San Francisco
San Francisco is one of the USA's most vibrant metropolitan regions, with cultural and natural attractions that make San Francisco one of the most visited cities in the USA. Although this is a major metro area, San Francisco is considerably smaller than Los Angeles or New York, and thus there are many quiet neighborhoods as well as active urban areas. A key challenge to a San Francisco Retirement is going to be cost - this is one of the most expensive areas in the country, and even with recent real estate market problems the cost of living here tends to be very expensive. Median home price, for example, is about $888,000 although you should note that nearby areas tend to have much lower prices than those you'd find within the city limits of San Francisco.
San Francisco Retirement Communities:
Eastern Park Apartments: A Retirement Community: (415) 776-0114
Western Park Apartments: A Retirement Community: (415) 922-5436
Jewish Home of San Francisco http://www.jhsf.org
San Francisco Towers http://www.ehf.org/
Sequoias-San Francisco: http://www.ncphs.org/
Sunrise At Golden Gate Park http://www.sunriseseniorliving.com/
Population: 744,00
Climate: Very moderate. San Francisco tends to be cool year-round, with plenty of rain.
Here's more from the SFGate, an online info portal for the area: http://www.sfgate.com/weather/
Cost of Living: Very high
Housing Costs: Very high. See Zillow for detail.
Taxes: California generally has high taxes compared to other states. Extensive California Tax
details are here: http://www.ftb.ca.gov/
San Francisco Colleges and Universities:
City College of San Francisco: http://www.ccsf.edu/ (415) 239-3000
San Francisco State University: http://www.sfsu.edu/ (415) 338-1111
San Francisco Art Institute: http://www.sfai.edu/ (415) 771-7020
California Culinary Academy: http://www.baychef.com/ (888) 858-5222
University of California Irvine Campus: http://www.uci.edu/ (949) 824-5011
University of San Francisco: http://www.usfca.edu%20(415/) 422-5555
Golden Gate University: http://www.ggu.edu/ (415) 442-7000
California Institute: http://www.ciis.edu/ (415) 575-6100
Heald College: http://www.heald.edu/ (415) 808-3000
San Francisco Conservatory of Music http://www.sfcm.edu/ (415) 864-7326
Transportation: Options in this city are extensive: http://www.sfmta.com/ San Francisco International Airport SFO serves the region but also within about an hour or less from Airports in Oakland OAK, San Jose SJC, and Sacramento SMF.
Health care:
UCSF Children's Hospital: http://www.ucsfhealth.org/
UCSF Medical Center: http://www.mountzion.ucsfmedicalcenter.org/
UCSF Medical Center: Mount Zion: (415) 353-7598
Chinese Hospital: http://www.chinesehospital-sf.org/ (415) 750-4403
Saint Francis Memorial Hospital: (415) 353-6255
Laguna Honda Hospital & Rehabilitation Center http://www.ci.sf.ca.us/ (415) 759-2300
St Luke's Hospital: http://www.stlukes-sf.org/ (415) 647-8600
Cohen-Lief Cardiology Medical (415) 567-9469
St Mary's Medical Center: www.stmarysmedicalcenter.org (415) 750-5500
Travel and tourism: San Francisco is a legendary travel destination where nature, culture, and history converge in many ways. Only in San Francisco is the official guide from the Convention Bureau: http://www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com/
Friday, February 15, 2008
Chico California Retirement
Chico California, like Redding, lies in California's Shasta Cascade Tourism region. Chico is between Sacramento and Redding and offers nearby outdoor recreation along with the amenities of a university town. Chico State is probably the big claim to Chico fame and drives much of the local economy. Although Chico State often makes high marks on "party school" lists the school would rather be known for it's strong agriculture education programs: www.csuchico.edu/
Retirement Communities (NOT inclusive):
Oak Knoll at 1007 Buschmann Road, Paradise CA 95969
A Full service community includes cottages for Independent Retirement.
Country Crest 55 Concordia Lane, Oroville CA 95966
Population: 73,000
Climate: Hot summers, cool to moderate winters
Cost of Living: Moderate to high
Housing Costs: Chico housing is moderate to expensive. Zillow has extensive details.
Taxes: California taxes are high compared to other states.
Extensive California Tax details are here: www.ftb.ca.gov/
Colleges and Universities: Chico State University www.csuchico.edu
Transportation: Chico Transit www.chico.ca.us/Chico_Area_Transit/Chico_Area_Transit.asp
Health Care: Enloe Medical Center is Chico's top health care facility, though Chico State also has health services for students.
