One really exciting thing about retirement is the option to spend time in a kinder, gentler climate. With the onset of warm sunny spring days comes the realization that we feel so much better than we did in winter. Anecdotally, many people report that their joints ache in the cold and damp, and that the sun "warms" their bones. There is evidence that suggests people gain weight during the winter because they are depressed by the cold and dark, and actually consume an additional 200 to a whopping 1500 calories per day in the form of starchy comfort foods (and probably more alcohol as well).
The snowbird lifestyle has long been a popular choice, and speaking as one who is nearing retirement, it is looking better and better! I like to browse the retirement options on www.Retireusa.net which outlines the various towns and cities in the Sun Belt. It is nice to know about housing, especially retirement communities, in these warmer climates. Granted, I'll never leave Oregon forever (see why at www.oregonretirement.info), but an escape to the sun in those cold, dark winter months will be better for my waistline!
Showing posts with label retirement communities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label retirement communities. Show all posts
Friday, May 14, 2010
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
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
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
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
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
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)
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.
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
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
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Retirement In Fayetteville, Arkansas
Fayetteville is a college town in Washington County, Arkansas and home to the University of Arkansas. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 58,047. However, a special census completed in June 2006 showed the population to be 67,158. The city is the third most populous in Arkansas and serves as the county seat of Washington County. It was also ranked 8th on Forbes Magazine's Top 10 Best Places in America for Business and Careers.
Transportation: The city is served by Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport in Highfill, Arkansas. The airport also serves Springdale, Arkansas, Bentonville, Arkansas (home to Wal-Mart), Rogers, Arkansas, and all of Northwest Arkansas.
Universities and Colleges: University of Arkansas, www.uark.edu
Health Care: Fayetteville serves as the regional center for medical care in Northwest Arkansas with hospitals providing a variety of clinical and specialty services.
Washington Regional Medical Center - 479.713.1000
Fayetteville's Washington Regional Medical System is a fully integrated health care system providing a wide range of services. Its flagship, a new state-of -the-art medical center, which opened in August of 2002 in Fayetteville's North Hills Medical Park, is the region's only remaining independent, locally operated, non-profit health care organization.
The Washington Regional Medical System includes an acute care hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, assisted living and long-term care facilities, kidney dialysis centers,an outpatient surgery center, and a network of clinics and services.
http://www.wregional.com
Check Out More on Washington Regional Medical Center
Veterans Medical Center - 479.443.4301
The Fayetteville VA Medical Center is a 51-bed medical center that provides acute medical, surgical, and psychiatric care and both primary and secondary levels of outpatient services to veterans. In addition to primary outpatient services, there are General Medical and Surgical clinics and specialty clinics for Urology, Optometry, Diabetes, Women's Health and Mental Hygiene. Other programs and services include dental care, a combined cardio-pulmonary function lab, ultrasound, echocardiography services and an ambulatory surgery program. The Fayetteville VA operates the Gene Taylor Satellite Outpatient Clinic in Mt. Veron, Missouri and additional outpatient clinics in Fort Smith and Harrison. In addition to a well-qualified, permanent staff, various specialists serve as a consulting staff. The Fayetteville VA employs approximately 540 people.
Willow Creek Women's Hospital - 479.684.3000
Willow Creek is Arkansas' only full-service women's health provider that offers services ranging from annual exams and mammography, to diagnosis, treatment for infertility and menopause management, bone densitometry and bladder control concerns.. New mothers enjoy an all-in-one labor, delivery, recovery, and postpartum suites. Willow Creek offers patients education programs in wellness, preventive care and nutrition services. Willow Creek also provides many services related to cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
http://www.northwesthealth.com
Things To See and Do: Fayetteville offers many different possibilites for residents and visitors. The University of Arkansas brings excitement and opportunities for sports fans and students. One-of-a-kind shopping, exciting nightlife, live local music and fine arts are also available for everyone to enjoy. In addition to the exciting events in the city, Fayetteville's location in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, plus the lakes, rivers, hiking and biking trails are a wonderful scenic adventure for people who enjoy the outdoors.Check out Fayetteville's year-round attractions, festivals and hot spots, including the following:* Dickson Street * Downtown Square * Walton Arts Center * Farmer's Market * Bikes, Blues & BBQ * Washington County Fair * Lights of the Ozarks * Springfest.
