com has more detail for home prices in Colorado

Connecticut Taxes

Transportation: www.gbtabus.com

Universities and Colleges:
St Vincent's College www.stvincentscollege.edu
University of Bridgeport www.bridgeport.edu
Sacred Heart University www.sacredheart.edu
State of Connecticut: Bridgeport www.hcc.commnet.edu
Bridgeport Hospital School-Nursing www.bridgeporthospital.org

Health care:
Bridgeport Hospital www.bridgeporthospital.org (203) 384-3000
St Vincent's Medical Center www.stvincents.org (203) 576-6000
HealthSouth Surgery Center of Bridgeport LLC www.healthsouth.com

Travel and tourism: www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com
Attractions list for Coastal Fairfield County

Pueblo Colorado Retirement

Pueblo Colorado is in the southeast region of Colorado. The Pueblo Official City website: www.pueblo.us

For some Pueblo perspectives check out City Data's forum on Pueblo.


Retirement Communities:

Pueblo Regent Retirement (719) 566-0111
Sharmar Village Care Center www.chateauatsharmar.com - (719) 544-1173
Villa Pueblo Senior Living (719) 545-5911
Belmont Senior Care www.belmontseniorcare.com

Population: 104,000

Weather: www.crh.noaa.gov/pub/

Cost of Living: Low to moderate due to declining home prices.

Housing Costs: The Median home price in Pueblo dropped precipitously this year to 131,000.
www.Zillow.com has more detail for home prices in Colorado

Colorado Taxes: www.revenue.state.co.us

Transportation: Pueblo Transit

Universities and Colleges:

Colorado State University-Pueblo www.colostate-pueblo.edu
Pueblo Community College www.pueblocc.edu
Red Rocks Community College www.rrcc.edu
Colorado Technical University - Pueblo www.pueblo.coloradotech.edu

Health care:
Parkview Medical Center www.parkviewmc.org
Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo www.cdhs.state.co.us
St Mary-Corwin Diabetes Center www.stmarycorwin.org

Travel and tourism:
www.destinationpueblo.com is the Chamber of Commerce's tourism website.

Friday, March 14, 2008

Sterling, Colorado Retirement

Sterling, Colorado is in Northeast Colorado. The City website notes about Sterling:

Known as the Queen City of the Plains, Sterling is located in Logan County in the Northeastern corner of Colorado on Interstate 76. Having the largest population, estimated at approximately 13,900, of those communities in Colorado east of Pueblo, Sterling is the regional shopping hub for Northeast Colorado and Southwest Nebraska.

Retirement Communities:

Sterling does not appear to have many organized retirement communities. Please let us know if you know of some!

Population: 13,000

Housing Costs:
http://www.zillow.com/ has more detail for home prices in Colorado

Colorado Taxes: http://www.revenue.state.co.us/

Health care:
Sterling Regional Medcenter http://www.bannerhealth.com/
615 Fairhurst Street, Sterling - (970) 522-0122

Travel and tourism: http://www.sterlingcolo.com/ http://www.logancountychamber.com/

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Fort Collins Colorado Retirement

Fort Collins lies in Colorado's Front Range Region. Money Magazine ranked Fort Collins this the *best* place to live in the USA in 2006, though it did not make the top ten in 2007.

Retirement Communities in Fort Collins:

Worthington www.columbinehealth.com
Collinwood Assisted Living www.bethesdaadultcommunities.com
New Mercer Commons www.columbinehealth.com
Good Samaritan Society Fort Collins Village www.good-sam.com
Brookdale-Sterling House of ft Collins www.brookdaleliving.com

Population: 128,000 (2006)

Weather: Annual precipitation 16 inches.
Clear days 106
Snowfall 36 inches.
High temp in July 86°
Low temp in Jan 15°

Cost of Living:
Housing Costs:The Median home price is 212,000, making Fort Collins housing more affordable than many other popular retirement regions in the USA.

www.Zillow.com
has more detail for home prices in Colorado

Colorado Taxes: www.revenue.state.co.us

Transportation: www.fcgov.com/transfort is the official system of Fort Collins.

Universities and Colleges:

Institute-Business & Medical www.ibmcedu.com
Colorado State University www.colostate.edu
Collegeamerica www.collegeamerica.edu
Co State University www.colostate.edu
Colorado State University www.colostate.edu
Front Range Community College www.frontrange.edu

Health care:
Longmont United Hospital www.luhcares.org
Poudre Valley Hospital www.pvhs.org
Co State University Teaching Hospital www.colostate.edu
Poudre Valley Hospital: Poudre Valley Hospital-Poudre Valley www.pvhs.org

Travel and tourism:
www.ftcollins.com is the official website for Fort Collins travelers and tourists.

Denver CO Retirement

Denver is known as the "Mile High City" for it's high elevation near Colorado's spectacular Rocky Mountains. Denver is located in Colorado's "Denver" Travel region.