Travel and tourism information from the Chico Chamber: www.chicochamber.com
Retirement Communities (NOT inclusive):
Oak Knoll at 1007 Buschmann Road, Paradise CA 95969
A Full service community includes cottages for Independent Retirement.
Country Crest 55 Concordia Lane, Oroville CA 95966
Population: 73,000
Climate: Hot summers, cool to moderate winters
Cost of Living: Moderate to high
Housing Costs: Chico housing is moderate to expensive. Zillow has extensive details.
Taxes: California taxes are high compared to other states.
Extensive California Tax details are here: www.ftb.ca.gov/
Colleges and Universities: Chico State University www.csuchico.edu
Transportation: Chico Transit www.chico.ca.us/Chico_Area_Transit/Chico_Area_Transit.asp
Health Care: Enloe Medical Center is Chico's top health care facility, though Chico State also has health services for students.
Travel and tourism information from the Chico Chamber: www.chicochamber.com
Retirement in Decatur, Alabama
Decatur, Alabama – located on the Tennessee River in Morgan County – boasts a rich heritage and a dynamic future. Here you’ll find economic prosperity, cultural diversity, and community spirit combined to make Decatur a Grand City on a Charming Scale.
Health Care: The health and well being of the Decatur community is served by two hospitals, Decatur General Hospital and Parkway Medical Center Hospital.
Climate: Decatur experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and a generally mild winter. Temperatures range from 89 °F (31.6 C) in the summer to 49.0 °F (9.4 C) during winter.
Housing costs: 2004 Average Selling Price for a Home: $130,544
2005 Fair Market Rent for a 2 Bedroom Unit $474
Population: (2000 Census):Decatur: 56,000Morgan County: 110,000
Sales Tax:Decatur 9% (4% city, 1% county, 4% state) Morgan County 7% (3% county, 4% state)
Decatur remains interested in the well-being of its population, continuing to build parks and recreation facilities second to none. Water sports remain a draw to the area, with several national professional fishing tournaments hosted here each year.
Health Care: The health and well being of the Decatur community is served by two hospitals, Decatur General Hospital and Parkway Medical Center Hospital.
Climate: Decatur experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and a generally mild winter. Temperatures range from 89 °F (31.6 C) in the summer to 49.0 °F (9.4 C) during winter.
Housing costs: 2004 Average Selling Price for a Home: $130,544
2005 Fair Market Rent for a 2 Bedroom Unit $474
Population: (2000 Census):Decatur: 56,000Morgan County: 110,000
Sales Tax:Decatur 9% (4% city, 1% county, 4% state) Morgan County 7% (3% county, 4% state)
Decatur remains interested in the well-being of its population, continuing to build parks and recreation facilities second to none. Water sports remain a draw to the area, with several national professional fishing tournaments hosted here each year.
Retire to Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville, Alabama USA is one of the most recognized cities in the Southeast — consistently named as one of the best places to live and work by a variety of national publications. Our city is regularly named as a premier location for both business and quality of life.
Taxes; City Sales Tax Rate: 3.5%County Sales Tax Rate: 0.5%State Sales Tax Rate: 4.0%City Property Tax Rate (Per $100 of Assessed Valuation): 5.80
Climate: Take a look at the National Weather Service Climate Information for Huntsville, AL
Population: (Estimate May, 2001): 158,216
Cost of Living; This area boasts one of the lowest cost of living in the United States.
Transportation: Transportation includes, Huntsville International Airport , Huntsville has two active commercial rail lines. The mainline is run by Norfolk Southern, which runs from Memphis, TN to Chattanooga.
Health Care; Health care facilities include Crestwood Medical Center, and Huntsville Hospital.
Housing cost: Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $128,700 (it was $97,300 in 2000)
Colleges, higher education: UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN HUNTSVILLE (Full-time enrollment: 4,795; Location: 301 SPARKMAN DR; Public; Website: www.uah.edu; Offers Doctor's degree)
Taxes; City Sales Tax Rate: 3.5%County Sales Tax Rate: 0.5%State Sales Tax Rate: 4.0%City Property Tax Rate (Per $100 of Assessed Valuation): 5.80
Climate: Take a look at the National Weather Service Climate Information for Huntsville, AL
Population: (Estimate May, 2001): 158,216
Cost of Living; This area boasts one of the lowest cost of living in the United States.
Transportation: Transportation includes, Huntsville International Airport , Huntsville has two active commercial rail lines. The mainline is run by Norfolk Southern, which runs from Memphis, TN to Chattanooga.
Health Care; Health care facilities include Crestwood Medical Center, and Huntsville Hospital.