Weather: Fayetteville, AR Weather - WxUSAWxUSA is a "Weather Hub" site that offers an extensive list of weather links http://www.wxusa.com/AR/Fayetteville/
The Weather Channel Fayetteville's weather.http://www.weather.com/weather/local/72703
Housing Costs: Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $150,500 (it was $100,300 in 2000)
Retirement Communities: Sweetser Properties - www.sweetserproperties.com - (479) 443-4601
Transportation: The city is served by Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport in Highfill, Arkansas. The airport also serves Springdale, Arkansas, Bentonville, Arkansas (home to Wal-Mart), Rogers, Arkansas, and all of Northwest Arkansas.
Universities and Colleges: University of Arkansas, www.uark.edu
Health Care: Fayetteville serves as the regional center for medical care in Northwest Arkansas with hospitals providing a variety of clinical and specialty services.
Washington Regional Medical Center - 479.713.1000
Fayetteville's Washington Regional Medical System is a fully integrated health care system providing a wide range of services. Its flagship, a new state-of -the-art medical center, which opened in August of 2002 in Fayetteville's North Hills Medical Park, is the region's only remaining independent, locally operated, non-profit health care organization.
The Washington Regional Medical System includes an acute care hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, assisted living and long-term care facilities, kidney dialysis centers,an outpatient surgery center, and a network of clinics and services.
http://www.wregional.com
Check Out More on Washington Regional Medical Center
Veterans Medical Center - 479.443.4301
The Fayetteville VA Medical Center is a 51-bed medical center that provides acute medical, surgical, and psychiatric care and both primary and secondary levels of outpatient services to veterans. In addition to primary outpatient services, there are General Medical and Surgical clinics and specialty clinics for Urology, Optometry, Diabetes, Women's Health and Mental Hygiene. Other programs and services include dental care, a combined cardio-pulmonary function lab, ultrasound, echocardiography services and an ambulatory surgery program. The Fayetteville VA operates the Gene Taylor Satellite Outpatient Clinic in Mt. Veron, Missouri and additional outpatient clinics in Fort Smith and Harrison. In addition to a well-qualified, permanent staff, various specialists serve as a consulting staff. The Fayetteville VA employs approximately 540 people.
Willow Creek Women's Hospital - 479.684.3000
Willow Creek is Arkansas' only full-service women's health provider that offers services ranging from annual exams and mammography, to diagnosis, treatment for infertility and menopause management, bone densitometry and bladder control concerns.. New mothers enjoy an all-in-one labor, delivery, recovery, and postpartum suites. Willow Creek offers patients education programs in wellness, preventive care and nutrition services. Willow Creek also provides many services related to cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
http://www.northwesthealth.com
Things To See and Do: Fayetteville offers many different possibilites for residents and visitors. The University of Arkansas brings excitement and opportunities for sports fans and students. One-of-a-kind shopping, exciting nightlife, live local music and fine arts are also available for everyone to enjoy. In addition to the exciting events in the city, Fayetteville's location in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, plus the lakes, rivers, hiking and biking trails are a wonderful scenic adventure for people who enjoy the outdoors.Check out Fayetteville's year-round attractions, festivals and hot spots, including the following:* Dickson Street * Downtown Square * Walton Arts Center * Farmer's Market * Bikes, Blues & BBQ * Washington County Fair * Lights of the Ozarks * Springfest.
Weather: Fayetteville, AR Weather - WxUSAWxUSA is a "Weather Hub" site that offers an extensive list of weather links http://www.wxusa.com/AR/Fayetteville/
The Weather Channel Fayetteville's weather.http://www.weather.com/weather/local/72703
Housing Costs: Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $150,500 (it was $100,300 in 2000)
Retirement Communities: Sweetser Properties - www.sweetserproperties.com - (479) 443-4601
Friday, February 29, 2008
Retiring in Bullhead , Arizona
Bullhead City is located in Arizona's west-central Mohave County, on the east bank of the Colorado River near the juncture of Arizona, California and Nevada. It is the sister city to the popular gaming community of Laughlin, Nevada.