Retirement Communities in Denver (not a comprehensive listing):
Heritage Club of Denver www.elderlivingsource.com
Porter Place Retirement www.centuraseniors.org
Dayton Place Retirement Community www.daytonplace.com
Top Rock LLC www.meridians.com
Allied Jewish Apartments www.ajsh.org
Lakewood Estates Retirement (303) 239-0740
Argyle Park Square www.theargyle.org

Population: 555,000 people live in Denver.

Weather: Dry, sunny, moderate winters, warm summers. Rainfall average is 15 inches, snowfall 55 inches.

Cost of Living: Moderate

Housing Costs: Denver's Median home price is $240,000
www.Zillow.com has more detail for home prices in Colorado
http://www.housingtracker.net/old_housingtracker/location/Colorado/Denver/ also has good housing data for Denver

Colorado Taxes: www.revenue.state.co.us

Transportation: Denver Regional Transportation http://www.rtd-denver.com/

Universities and Colleges:

University of Denver www.du.edu
Johnson & Wales University www.jwu.edu
Art Institute of Colorado www.artinstitutes.edu
Colorado Christian University www.ccu.edu
Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design www.rmcad.edu
University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center www.tivoli.org
Westwood College www.westwood.edu

Health care:
Denver Health and Hospital Authority www.denverhealth.org
Healthone: Presbyterian-Saint Luke's Medical Center www.pslmc.com
Rose Medical Center www.rosebabies.com
Porter Adventist Hospital www.porterhospital.org
St Anthony Hospital www.stanthonyhosp.org
Centura Health Hospitals: Centura Home Care & Hospice www.centurahealthathome.org
National Jewish Medical and Research Center www.nationaljewish.org
Exempla St Joseph Hospital www.exempla.org
University of Colorado Hospital www.uch.edu

Travel and tourism: www.denver.org is Denver's official Visitor Bureau Website, and offers extensive information about this dynamic region. Check out the following categories at the site for more information:

Art Galleries and Antiques
Performing Arts
Casinos & Gaming
Rail Transportation
Children's Attractions
Seasonal Events
Colorado CVBs/Chambers of Commerce
Specialty Tours and Attractions
Denver Cultural Resources
Sports, Music and Event Venues
Denver Metro
Sports, Professional
Guided Tours
Winery/Brewery Tours
Museums
Zoo
Official Visitor Information Centers

Retire To Wilmington, Delaware

Wilmington is the largest city in the state of Delaware and is located at the confluence of the Christina River and Brandywine Creek, near where the Christina flows into the Delaware River. It is the county seat of New Castle County and one of the major cities in the Delaware Valley metropolitan area. The region is a choice place to live. We're the home of nationally known attractions and museums, such as Winterthur Museum & Country Estate; Longwood Gardens; Nemours Mansion & Gardens; Hagley Museum; the Delaware Art Museum; and the Brandywine River Museum. You can enjoy a weekend getaway in your own backyard!

Population: According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 72,876.

Transportation: Wilmington is served by the Wilmington Rail Station, with frequent service between Boston, Massachusetts, and Washington, DC. The closest major airport is Philadelphia International Airport. A few miles south of Wilmington is New Castle County Airport which will have commerical services via Skybus Airlines beginning March 7,2008 to Columbus, OH and Greensboro, NC.

Health Care: Christiana Care Health System
13 Reads Way, Ste. 203, New Castle, 19720 (Click for Map)
Website: http://christianacare.org
Phone: 302-733-1000

Weather: Current weather forecast for Wilmington, DE

Housing Costs: Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $141,600 (it was $89,100 in 2000) Median gross rent in 2005: $736

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

El Dorado-Monroe, Arkansas Retirement

El Dorado is the site for several annual events, including the Mayhaw Festival hosted by the South Arkansas Historical Foundation the first Saturday of each May (with a crawfish boil the same weekend), a Fantastic Fourth Celebration during July (including a 5k run, an antique car show, and fireworks), the SouthArk Outdoor Expo in September, the two-day MusicFest in October (with pop, rock, blues, and country performers, among other events), and various winter holiday events, including the largest Christmas parade in the state. The above mentioned Crawfish Boil has become so much more. It now hosts a "Battle of the Bands", a Bike show/one day motorcycle rally, a motorcycle parade, a Pool tournament, and much more. The official name of the event is "Bugs, Bands, and Bikes


Health Care: Medical Center of South Arkansas



Colleges and Universities:
South Arkansas Community College, Union County, AR
Southern Arkansas University, Columbia County, AR

El Dorado is a city in Union County, Arkansas, USA. According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 20,467. The city is the county seat of Union CountyGR6, and home to the headquarters of Murphy Oil Corporation, Deltic Timber Corporation, and Lion Oil Refinery. The city hosts a community college, South Arkansas Community College ("Southark"), as well as a symphony and an arts center.