Housing cost: Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $128,700 (it was $97,300 in 2000)
Colleges, higher education: UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN HUNTSVILLE (Full-time enrollment: 4,795; Location: 301 SPARKMAN DR; Public; Website: www.uah.edu; Offers Doctor's degree)
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Redding California Retirement
Redding California lies in the Shasta Cascade region of north central California. Redding is the largest city for hundreds of miles in each direction and a key center of commerce and activity of this part of California.
Redding Retirement Communities (NOT inclusive):
River Oaks Retirement - http://www.riveroaksretirement.com/
Hilltop Estates Retirement - http://www.hilltopestates.net/ 530-241-4444
Oakdale Heights of Redding - http://www.oakdaleheights.com/ 530-241-6047
Lakewood Christian Homecare - http://www.lakewoodchristianhomecare.com/ 530-246-7088
Kirkwood Assisted Living 530-241-2900
Sierra Oaks Senior Living - http://www.oakdaleheights.com/: 530-241-5100
A Touch of Heaven - http://www.atouchofheaven.com/ 530-226-5052
Population: Approximately 90,000
Climate: Hot summers, mild to cold winters
Cost of Living: Moderate to high
Housing Costs: Check out Redding Home prices at Zillow
Taxes: California generally has high taxes compared to other states. California Tax details are here at the California State Tax website: http://www.ftb.ca.gov/
Colleges and Universities: Shasta College Lake College . Redding University offers professional degrees focusing on business and life experience degrees.
Transportation: Redding Area Bus Community Airport
Health care:
Shasta Regional Center - www.shastaregional.com
Mercy Medical Center Redding - redding.mercy.org
Patients Hospital - www.patientshospital.com - (530) 225-8700
Shasta County Psychiatric Hospital - www.co.shasta.ca.us - (530) 245-6979
Northern California Rehab Hospital - www.norcalrehab.com - (530) 246-9000
Travel and tourism: Redding outdoor recreation is very abundant. California's Trinity Alps Wilderness Area is nearby as are hundreds of lakes, streams, rivers. Redding is almost surrounded by BLM and Forest service lands with boating, fishing, hunting, and camping.
Redding Chamber of Commerce: http://www.reddingchamber.com/
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association
Redding Retirement Communities (NOT inclusive):
River Oaks Retirement - http://www.riveroaksretirement.com/
Hilltop Estates Retirement - http://www.hilltopestates.net/ 530-241-4444
Oakdale Heights of Redding - http://www.oakdaleheights.com/ 530-241-6047
Lakewood Christian Homecare - http://www.lakewoodchristianhomecare.com/ 530-246-7088
Kirkwood Assisted Living 530-241-2900
Sierra Oaks Senior Living - http://www.oakdaleheights.com/: 530-241-5100
A Touch of Heaven - http://www.atouchofheaven.com/ 530-226-5052
Population: Approximately 90,000
Climate: Hot summers, mild to cold winters
Cost of Living: Moderate to high
Housing Costs: Check out Redding Home prices at Zillow
Taxes: California generally has high taxes compared to other states. California Tax details are here at the California State Tax website: http://www.ftb.ca.gov/
Colleges and Universities: Shasta College Lake College . Redding University offers professional degrees focusing on business and life experience degrees.
Transportation: Redding Area Bus Community Airport
Health care:
Shasta Regional Center - www.shastaregional.com
Mercy Medical Center Redding - redding.mercy.org
Patients Hospital - www.patientshospital.com - (530) 225-8700
Shasta County Psychiatric Hospital - www.co.shasta.ca.us - (530) 245-6979
Northern California Rehab Hospital - www.norcalrehab.com - (530) 246-9000
Travel and tourism: Redding outdoor recreation is very abundant. California's Trinity Alps Wilderness Area is nearby as are hundreds of lakes, streams, rivers. Redding is almost surrounded by BLM and Forest service lands with boating, fishing, hunting, and camping.
Redding Chamber of Commerce: http://www.reddingchamber.com/
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association
Retirement in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
The City of Tuscaloosa is located in West Alabama on the Black Warrior River, 57 miles southwest of Birmingham. Tuscaloosa is the county seat of 1,340 square mile Tuscaloosa County, which also includes the municipalities of Northport and Brookwood.
Population; 83,052 (2006)
Tuscaloosa is the home of the University of Alabama
Health Care: DCH Health system has several medical centers in the area, and there is also a Veterans Administration Medical Center.
Transportation: The Tuscaloosa Transit Authority system is the public transit system, with trollys on 4 fixed routes in the city. There is also bus service as well as a municiple airport.