Bullhead City serves as the economic hub and retail-shopping center for Western Mohave County and Southeastern Clark County, Nevada. More than 5 million people travel through Bullhead City annually. The year-round sunshine makes it perfect for families, retirees and vacationers - whether they are looking to escape the winter cold or want to enjoy the area's vast summer water recreation opportunities.
Weather: Bullhead City has a classic low desert climate with extremely low relative humidity and very high summer temperatures. On the average, it receives about 7 inches of precipitation a year. Stores, shops, restaurants, theaters and homes are air-conditioned much of the year.
Although most of the county is designated as desert, nearly 190 square miles is water, making water sports a favorite among residents and visitors alike. The average daily high temperature in November is 74 degrees. The average daily high temperature annually is a beautiful 88 degrees.
Things To See and Do: Water sports on the Colorado River and Lake Mohave, hiking, off-road vehicle sports, hunting, exploring ghost towns, rockhounding and prospecting are just a few of the recreational activities available in the neighboring desert around Bullhead City. Gambling in Laughlin, across the river, is also a major attraction of the area.
The Colorado River Recreation Area extends from Yuma, Arizona to Lake Powell, about 650 miles. It offers boating, fishing, hunting and other water sports. There is almost 95 miles of navigable water to use for your enjoyment between Blythe and Imperial Dam in Yuma.
Housing Costs: Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $169,400 (it was $102,500 in 2000)
Population: As of the census of 2005, there were 39,101 people.
Retirement Communities: Silver Creek Leisure Living, 928-704-7000;Sunridge Village Retirement www.sunridgevillage.com
Bullhead City serves as the economic hub and retail-shopping center for Western Mohave County and Southeastern Clark County, Nevada. More than 5 million people travel through Bullhead City annually. The year-round sunshine makes it perfect for families, retirees and vacationers - whether they are looking to escape the winter cold or want to enjoy the area's vast summer water recreation opportunities.
Weather: Bullhead City has a classic low desert climate with extremely low relative humidity and very high summer temperatures. On the average, it receives about 7 inches of precipitation a year. Stores, shops, restaurants, theaters and homes are air-conditioned much of the year.
Although most of the county is designated as desert, nearly 190 square miles is water, making water sports a favorite among residents and visitors alike. The average daily high temperature in November is 74 degrees. The average daily high temperature annually is a beautiful 88 degrees.
Things To See and Do: Water sports on the Colorado River and Lake Mohave, hiking, off-road vehicle sports, hunting, exploring ghost towns, rockhounding and prospecting are just a few of the recreational activities available in the neighboring desert around Bullhead City. Gambling in Laughlin, across the river, is also a major attraction of the area.
The Colorado River Recreation Area extends from Yuma, Arizona to Lake Powell, about 650 miles. It offers boating, fishing, hunting and other water sports. There is almost 95 miles of navigable water to use for your enjoyment between Blythe and Imperial Dam in Yuma.
Housing Costs: Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $169,400 (it was $102,500 in 2000)
Population: As of the census of 2005, there were 39,101 people.
Retirement Communities: Silver Creek Leisure Living, 928-704-7000;Sunridge Village Retirement www.sunridgevillage.com
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tucson, Arizona Retirement
Tucson is Arizona's second largest city and is the hub of activity and commerce for southern Arizona. It is a clean, modern and attractive city. Tucson is located in a valley at the base of 4 different mountain ranges. Just northeast of Tucson, the Santa Catalina Mountains rise to over 9,000 feet. They are home to the southernmost ski resort in the United States.
Population: As of July 1, 2006, a Census Bureau estimate puts the city's population at 518,956.
Weather: Tucson has two major seasons, summer and winter; plus three minor seasons: fall, spring, and the monsoon.
Colleges and Universities: University of Arizona: established in 1885; the second largest university in the state in terms of enrollment with over 37,000+ students.
Pima Community College: located in the Tucson area with six campuses.
University of Phoenix has four Tucson campuses.
Prescott College has a Tucson branch campus.
Northern Arizona University has a Tucson branch campus.