Retire in Hot Springs, Arkansas



Looking for an Arkansas retirement community? One visit to Hot Springs and you'll see why Places to Retire and Modern Maturity magazines consistently rank it as one of the best places in America to retire. Hot Springs, Arkansas retirement communities combine great scenic beauty, friendly people and an affordable cost of living with amenities to fit every lifestyle. Eleven championship golf courses, three pristine blue fishing and boating lakes, a thriving fine arts and cultural experience and the finest health-care facilities you'll find anywhere in a community this size all combine to make Hot Springs a retiree's dream. Excellent schools, a cosmopolitan atmosphere, a thriving economy and big-city amenities make Hot Springs the obvious choice for retirement or relocation.

Weather: Hot Springs, Arkansas Climate
Hot Springs has four distinct seasons, all generally mild. Average rainfall is 54 inches a year with the heaviest rainfall usually in April and May. Average relative humidity is 75%.

Retirement Communities: Hot Springs Village Gated Retirement Living

Health Care:
St. Joseph’s Mercy Health Center
501-622-1000
300 Werner St. , Hot Springs , AR 71913
http://www.saintjosephs.com/

National Park Medical Center HealthPark
501-520-2000
1636 Higdon Ferry Rd. , Hot Springs , AR 71913
http://www.healthparkhospital.com/
501-321-1000
1010 Malvern Ave. , Hot Springs , AR 71901
http://www.nationalparkmedical.com/


Levi Hospital
501-624-1281
300 Prospect Ave. , Hot Springs , AR 71901
http://www.levihospital.com/


Hot Springs Rehabilitation Center
501-624-4411
105 Reserve St. , Hot Springs , AR
www.arsinfo.org/hsrehab.html

Colleges and Universities:
Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts
501-622-5100
200 Whittington Ave. , Hot Springs , AR 71901

Cost of Living: Hot Springs ended 2006 listed as one of ten least expensive places to live in the United States . Hot Springs had been ranked just outside the top ten at 12 overall for most of the year prior to ACCRA ’s latest release. The Index is a calculation of the cost of living for 311 urban areas across the United States . According to the report, Hot Springs also has the lowest cost of living index of all Arkansas metro areas.

Transportation: Transportation includes one commercial airline along with charter and rental services. Hot Springs Municipal Airport features instrument approaches: ILS, VOR, NDB, DME and with a runway 5-23 of 6,600 ft. x 150 ft. Convenient shuttle service is available to the Little Rock National Airport or by car the major airport is just an hour away.
By rail, Hot Springs has direct service to Amtrak passenger stations in Malvern and Little Rock using the Hot Springs Shuttle for shuttle service between Hot Springs and trainside. Malvern’s station is designated Malvern/Hot Springs National Park. Amtrak’s Texas Eagle superliner serves this station daily with service from Chicago to Dallas, San Antonio, and Los Angeles. 1-800-872-7245 http://www.amtrak.com/

Population: According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 37,847.

Housing Costs: Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $93,600 (it was $71,700 in 2000)





Little Rock, Arkansas Retirement

Little Rock is the capital and the most populous city of the State of Arkansas. It is also the county seat of Pulaski County. Located near the geographic center of Arkansas, Little Rock derives its name from a small rock formation on the south bank of the Arkansas River called La Petite Roche (the "little rock"). The "little rock" was used by early river traffic as a landmark and became a well-known river crossing.

Population: 184,422 in the 2006 census estimates.

Weather: Little Rock lies in the Humid subtropical climate zone, with hot, humid summers and cool to chilly winters.

Colleges and Universities: The city has two major universities that are part of the University of Arkansas System. The campuses of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences are located within Little Rock.

Health Care: Hospitals in Little Rock include:
Arkansas Children's Hospital
Arkansas Heart Hospital
Baptist Health Medical Center
John C. McCellan Veterans Administration Complex
Arkansas State Hospital - Psychiatric Division
Pinnacle Pointe Hospital
St. Vincent Health System
St. Vincent Infirmary Medical Center
St. Vincent Doctors Hospital
Southwest Regional Medical Center
University Hospital, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Transportation: Nine airlines serve 18 national/international gateway cities, e.g. St. Louis, Chicago, Dallas, Charlotte, etc. from Little Rock National Airport. Amtrak serves the city twice daily via the Texas Eagle.

Housing Costs: Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $119,900 (it was $89,300 in 2000)

Things To See and Do: Tour Little Rock's art galleries, historic sites, and museums. Take a ride on a beautifully restored 1950's era riverboat. Check out all the great places for family fun and events to see which local venues are featuring concerts, sporting events, the circus, the state fair, and much more.

Retirement Communities:Andover Place Retirement; Pleasant Hills; Hidden Creek Senior Apartments.

Retire To Harrisburg, Arkansas

Harrisburg, Arkansas is located in the center of Poinsett County situated on the western slopes of beautiful Crowley's Ridge. While being surrounded by forests we also have some of the best farmland in the State.
If you want to locate within Northeast Arkansas, our community is an area that offers friendly, small-town atmosphere and is close to major industrial cities like Jonesboro, AR and Memphis, TN.