Climate: The average temperature is 67.4 degrees, and the precipitation for 2006 was 50.91 inches. The city is 225 feet above sea level.
Taxes: The sales tax is 9%. Property taxes in Alabama are the lowest in the US.
Population; 83,052 (2006)
Tuscaloosa is the home of the University of Alabama
Health Care: DCH Health system has several medical centers in the area, and there is also a Veterans Administration Medical Center.
Transportation: The Tuscaloosa Transit Authority system is the public transit system, with trollys on 4 fixed routes in the city. There is also bus service as well as a municiple airport.
Climate: The average temperature is 67.4 degrees, and the precipitation for 2006 was 50.91 inches. The city is 225 feet above sea level.
Taxes: The sales tax is 9%. Property taxes in Alabama are the lowest in the US.
Retire to Anniston, Alabama
The City of Anniston, Alabama is situated in a tree lined valley of the Appalachian foothills, Anniston is the commercial and industrial center of Calhoun County. With a mild climate and four distinct seasons, Anniston has plentiful outdoor recreational opportunities, including bicycling, fishing, camping and golfing.
Population: 23,741 (2005)
Climate: Four distinct seasons
Municiple Sales Tax: 4%
Transportation: Anniston Municiple Airport, Amtrak (train) and Greyhound (bus)
Population: 23,741 (2005)
Climate: Four distinct seasons
Municiple Sales Tax: 4%
Transportation: Anniston Municiple Airport, Amtrak (train) and Greyhound (bus)
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Santa Rosa California Retirement
Thinking of retiring in Santa Rosa, California?
Santa Rosa, like Eureka and Crescent City, is located on California's Northern Coast, but south of those cities. A comfortable climate and high standard of living make many California cities high on the list of retirement destinations, although Santa Rose is less familiar to many than cities like San Diego California.
Retirement Communities: Friends house and Vineyard Commons offer quality independent living. More retirement communities can be found here.
Santa Rosa Population: 156,000 (2005)
CNN Demographic Profile for Santa Rosa
Climate: Hot summers and mild, cool winters make Santa Rosa's climate comfortable for most people. The dry heat of California is very different from points north and east, so it's a good idea to spend some time in a community before moving there.
Cost of Living: High
Housing Costs: High. See this Zillow link for more Santa Rosa Housing Data
Taxes: California generally has high taxes compared to other states. Extensive California Tax details are here: http://www.ftb.ca.gov/
Colleges and Universities: Santa Rosa Junior College and Sonoma State University in the UC system offer many classes and courses in various disciplines.
Santa Rosa Transportation: Santa Rosa City Bus offers in city transportation while Sonoma County Transit provides bus service regionally.
Health care: Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital: http://www.santarosamemorial.org
Sutter Hospital: http://www.suttersantarosa.org/
Travel and tourism: Visit the Santa Rosa Chamber website fo more about travel, hotels, and lodging in the Santa Rose area: http://www.santarosachamber.com/ or contact them for free information: Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce, 637 First Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95404.
707.545.1414
Santa Rosa, like Eureka and Crescent City, is located on California's Northern Coast, but south of those cities. A comfortable climate and high standard of living make many California cities high on the list of retirement destinations, although Santa Rose is less familiar to many than cities like San Diego California.
Retirement Communities: Friends house and Vineyard Commons offer quality independent living. More retirement communities can be found here.
Santa Rosa Population: 156,000 (2005)
CNN Demographic Profile for Santa Rosa
Climate: Hot summers and mild, cool winters make Santa Rosa's climate comfortable for most people. The dry heat of California is very different from points north and east, so it's a good idea to spend some time in a community before moving there.
Cost of Living: High
Housing Costs: High. See this Zillow link for more Santa Rosa Housing Data
Taxes: California generally has high taxes compared to other states. Extensive California Tax details are here: http://www.ftb.ca.gov/
Colleges and Universities: Santa Rosa Junior College and Sonoma State University in the UC system offer many classes and courses in various disciplines.
Santa Rosa Transportation: Santa Rosa City Bus offers in city transportation while Sonoma County Transit provides bus service regionally.
Health care: Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital: http://www.santarosamemorial.org
Sutter Hospital: http://www.suttersantarosa.org/
Travel and tourism: Visit the Santa Rosa Chamber website fo more about travel, hotels, and lodging in the Santa Rose area: http://www.santarosachamber.com/ or contact them for free information: Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce, 637 First Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95404.