Transportation: Tucson International Airport is Tucson's public airport and is located six miles south of Tucson's central business district. TIA is the second largest commercial airport in Arizona, providing nonstop flights to 28 destinations throughout the United States, and 1 destination in Mexico. Overall, Tucson International Airport serves 29 destinations. Sun Tran is Tucson's public bus system. It was awarded Best Transit System in 1988 & 2005 and serves the major part of the metropolis of Tucson. The city remains largely dependent on automobiles for transportation. Amtrak, the national passenger rail system, provides service to Tucson three times weekly in both directions, operating its Sunset Limited between Orlando, Florida and Los Angeles, California.
Things To See and Do: The city is home to more than 120 parks, including Reid Park Zoo. There are five public golf courses located throughout the area. Several scenic parks and points of interest are also located nearby, including the Tucson Botanical Gardens, Saguaro National Park, Sabino Canyon, and Biosphere 2 (just north of the city, in the town of Oracle). The Tucson Gem & Mineral Show is held every year in February for two weeks. It is one of the largest gem and mineral shows in the world, and features many of the finest mineral specimens. There is no single location for display of minerals, but rather dozens of locations spread across town. The show has an estimated attendance of more than 50,000 people from over twenty countries. Attendees frequently include the general public, experts, beginning collectors, museum employees, dealers, retailers, and researchers. Many museums and universities, including the Smithsonian Institution and the Sorbonne, have displayed materials at the show.
Housing Costs: Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $144,400 (it was $96,300 in 2000).
Health Care:
Arizona Cancer Center - Tucson, Arizona
Carondelet Saint Joseph's Hospital - Tucson, Arizona
Saint Mary's Hospital - Tucson, Arizona
El Dorado Hospital - Tucson, Arizona
El Dorado Surgicenter - Tucson, Arizona
Kindred Hospital Tucson - Tucson, Arizona
Kindred Hospital Tucson - Tucson, Arizona
Kino Community Hospital - Tucson, Arizona
Northwest Medical Center - Tucson, Arizona
Saint Mary's Hospital - Tucson, Arizona
Sierra Tucson - Tucson, Arizona
Sonora Behavioral Health Hospital - Tucson, Arizona
Southern Arizona VA Health Care System - Tucson, Arizona
Tucson Heart Hospital - Tucson, Arizona
Tucson Medical Center - Tucson, Arizona
Retirement Communities: (not inclusive) Santa Catalina Villas, 520-742-0505, The Manor At Midvale, 520-294-3200
Population: As of July 1, 2006, a Census Bureau estimate puts the city's population at 518,956.
Weather: Tucson has two major seasons, summer and winter; plus three minor seasons: fall, spring, and the monsoon.
Colleges and Universities: University of Arizona: established in 1885; the second largest university in the state in terms of enrollment with over 37,000+ students.
Pima Community College: located in the Tucson area with six campuses.
University of Phoenix has four Tucson campuses.
Prescott College has a Tucson branch campus.
Northern Arizona University has a Tucson branch campus.
Transportation: Tucson International Airport is Tucson's public airport and is located six miles south of Tucson's central business district. TIA is the second largest commercial airport in Arizona, providing nonstop flights to 28 destinations throughout the United States, and 1 destination in Mexico. Overall, Tucson International Airport serves 29 destinations. Sun Tran is Tucson's public bus system. It was awarded Best Transit System in 1988 & 2005 and serves the major part of the metropolis of Tucson. The city remains largely dependent on automobiles for transportation. Amtrak, the national passenger rail system, provides service to Tucson three times weekly in both directions, operating its Sunset Limited between Orlando, Florida and Los Angeles, California.
Things To See and Do: The city is home to more than 120 parks, including Reid Park Zoo. There are five public golf courses located throughout the area. Several scenic parks and points of interest are also located nearby, including the Tucson Botanical Gardens, Saguaro National Park, Sabino Canyon, and Biosphere 2 (just north of the city, in the town of Oracle). The Tucson Gem & Mineral Show is held every year in February for two weeks. It is one of the largest gem and mineral shows in the world, and features many of the finest mineral specimens. There is no single location for display of minerals, but rather dozens of locations spread across town. The show has an estimated attendance of more than 50,000 people from over twenty countries. Attendees frequently include the general public, experts, beginning collectors, museum employees, dealers, retailers, and researchers. Many museums and universities, including the Smithsonian Institution and the Sorbonne, have displayed materials at the show.