Population: As of the census of 2000, there were 2,192 people.

Housing Costs: Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $47,300 (it was $43,000 in 2000)

Retirement Communities: Plantation Homes Retirement; Rosehaven Retirement Home.

Monday, March 10, 2008

Retire to Fort Smith, Arkansas

Welcome to Fort Smith, Arkansas -- future home of the U.S. Marshals Museum! Nestled in the heart of the Arkansas Ozark Mountains, this famous Old West Town is an exciting travel destination. Fort Smith, Arkansas, uniquely combines the history of the wild and wooly "Old West" with the gentle charm of the antebellum "Old South".

Population: Fort Smith is is the second-largest city in the state of Arkansas. With an estimated population of 83,461 in 2006.

Weather: Fort Smith enjoys a temperate climate with generally mild winters and hot, humid summers. Winter daytime highs average near 50 degrees while summer highs often top 90 degrees.

Transportation: Fort Smith is a major transportation hub for the surrounding region. It sits at the crossroads of two major interstate highways, is surrounded on three sides by the Arkansas River and is the home of a regional airport. Fort Smith is served by the Fort Smith Regional Airport.

Universities and Colleges: The city has one major university that is part of the University of Arkansas System. The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.

Things To See and Do: Fort Smith has a thriving arts community, with a number of venues to support performances. The Fort Smith Convention Center, constructed in 2001, brings national tours of many popular bands to downtown, and the Arkansas Best Corporation Performing Arts Center provides an excellent venue for orchestras and plays.
Old Fort Days Rodeo, Fort Smith's annual Old Fort Days Rodeo and Barrel-Racing Futurity offers nearly ten days of Wild West activities. It has been held every May since the mid-1930's and is now rated as one of the top all around rodeos in the country.
Fort Smith Riverfront Blues Fest, since it began in 1991, the Riverfront Blues Festival has become one of the biggest, hottest and jazziest annual June events in western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma, attracting jazz aficionados from a wide area of the blues-rich south, and "name" blues artists and performers from all over. The two-day event makes for a delightful music-filled weekend in Fort Smith, hearing blues, blues, blues on the banks of the Arkansas River.

Health Care: Hospitals in Fort Smith include:
St. Edward Mercy Medical Center
Sparks Regional Medical Center

Housing Costs: Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $94,600 (it was $74,200 in 2000)

Retirement Communities: Willow Brook Retirement Community;

Hope's Creek Retirement; Lexington Retirement Propeties

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Colorado Springs Retirement. Colorado, USA

Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs is near Pikes Peak in the South Central Region of Colorado.

Retirement Communities:
Cheyenne Place Retirement Center - http://www.cheyenneplace.com/ (719) 576-2122
Medalion Retirement Community (719) 381-1000
Winslow Court Retirement Community http://www.leisurecare.com/ (719) 597-1700
Brighton Gardens of Colorado Springs (719) 329-1774
Liberty Heights http://www.seniorlifestyle.com/ (719) 481-9494
Sunrise of Colorado Springs http://www.sunriseseniorliving.com/ (719) 635-6300
Viewpointe Retirement Community (719) 528-8000
Life Care Center of Colorado Springs http://www.lcca.com/ (719) 630-8888
Union Printers Home http://www.unionprinter.com/ (719) 634-3711


Population: 370,000 estimated for 2003


Housing Costs: The Median home price in Colorado Springs is:
http://www.zillow.com/ has more detail for home prices in Colorado


Colorado Taxes: http://www.revenue.state.co.us/


Transportation: http://www.springsgov.com/


Universities and Colleges:
Colorado College http://www.coloradocollege.edu/ (719) 389-6000
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs www.uccs.edu (719) 262-3000
Remington College - Colorado Springs Campus http://www.remingtoncollege.edu/ (719) 532-1234 more
Colorado Technical University http://www.ctucoloradosprings.com/ - (719) 598-0200
Everest College http://www.everest.edu/ (719) 638-6580
Nazarene Bible College http://www.nbc.edu/ (719) 884-5000
Pikes Peak Community College http://www.ppcc.edu/ (719) 576-7711

Health care:
Memorial Hospital http://www.memorialhealthsystem.com/
Penrose Community Hospital http://www.penrosestfrancis.org/
Memorial Hospital: Colorado Springs Children's Hospital http://www.memorialhealthsystem.com/
HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Colorado Springs http://www.healthsouth.com/
Memorial Hospital: Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center http://www.memorialhealthsystem.com/
Select Specialty Hospital http://www.selectmedicalcorp.com/
Penrose Cancer Center http://www.penrosecancercenter.org/

Travel and tourism: The Tourism website for Colorado Springs is http://www.experiencecoloradosprings.com/


Here are the categories from the official tourism site:

Activities & Attractions
Attractions
Ballooning/Soaring
Bike Tours
Casinos
Entertainment
Events
Golf
Fishing/Outfitters
Hiking/Biking Trails
Horseback Riding
Parks
Rafting
Rock Climbing
Scenic Tours
Winter Activities

Real Estate Cost survey for hundreds of US Cities

Coldwell Banker reviewed hundreds of real estate markets, noting the price of a 2,200-square-foot house with 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, a family room and a two-car garage.