707.545.1414
Eureka California Retirement
Eureka is on the northern California Coast. Like Crescent City, Eureka offers some magnificent coastal and Redwood forest scenery, hiking, and outdoor adventure wrapped in a sometimes downtrodden city landscape.
Retirement Communities: Yahoo Local lists several retirement communities in the Eureka area
Population: About 25000
Climate: Very rainy with mild to cool temperatures pretty much year-round.
Cost of Living: Moderate to high due to high Real Estate costs
Housing Costs: Eureka Housing Information from Zillow
Taxes: California generally has high taxes. California Tax details are here: http://www.ftb.ca.gov/
Higher Education: College of the Redwoods is based in Eureka and serves the Northern Coastal region. Humboldt State University is located in Arcata California, about 15 miles North of Eureka. Humboldt State is part of the California University System offering up to Masters degrees in many subjects.
Transportation: Redwood Coast Transit provides dial a ride service throughout parts of the region.
Health care: St Josephs Hospital is a major regional health care facility: http://www.stjosepheureka.org
Travel and tourism: Eureka offers Redwoods and Coastal scenery that are spectacular and just a short drive from town either north or south along Highway 101. Consider a trip out to the North Jetty for wave watching and on to the Samoa Cookhouse for lumberjack style meals served family style. Timber was king in this region for many years and for many the Cookhouse brings back the feel of those times. Eureka Chamber of Commerce: http://www.eurekachamber.com
Retirement Communities: Yahoo Local lists several retirement communities in the Eureka area
Population: About 25000
Climate: Very rainy with mild to cool temperatures pretty much year-round.
Cost of Living: Moderate to high due to high Real Estate costs
Housing Costs: Eureka Housing Information from Zillow
Taxes: California generally has high taxes. California Tax details are here: http://www.ftb.ca.gov/
Higher Education: College of the Redwoods is based in Eureka and serves the Northern Coastal region. Humboldt State University is located in Arcata California, about 15 miles North of Eureka. Humboldt State is part of the California University System offering up to Masters degrees in many subjects.
Transportation: Redwood Coast Transit provides dial a ride service throughout parts of the region.
Health care: St Josephs Hospital is a major regional health care facility: http://www.stjosepheureka.org
Travel and tourism: Eureka offers Redwoods and Coastal scenery that are spectacular and just a short drive from town either north or south along Highway 101. Consider a trip out to the North Jetty for wave watching and on to the Samoa Cookhouse for lumberjack style meals served family style. Timber was king in this region for many years and for many the Cookhouse brings back the feel of those times. Eureka Chamber of Commerce: http://www.eurekachamber.com
Crescent City California Retirement
Crescent City lies on the Northern California Coast, about 20 miles south of the California - Oregon Border. Home to Redwood National Park and some of the finest coastal scenery in the USA, natural beauty is abundant in this region. Unfortunately the Crescent City economy is not so beautiful with a relatively weak job market with many low paying jobs, leading to some community challenges. The stretch of California Highway 101 passing through Crescent City gives a bad impression of the city, but also reflects the fact that this area is a far cry from the more luxurious standards of California Retirement areas like San Diego and San Francisco.
Retirement Communities: Couldn't find any! If you know of one please let us know.
Population: About 5000
Climate: Very rainy with mild to cool temperatures pretty much year-round.
Cost of Living: Moderate
Housing Costs: Moderate
Taxes: California generally has high taxes. Details: http://www.ftb.ca.gov/
Higher Education: College of the Redwoods
Transportation: Redwood Coast Transit provides dial a ride service throughout parts of the region.
Health care: Sutter Coast Hospital . Sutter Coast Hospital is a 59 bed acute care, community-based, not-for-profit hospital offers many forms of care at the Crescent City
Travel and tourism: Check out the Del Norte Chamber website for information about travel and tourism in this amazing region. The Redwoods and Coastal scenery are magnificent.
Retirement Communities: Couldn't find any! If you know of one please let us know.
Population: About 5000
Climate: Very rainy with mild to cool temperatures pretty much year-round.
Cost of Living: Moderate
Housing Costs: Moderate
Taxes: California generally has high taxes. Details: http://www.ftb.ca.gov/
Higher Education: College of the Redwoods
Transportation: Redwood Coast Transit provides dial a ride service throughout parts of the region.
Health care: Sutter Coast Hospital . Sutter Coast Hospital is a 59 bed acute care, community-based, not-for-profit hospital offers many forms of care at the Crescent City
Travel and tourism: Check out the Del Norte Chamber website for information about travel and tourism in this amazing region. The Redwoods and Coastal scenery are magnificent.
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