Housing Costs: Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $144,400 (it was $96,300 in 2000).
Health Care:
Arizona Cancer Center - Tucson, Arizona
Carondelet Saint Joseph's Hospital - Tucson, Arizona
Saint Mary's Hospital - Tucson, Arizona
El Dorado Hospital - Tucson, Arizona
El Dorado Surgicenter - Tucson, Arizona
Kindred Hospital Tucson - Tucson, Arizona
Kindred Hospital Tucson - Tucson, Arizona
Kino Community Hospital - Tucson, Arizona
Northwest Medical Center - Tucson, Arizona
Saint Mary's Hospital - Tucson, Arizona
Sierra Tucson - Tucson, Arizona
Sonora Behavioral Health Hospital - Tucson, Arizona
Southern Arizona VA Health Care System - Tucson, Arizona
Tucson Heart Hospital - Tucson, Arizona
Tucson Medical Center - Tucson, Arizona
Retirement Communities: (not inclusive) Santa Catalina Villas, 520-742-0505, The Manor At Midvale, 520-294-3200
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Retiring to Prescott, Arizona
The city draws visitors from all over the world to enjoy the unique setting, old-west history and enjoyable climate. Throughout the year Prescott offers a variety of events and activities so that no matter when you are here, you'll get chance to experience the many faces of Prescott and find out for yourself why Prescott is considered one of the top emerging metropolitan cities.
Population: According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 41,528.
Weather: Prescott is located in the Bradshaw Mountains of central Arizona, at an altitude of 5400 feet. The town has a four-season climate with relatively mild winters. Historical average annual precipitation is 19.32 inches; average snowfall is 25.4 inches.
Colleges and Universities: Prescott College is "an independent, liberal arts college. This colleges educational programs reflect the College's commitment to the environment and social justice. Prescott College is also one of the few colleges in the United States that offers adventure education as a majorNorthern Arizona University and Old Dominion University also have specialty campuses here as well as the online university, Northcentral University.
Population: As of the census of 2000, there were 33,938 people.
Things To See and Do: Prescott has many Victorian homes and has been remarked to be the most Midwestern-appearing city in the Southwest, and it has 525 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. There are six golf courses within the city limits: Antelope Hills Golf Course, City of Prescott South Course, City of Prescott North Course, Hassayampa Golf Club, Prescott Lakes Golf Club, Talking Rock Golf Club. More courses are located nearby in surrounding towns.
Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $227,000 (it was $162,700 in 2000)
Retirement Communities: (not inclusive) Prescott Samaritan Village, 928-778-2450, Peridot Retirement and Assisted Living Community, 928-777-5511
Health Care: Northern Arizona VA Health Care System,
View the Web Site
500 N. Hwy 89Prescott, AZ 86313Phone: (928) 445-4860 or (800) 949-1005
.
Population: According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 41,528.
Weather: Prescott is located in the Bradshaw Mountains of central Arizona, at an altitude of 5400 feet. The town has a four-season climate with relatively mild winters. Historical average annual precipitation is 19.32 inches; average snowfall is 25.4 inches.
Colleges and Universities: Prescott College is "an independent, liberal arts college. This colleges educational programs reflect the College's commitment to the environment and social justice. Prescott College is also one of the few colleges in the United States that offers adventure education as a majorNorthern Arizona University and Old Dominion University also have specialty campuses here as well as the online university, Northcentral University.
Population: As of the census of 2000, there were 33,938 people.
Things To See and Do: Prescott has many Victorian homes and has been remarked to be the most Midwestern-appearing city in the Southwest, and it has 525 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. There are six golf courses within the city limits: Antelope Hills Golf Course, City of Prescott South Course, City of Prescott North Course, Hassayampa Golf Club, Prescott Lakes Golf Club, Talking Rock Golf Club. More courses are located nearby in surrounding towns.
Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $227,000 (it was $162,700 in 2000)
Retirement Communities: (not inclusive) Prescott Samaritan Village, 928-778-2450, Peridot Retirement and Assisted Living Community, 928-777-5511
Health Care: Northern Arizona VA Health Care System,
View the Web Site
500 N. Hwy 89Prescott, AZ 86313Phone: (928) 445-4860 or (800) 949-1005
.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Flagstaff, Arizona Retirement
Flagstaff (Navajo: KinłánÃ) is a city located in northern Arizona, in the southwestern United States. It is the county seat of Coconino County. In 2005, Men's Journal named Flagstaff as No. 2 on its Best Places to Live list, and National Geographic cited the city in its list of "10 Great Towns That Will Make You Feel Young." The city is named after a Ponderosa Pine flagpole made by a scouting party from Boston (known as the "Flagstaff Tea Party") to celebrate the United States Centennial on July 4, 1876. Flagstaff lies near the southwestern edge of the Colorado Plateau and along the western side of the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in the continental United States
Population: As of July 2006, the city's estimated population was 58,213, with a Metropolitan Statistical Area population of 124,953
Climate: Flagstaff has a highland semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. The combination of high altitude and low humidity provide mild weather conditions throughout most of the year, and the predominantly clear air radiates daytime heating effectively. Temperatures often fall precipitously after sunset throughout the year, and winter nights can be very cold. Winter weather patterns in Flagstaff are cyclonic and frontal in nature, originating in the eastern Pacific Ocean. These deliver periodic, widespread snowfall followed by extended periods of fair weather.
Colleges and Universities: Flagstaff is home to two institutions of higher education, Northern Arizona University (one of the three public state universities in Arizona), and Coconino Community College.
Transportation: Passenger rail service is provided by Amtrak at the downtown station, connecting on east-west routes to Los Angeles and Albuquerque via the Southwest Chief line.
Air travel is available through Flagstaff Pulliam Airport , located just south of the city. The airport is primarily a small, general aviation airport.
Health Care: The city's primary hospital is the 270–bed Flagstaff Medical Center, located on the north side of downtown Flagstaff. The hospital was founded in 1936, and serves as the major regional trauma center for northern Arizona.
Housing Costs: Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $241,200 (it was $161,000 in 2000)
Things To See and Do:
The Grand Canyon is located approximately 120 miles North of Flagstaff. Meteor Crater, the world's largest intact meteor impact crater is located 35 miles East of Flagstaff. The Arizona Snowbowl is located on the San Francisco Peaks and is the major ski resort and winter fun site for the area. Coconino National Forest surrounds the area and provides many scenic views, trails and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Retirement Communities: The Peaks offers the full continuum of care and services including Independent Living, either in the Bungalows or the Lodge, Assisted Living and Memory Care. We allow our residents to "age in place" which allows them to remain in their apartment homes and have increased services brought to them.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Retire in Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage, Alaska is affectionately known as the City of Lights and Flowers. As a major seaport and trading center, Anchorage is Alaska's largest city. It has a simply stunning location, resting on both the shores of the Cook Inlet and the base of the Chugach Mountains. Anchorage benefits from being the long held urban epicenter of Alaska, while being surrounded by the massive beauty of one of the last great areas of unspoiled wilderness.