Neighborhoods were chosen to be "typical for corporate middle-management transferees."

Alabama
AL
Huntsville
$194,466.00

Alaska
AK
Anchorage
$305,107.00

AK
Juneau
$443,000.00

Arkansas
AR
Fort Smith
$170,750.00

AR
Little Rock
$181,395.00

AR
Fayetteville
$227,050.00

Arizona
AZ
Mesa
$248,666.00

AZ
Tucson
$250,833.00

AZ
Phoenix
$293,334.00

AZ
Flagstaff
$425,000.00

AZ
Scottsdale
$478,833.00

California
CA
Fresno
$389,458.00

CA
Bakersfield
$407,875.00

CA
Grass Valley
$426,275.00

CA
Riverside / Ontario
$459,133.00

CA
Modesto
$473,000.00

CA
Palm Desert
$507,750.00

CA
Sacramento
$517,975.00

CA
Santa Maria
$605,350.00

CA
Santa Clarita
$608,875.00

CA
San Diego
$627,938.00

CA
Davis
$661,875.00

CA
Rancho Bernardo
$683,333.00

CA
Napa
$725,480.00

CA
Encinitas
$768,250.00

CA
Santa Rosa
$770,000.00

CA
Pasadena
$788,200.00

CA
Monterey Peninsula
$831,250.00

CA
Walnut Creek
$835,750.00

CA
Mission Viejo
$852,313.00

CA
San Rafael
$859,000.00

CA
Irvine
$869,125.00

CA
Pleasanton
$880,333.00

CA
Santa Cruz
$885,546.00

CA
Fremont
$898,750.00

CA
Long Beach
$920,844.00

CA
Thousand Oaks
$963,375.00

CA
Oakland / Montclair
$1,100,000.00

CA
Palos Verdes
$1,239,500.00

CA
San Jose
$1,272,625.00

CA
San Francisco
$1,300,000.00

CA
San Mateo
$1,334,425.00

CA
Newport Beach
$1,499,000.00

CA
Palo Alto
$1,550,000.00

CA
Santa Barbara
$1,603,750.00

CA
Beverly Hills
$1,656,500.00

CA
Santa Monica
$1,766,666.00

CA
La Jolla
$1,875,000.00

Colorado
CO
Colorado Springs
$211,667.00

CO
Fort Collins
$266,417.00

CO
Denver
$336,433.00

CO
Highlands Ranch
$354,500.00

CO
Boulder
$546,350.00

Connecticut
CT
Torrington
$233,331.00

CT
Naugatuck
$351,494.00

CT
West Hartford
$366,125.00

CT
Old Lyme
$492,125.00

CT
Danbury
$532,400.00

CT
Ridgefield
$735,000.00

CT
Fairfield
$737,738.00

CT
Greenwich
$1,267,500.00

Washington, D.C.
DC
Washington
$727,250.00

Delaware
DE
Wilmington
$377,250.00

Florida
FL
Pensacola
$222,258.00

FL
Gainesville
$259,950.00

FL
Jacksonville
$290,778.00

FL
Tallahassee
$296,191.00

FL
Port Charlotte
$310,164.00

FL
Orlando
$312,000.00

FL
Tampa
$320,781.00

FL
Clearwater / St. Petersburg
$323,833.00

FL
Daytona Beach
$349,650.00

FL
Panama City
$360,333.00

FL
Ft. Myers
$385,483.00

FL
Ft. Lauderdale / Coral Springs
$387,141.00

FL
Sarasota
$387,375.00

FL
West Palm Beach
$429,250.00

FL
Naples
$436,666.00

FL
Boca Raton
$521,412.00

FL
Miami / Coral Gables
$671,854.00

FL
Key West
$949,375.00

Georgia
GA
Macon
$167,850.00

GA
Dalton
$182,750.00

GA
Columbus
$217,818.00

GA
Athens
$230,152.00

GA
Savannah
$247,375.00

GA
Atlanta
$303,000.00

Hawaii
HI
Honolulu
$737,625.00

HI
Kihei, Maui
$745,454.00

Iowa
IA
Sioux City
$184,000.00

IA
Dubuque
$190,125.00

IA
Iowa City
$206,625.00

IA
Des Moines
$247,000.00

Idaho
ID
Boise
$213,808.00

ID
Coeur d' Alene
$262,850.00

Illinois
IL
Rockford
$184,700.00

IL
Springfield
$205,950.00

IL
Peoria
$212,250.00

IL
Bloomington
$213,404.00

IL
Champaign
$223,317.00

IL
Joliet
$247,975.00

IL
Elgin
$269,500.00
IL
Flossmoor
$286,291.00
IL
Aurora
$291,700.00
IL
Orland Park
$337,875.00
IL
Schaumburg
$339,875.00
IL
Carol Stream
$340,500.00
IL
Naperville
$346,250.00
IL
Deerfield
$551,610.00
IL
Barrington
$583,500.00
IL
Chicago
$815,000.00
Indiana
IN
Evansville
$171,912.00
IN
South Bend
$173,600.00
IN
Indianapolis
$178,166.00
IN
Fort Wayne
$189,275.00
IN
Valpariso
$244,380.00
IN
Schererville
$245,425.00
IN
Munster
$329,300.00
Kansas
KS
Wichita
$151,275.00
KS
Topeka
$151,562.00
KS
Leavenworth / Lansing
$205,740.00
KS
Overland Park
$225,517.00
KS
Lawrence
$237,237.00
Kentucky
KY
Florence
$209,000.00
KY
Lexington
$209,588.00
KY
Louisville
$243,634.00
Louisiana
LA
Baton Rouge
$173,317.00
LA
Lafayette
$180,337.00
LA
Shreveport / Bossier City
$210,250.00
Massachusetts
MA
Worcester
$340,966.00
MA
Springfield
$389,283.00
MA
Taunton
$460,950.00
MA
Framingham
$541,600.00
MA
Acton
$605,687.00
MA
Barnstable / Cape Cod
$639,750.00
MA
Lexington
$729,500.00
MA
Wellesley
$1,193,750.00
MA
Boston
$1,260,000.00
Maryland
MD
Hagerstown
$283,175.00
MD
Bel Air
$350,600.00
MD
Towson / Timonium
$383,125.00
MD
Waldorf
$386,725.00
MD
Easton
$387,375.00
MD
Westminster
$389,950.00
MD
Frederick
$414,875.00
MD
Columbia
$463,000.00
MD
Baltimore City
$513,425.00
MD
Annapolis
$541,500.00
MD
Bethesda / Chevy Chase
$829,750.00
Maine
ME
Augusta
$156,125.00
ME
Lewiston / Auburn
$196,000.00
ME
Bangor
$253,750.00
ME
Portland
$377,250.00
Michigan
MI
Grayling / Roscommon
$149,600.00
MI
Cadillac
$155,475.00
MI
Gaylord
$185,375.00
MI
Grand Rapids
$191,500.00
MI
Mt. Pleasant
$203,125.00
MI
Midland / Saginaw / Bay City
$227,182.00
MI
Port Huron
$229,525.00
MI
Flint / Grand Blanc
$229,933.00
MI
Jackson
$234,400.00
MI
Indian River
$240,375.00
MI
Traverse City
$243,333.00
MI
Petoskey
$249,000.00
MI
Auburn Hills / Lake Orion
$262,967.00
MI
Lansing
$270,700.00
MI
Detroit
$278,658.00
MI
Ann Arbor
$346,250.00
Minnesota
MN
Moorhead
$181,000.00
MN
Rochester
$217,675.00
MN
St. Cloud
$258,766.00
MN
Mankato
$260,883.00
MN
Lake Minnetonka
$382,666.00
MN
St. Paul
$389,600.00
MN
Minneapolis
$397,133.00
MN
Edina
$404,150.00
Missouri
MO
Springfield
$168,872.00
MO
Kansas City
$191,943.00
MO
St Louis
$254,700.00
Mississippi
MS
Tupelo
$163,485.00
MS
Jackson
$221,129.00
Montana
MT
Billings
$142,500.00
MT
Great Falls
$149,750.00
MT
Kalispell
$159,525.00
MT
Helena
$177,950.00
MT
Bozeman
$281,350.00
NorthCarolina
NC
Greensboro
$181,166.00
NC
Fayetteville
$190,000.00
NC
Charlotte
$204,336.00
NC
Winston-Salem
$205,440.00
NC
Raleigh
$228,785.00
NC
Wilmington
$286,650.00
North Dakota
ND
Minot
$133,266.00
ND
Bismarck
$171,438.00
ND
Fargo
$200,800.00
Nebraska
NE
Norfolk
$176,450.00
NE
North Platte
$178,650.00
NE
Kearney
$200,375.00
New Hampshire
NH
Portsmouth
$335,966.00
NH
Nashua
$361,475.00
NH
Hanover
$498,125.00
New Jersey
NJ
Turnersville
$257,385.00
NJ
Cherry Hill
$282,736.00
NJ
Absecon
$351,625.00
NJ
Toms River
$407,984.00
NJ
Metuchen / Edison
$515,725.00
NJ
Clinton
$527,700.00