Population: Nearly 260,000 residents
Housing Costs: Median house value: $270,000
Health Care: ALASKA NATIVE MEDICAL CENTER, PHS (4315 DIPLOMACY DR)
ALASKA PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE (2900 PROVIDENCE DRIVE)
COLUMBIA ALASKA REGIONAL HOSPITAL (2801 DEBARR ROAD)
NORTH STAR HOSPITAL (2530 DEBARR RD)
PROVIDENCE ALASKA MEDICAL CENTER (3200 PROVIDENCE DRIVE,BOX 196604
Colleges and Universities: UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE (Full-time enrollment: 9,453; Location: 3211 PROVIDENCE DR; Public; Website: www.uaa.alaska.edu; Offers Master's degree)
ALASKA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY (FT enrollment: 504; Location: 4101 UNIVERSITY DR; Private, not-for-profit; Offers Master's degree
Climate: Anchorage has a subarctic climate due to its short, cool summers. Average daytime summer temperatures range from approximately 55 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 26 degrees Celsius); average daytime winter temperatures are about 5 to 30 degrees (-15 to -1 degrees Celsius). Anchorage has a frost-free growing season that averages slightly over 100 days
Transportation: The Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, six miles (10 km) from downtown Anchorage, is the airline hub for the state, served by many national and international airlines, including Seattle-based Alaska Airlines as well as a many intrastate airlines and charter air services
The Alaska Railroad offers year-round freight and passenger service along the length of its rail system from Seward (the southern terminus of the system) to Fairbanks (the northern terminus of the system), although passenger service is less frequent in winter than in summer, and some passenger terminals are not serviced in winter
Anchorage also has a bus system called People Mover, with a central hub in downtown Anchorage and satellite hubs at Dimond Center and Muldoon Mall. The People Mover provides carpool organization services. The public paratransit service known as AnchorRides provides point-to-point accessible transportation services to seniors and those who experience disabilities
Things To Do and See:
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts
Anchorage Concert Association
Anchorage Municipal Libraries
Anchorage Museum
Anchorage Opera
Anchorage Symphony Orchestra
Retirement Communities: Alaska retirement homes guide from RetirementHomes.com, a comprehensive directory of retirement homes and retirement communities, senior communities, elder care and long term care facilities.
Population: Nearly 260,000 residents
Housing Costs: Median house value: $270,000
Health Care: ALASKA NATIVE MEDICAL CENTER, PHS (4315 DIPLOMACY DR)
ALASKA PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE (2900 PROVIDENCE DRIVE)
COLUMBIA ALASKA REGIONAL HOSPITAL (2801 DEBARR ROAD)
NORTH STAR HOSPITAL (2530 DEBARR RD)
PROVIDENCE ALASKA MEDICAL CENTER (3200 PROVIDENCE DRIVE,BOX 196604
Colleges and Universities: UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE (Full-time enrollment: 9,453; Location: 3211 PROVIDENCE DR; Public; Website: www.uaa.alaska.edu; Offers Master's degree)
ALASKA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY (FT enrollment: 504; Location: 4101 UNIVERSITY DR; Private, not-for-profit; Offers Master's degree
Climate: Anchorage has a subarctic climate due to its short, cool summers. Average daytime summer temperatures range from approximately 55 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 26 degrees Celsius); average daytime winter temperatures are about 5 to 30 degrees (-15 to -1 degrees Celsius). Anchorage has a frost-free growing season that averages slightly over 100 days
Transportation: The Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, six miles (10 km) from downtown Anchorage, is the airline hub for the state, served by many national and international airlines, including Seattle-based Alaska Airlines as well as a many intrastate airlines and charter air services
The Alaska Railroad offers year-round freight and passenger service along the length of its rail system from Seward (the southern terminus of the system) to Fairbanks (the northern terminus of the system), although passenger service is less frequent in winter than in summer, and some passenger terminals are not serviced in winter
Anchorage also has a bus system called People Mover, with a central hub in downtown Anchorage and satellite hubs at Dimond Center and Muldoon Mall. The People Mover provides carpool organization services. The public paratransit service known as AnchorRides provides point-to-point accessible transportation services to seniors and those who experience disabilities
Things To Do and See:
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts
Anchorage Concert Association
Anchorage Municipal Libraries
Anchorage Museum
Anchorage Opera
Anchorage Symphony Orchestra
Retirement Communities: Alaska retirement homes guide from RetirementHomes.com, a comprehensive directory of retirement homes and retirement communities, senior communities, elder care and long term care facilities.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Retire to Selma, Alabama
The Selma and Dallas County area is a place of great charm, beauty and history. Just as patches of fabric in a hodgepodge of color can be transformed into a beautiful quilt, so the Selma of today displays a radiant and diverse personality. Its many festivals celebrate Selma's history from Civil War to Civil Rights. Its vintage architecture is a stunning composition of antebellum and Victorian homes and shops, comprising the largest historic district in Alabama.
Health Care: Vaughan Regional Medical Center is the sole community provider hospital in Selma.