NJ
Sparta
$529,000.00
NJ
Wayne
$554,700.00
NJ
Marlboro / Manalapan
$554,900.00
NJ
Bridgewater
$602,933.00
NJ
Princeton Junction
$628,000.00
NJ
Montclair
$658,450.00
NJ
Madison
$677,250.00
NJ
Basking Ridge
$684,633.00
NJ
Westfield
$686,950.00
NJ
Warren
$689,000.00
NJ
Ridgewood
$829,500.00
New Mexico
NM
Albuquerque
$243,034.00
NM
Santa Fe
$511,026.00
Nevada
NV
Las Vegas
$359,500.00
NV
Reno / Sparks
$440,817.00
New York
NY
Binghamton
$152,875.00
NY
Syracuse
$217,028.00
NY
Buffalo
$224,725.00
NY
Rochester
$256,333.00
NY
Albany
$284,095.00
NY
Orange County
$390,000.00
NY
Long Island
$584,497.00
NY
Staten Island
$596,000.00
NY
Queens / Bayside
$701,000.00
NY
Katonah
$825,250.00
NY
Rye
$869,125.00
Ohio
OH
Canton
$156,666.00
OH
Dayton
$173,475.00
OH
Akron
$184,250.00
OH
Toledo
$189,448.00
OH
Harrison
$202,633.00
OH
Cleveland
$222,666.00
OH
Columbus
$243,725.00
OH
Cincinnati
$244,250.00
Oklahoma
OK
Tulsa
$142,600.00
OK
Oklahoma City
$185,000.00
Oregon
OR
Salem
$253,536.00
OR
Portland
$304,650.00
OR
Eugene
$327,000.00
OR
Bend
$363,778.00
OR
Medford
$387,500.00
Philadelphia
PA
Erie
$193,975.00
PA
Pittsburgh
$243,100.00
PA
Reading
$243,684.00
PA
York
$244,616.00
PA
Lancaster
$257,625.00
PA
Stroudsburg
$275,800.00
PA
Harrisburg
$276,566.00
PA
Conshohocken
$303,000.00
PA
Allentown
$312,946.00
PA
Media
$350,425.00
PA
Westchester
$386,750.00
PA
Doylestown
$418,000.00
PA
Center City Philadelphia
$574,567.00
Puerto Rico
PR
Puerto Rico
$311,250.00
Rhode Island
RI
Providence
$520,000.00
South Carolina
SC
Columbia
$190,058.00
SC
Myrtle Beach
$191,584.00
SC
Greenville
$195,606.00
SC
Charleston
$307,400.00
South Dakota
SD
Yankton
$149,521.00
SD
Aberdeen
$170,500.00
SD
Sioux Falls
$171,470.00
SD
Rapid City
$194,850.00
Tennessee
TN
Knoxville
$175,520.00
TN
Memphis
$188,050.00
TN
Chattanooga
$203,333.00
TN
Nashville
$209,300.00
Texas
TX
Killeen
$131,328.00
TX
Arlington
$139,510.00
TX
Fort Worth
$148,610.00
TX
Houston
$151,600.00
TX
Lubbock
$164,133.00
TX
Corpus Christi
$179,125.00
TX
Plano
$183,750.00
TX
College Station
$190,964.00
TX
Amarillo
$191,558.00
TX
El Paso
$195,225.00
TX
Austin
$199,381.00
TX
San Antonio
$219,075.00
TX
Dallas
$261,325.00
Utah
UT
Provo
$237,518.00
UT
Salt Lake City
$262,117.00
Virginia
VA
Roanoke / Blacksburg
$220,942.00
VA
Lynchburg
$226,000.00
VA
Winchester
$296,839.00
VA
Virginia Beach
$334,425.00
VA
Richmond
$335,874.00
VA
Lake Ridge
$450,475.00
VA
Leesburg
$621,238.00
VA
McLean
$625,000.00
VA
Alexandria City
$776,399.00
Vermont
VT
Rutland
$288,750.00
VT
Montpelier
$294,666.00
VT
Burlington
$338,750.00
Washington
WA
Tri-Cities
$206,115.00
WA
Spokane
$238,418.00
WA
Tacoma
$313,250.00
WA
Seattle
$386,600.00
WA
Bellevue
$566,330.00
Wisconsin
WI
Eau Claire
$164,225.00
WI
Wausau
$193,791.00
WI
Fond du lac
$217,953.00
WI
Fox Cities
$256,975.00
WI
Green Bay
$275,050.00
WI
Madison
$289,900.00
WI
Milwaukee
$331,000.00
West Virginia
WV
Beckley
$137,875.00
WV
Parkersburg
$146,000.00
WV
Charleston
$179,050.00
WY
Cheyenne
$221,838.00