Retirement Community: Vaughan Place Senior Living Community
1300 Old Orrville Road,36701, Selma,AL,
Climate: The Selma and Dallas County area has a great climate for business as well as pleasure. Rarely will the weather disrupt your work or play. In this part of the Sunbelt, the temperature is moderate and comfortable year-round. January temperatures average 50.9F, July temperatures average 81.8F. Average annual rainfall is under 50 inches and the growing season is 253 days (golfing season is even longer!)
Population: 20,512 (2000 census)
Transportation: Just 45 minutes from Selma, at the junction of U.S. Highway 80 and I-65, is Montgomery's Dannelly Field Airport. Dannelly is served by the Delta Connection and other airlines that connect easily with hubs in Atlanta, Nashville, Memphis and Charlotte.
Colleges: Concordia College,
Wallace Community College Selma
Selma is a city in and the county seat of Dallas County, Alabama, United States, located on the banks of the Alabama River.
Health Care: Vaughan Regional Medical Center is the sole community provider hospital in Selma.
Retirement Community: Vaughan Place Senior Living Community
1300 Old Orrville Road,36701, Selma,AL,
Climate: The Selma and Dallas County area has a great climate for business as well as pleasure. Rarely will the weather disrupt your work or play. In this part of the Sunbelt, the temperature is moderate and comfortable year-round. January temperatures average 50.9F, July temperatures average 81.8F. Average annual rainfall is under 50 inches and the growing season is 253 days (golfing season is even longer!)
Population: 20,512 (2000 census)
Transportation: Just 45 minutes from Selma, at the junction of U.S. Highway 80 and I-65, is Montgomery's Dannelly Field Airport. Dannelly is served by the Delta Connection and other airlines that connect easily with hubs in Atlanta, Nashville, Memphis and Charlotte.
Colleges: Concordia College,
Wallace Community College Selma
Selma is a city in and the county seat of Dallas County, Alabama, United States, located on the banks of the Alabama River.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
West Virginia Retirement
Although West Virginia does not usually spring to mind as the retirement capital of the country, it is one of only five US States that have set up a certification program for retirement communities in the state.
This Retire in West Virginia state website offers free literature by mail and information about West Virginia's new certification program. The state has designated these six communities as having great retirement potential:
Beckley
Bluefield
Greater Morgantown
Lewis County
Nicholas County
Summers County
West Virginia's designation comes after an application process that ensures community viability as a retirement destination:
Designated Retirement Communities, or DRCs, are communities that have undergone a rigorous 12-point application process that ensures that the community does indeed provide the resources and amenities required to be considered as a viable retirement destination.
This Retire in West Virginia state website offers free literature by mail and information about West Virginia's new certification program. The state has designated these six communities as having great retirement potential:
Beckley
Bluefield
Greater Morgantown
Lewis County
Nicholas County
Summers County
West Virginia's designation comes after an application process that ensures community viability as a retirement destination:
Designated Retirement Communities, or DRCs, are communities that have undergone a rigorous 12-point application process that ensures that the community does indeed provide the resources and amenities required to be considered as a viable retirement destination.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
What is a Retirement Community?
Here at RetireUSA.net we're building a resource to address all your retirement needs, many of which center around the idea of "community".
In the huge realm of retirement possibilities there remains some confusion about the meaning of the term "Retirement Community" because it is often used to mean a specific facility designed for retirees. However "Retirement Community" can also simply mean a region or city in which people choose to retire. Other terms can have different meanings depending on the region in which you live.
Southern Oregon is rising nationally as a great region in which to retire, but we also have many Retirement Community facilities such as the Rogue Valley Manor which themselves have many options for retirement.
In the coming months we'll talk specifically about the differences between types of retirement communities as well as some of the things you should look for when choosing where you or your loved ones will retire.
In the huge realm of retirement possibilities there remains some confusion about the meaning of the term "Retirement Community" because it is often used to mean a specific facility designed for retirees. However "Retirement Community" can also simply mean a region or city in which people choose to retire. Other terms can have different meanings depending on the region in which you live.
Southern Oregon is rising nationally as a great region in which to retire, but we also have many Retirement Community facilities such as the Rogue Valley Manor which themselves have many options for retirement.
In the coming months we'll talk specifically about the differences between types of retirement communities as well as some of the things you should look for when choosing where you or your loved ones will retire.
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