Durango Colorado Retirement

Durango, Colorado
Durango lies in the Southwest Region of Colorado and is a popular western destination for outdoor recreation: Major Attractions include: Mesa Verde National Park, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Historic Downtown, Vallecito Lake. Activities include: Skiing at Durango Mountain Resort, fly fishing, rafting the Animas River, and mountain biking.

Retirement Communities:
Brown Dog Ranch-McKeough Land Company. 27 Long Hollow LaneDurango, CO 81301
This upscale land development offers 15 acre parcels about 30 minutes from Telluride, CO.

Population of Durango: 16,000

Weather: Weather.com has more

Cost of Living: Moderate to high

Housing Costs:The Median home price in Durango is $480,000. Home prices in Durango have shown more stability than in some other high priced areas.
www.Zillow.com has more detail for home prices in Durango and other Colorado cities.

Colorado Taxes: www.revenue.state.co.us

Transportation is by Durango Transit: www.durangogov.org/RESIDENT/services/transit.html

Universities and Colleges: Fort Lewis College

Health care: www.mercydurango.org

Travel and tourism: www.durango.org is the official tourism guide.
Mesa Verde National Park is near Durango.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Grand Junction Colorado Retirement

Grand Junction, Colorado
Grand Junction is in Colorado's Northwest Travel Region. The City of Grand Junction features a dramatic red rock landscape with outdoor adventures and golf. Regional wineries give Grand Junction the nickname "Colorado's Wine Country".



Retirement Communities:
The Village at Country Creek VillageatCountryCreek.com (970) 201-4050
Mesa View Retirement Residence: The Atrium of Grand Valley (970) 256-0006
Fountains of Hilltop TheFountainsgj.org (970) 243-8800
Senior Citizens Services: Mesa View Retirement Residence (970) 241-0772
Mesa View Retirement Home (970) 564-0716
Grand Villa (970) 241-9706




Population:> 45,000 was Grand Junction's population in 2006

Weather: Cold winters, warm summers.

Cost of Living: Moderate

Housing Costs:
Grand Junction's Median home price is 270,000 making Grand Junction a moderately prices Real Estate Area. www.Zillow.com has more detail for home prices in Colorado

Colorado Taxes: www.revenue.state.co.us

Transportation: gvt.mesacounty.us

Universities and Colleges:
Mesa State University: www.mesastate.edu
Intellitec College www.intelliteccollege.com

Health care:
Community Hospital www.yourcommunityhospital.com (970) 242-0920
St Mary's Hospital www.stmarygj.org (970) 244-2273
Dept of Veterans Affairs: Grand Junction VA Medical Center www.va.gov

Travel and tourism: www.visitgrandjunction.com

San Diego Retirement

San Diego California, is it's own California travel region thanks to millions of annual tourists and a large number of travel attractions. This is one of the USA's most popular retirement areas for those who can afford one of California's most expensive areas in terms of real estate.

Retirement Communities (partial list):
St Paul's Retirement Homes www.stpaulseniors.org (619) 239-6900
GCWF Retirement Trust (619) 234-2855
Grossmont Gardens Retirement www.healthcaregrp.com (619) 463-0281
Coronado Royale Retirement Center www.seasonscoronado.com
Patrician Retirement Community (858) 455-9188
Regency Park Retirement (619) 464-6801
Wesley Palms Retirement Communities www.wesleypalms.org

Population: 1,257,000 is the population of San Diego, California

Weather:
Moderate warm coastal weather. San Diego is considered to have some of the most desirable weather in the USA, with low rainfall, moderate temperatures year round, and sunshine almost every day.

Cost of Living: Moderate to High

Housing Costs: The Median home price in San Diego is $561,000
Zillow has more detail for home prices in the San Diego Area.

Taxes: California has income, property, and other taxes that are generally higher
than other states. California Tax details are here: www.ftb.ca.gov

Transportation: www.sdcommute.com

Universities and Colleges:
San Diego State University www.americanlanguage.org (619) 594-6561
Point Loma Nazarene University: General Information www.pointloma.edu (619) 849-2355
San Diego Mesa College www.sdmesa.sdccd.cc.ca.us (858) 627-2600
New School of Architecture www.newschoolarch.edu (619) 235-4100
University of California San Diego: Scripps Institution www.aquarium.ucsd.edu (858) 534-3474
Fashion Institute of Design www.fidm.edu (619) 235-2049
University of San Diego www.sandiego.edu (619) 260-4600
California Western School-Law www.cwsl.edu (619) 239-0391
University of California San Diego www.ucsd.edu

Health care and Hospitals in San Diego:
Sharp Memorial Hospital www.sharp.com (858) 939-3400
UC San Diego Medical Center: UCSD Medical www.health.ucsd.edu (619) 543-6222
Sharp Coronado Hospital www.sharp.com (619) 522-3600
UCSD Medical Center-Hillcrest www.health.ucsd.edu (619) 543-3697
San Diego Cardiac Center www.sdcardiac.com (858) 244-6800
Scripps Mercy Hospital www.scripps.org (619) 294-8111
Children's Specialists of San Diego www.chsd.org

Travel and tourism - San Diego Region:

wikitravel.org/en/San_Diego Wiki Travel has a nice list of attractions in the San Diego region which include these:
Balboa Park, a beautiful city park and the home of the San Diego Zoo
Old Town - site of the original San Diego. A state park now and home to great shopping, dining, and history.
Beaches!
Del Coronado - one of the world's most famous hotels.