Personal experience in choosing retirement Locations.

I remember when I left the company I worked for for 33+ years and had not quite yet decided to retire.  I was testing the waters for nice locations that I could continue my career and eventually retire.  I was approached by recruiters on more than one occasion to relocate to this exact area.  I thought they were nuts and would not even consider an interview.   A couple of my friends also actually moved to the Benton Harbor/ St. Joe area  when they relocated to Whirlpool Corporate Headquarters.   They stayed just long enough to get another job before they had to survive the next winter.  But, let’s try to be fair and visit St. Joe anyway!

Welcome to St. Joseph Michigan

One of the first things mentioned on the  the Home  Page for City of St. Joseph is that it is only 90 miles from Chicago.  That doesn’t sound real encouraging!  St. Joseph, also known as St. Joe, is a deep water port town that is part of a chain of small towns stretching in an arc along the southern portion of Lake Michigan.  It is a community of 8,800 people within the larger Benton Harbor/ St. Joseph area of 162,000 people.   The St. Joseph Lighthouse stands in the middle of the port activities.  Some call  St. Joe “The Riviera of the Midwest”.   I haven’t quite figured out that connection yet.  Take a tour!

According to Newsweek Showcase.com, ” Given Michigan’s reputation as a land of harsh winter weather, it is safe to assume that it will never be a destination of choice for retirees desiring to live in a warmer, more hospitable climate”  It goes on to say, “While the seniors migrating to Michigan to spend their retirement years may be minimal, there are obviously substantial numbers, in fact the vast majority of Michigan residents, who, upon retirement, choose to remain here, either to take advantage of the affordable cost of livng or remain close to family and friends”.  I guess if you decide you have to stay in Michigan, compared to the rest of the state, St. Joe ain’t so bad!

Things to do?

Golf – Summer only.  There are several golf courses in the area.  I actually played a few of them myself.  Every golf course I played in Michigan was green and lush and in very good condition.  I was told they all stay that way because they don’t get the extended play throughout the year due to the weather.  Fishing – good.  Water skiing – you are kidding, we are talking retirees!  Shoveling snow – plenty to keep you busy!

The Weather!

Weather in the winter Blows!  Today is Monday January 12, 2009.  The forecast for the rest of the week in St. Joe is best summarized as this follows:

The Positive Side … this Publicity Picture!

I was considering leaving this space blank!  But, living is affordable.  If you don’t want to be bothered by unwanted visitors most of the year, it could be a good place to retire.  If you are from Michigan and plan to stay, it is one of the best places to retire in the state.  If you need to make a little money on the side,  in the winter you can shovel snow!

And finally,  If you are a strong believer in Global warming, it may be the place to retire … in a few thousand years!

The Negative Side … the rest of the pictures!

Too cold more than half the time!  Read all of the above!

Summary

Retire on the water!  St. Joseph, Michigan?  You gotta be kiddin! … Not Me!

I’m not saying it is the worst place to retire on the water, but it is definitely not one of the top 6 or 6000.  In fact, I love the water, and if I owned a home there and was  getting ready to retire, I would probably sell it and move to Florida , South Carolina or anywhere else I could enjoy the water at least half the time.  Or, maybe that’s just Me!  Papa B.

Also Read:

If Michigan is too cold, consider retiring in a foreign country.  Fellow baby boomer blogger Go To Retirement shares about retiring in Panama.  Check it out!

Related Acticles:

1. Retire by The Water – Dunedin, FL.
2. Retire by The Water – Beaufort, SC.
3. Retire by The Water – Sequim, WA.
4. Retire on The Water – Marble Falls TX.

Here’s our second installment on the the top 6 places to retire by the water.  This time we’re heading up the coast from the first spot.  The second is fairly well known from a Hollywood perspective, often being used for movies hoping to represent The South.  Now I definitely have you curious, don’t I?  Without further ado, the second stop on our list is no other than Beaufort, South Carolina.

Living on the Intra-Coastal Waterway

Beaufort, SC is nestled in the curve of a beautiful bay along the Intra-Coastal Waterway.  It offers a unique Low country living experience in the lasting memories of real southern hospitality.  It is a region steeped in rich history and scenic natural beauty.

Discover the Historic Downtown

Step back in the history of this 300 year old town into the National Landmark District adorned with architectural details preserved with great care and compassion.  This area boasts artifacts representing the Native American, Spanish, and French history.  Along with your cultural exploration, visit the wide variety of shops that line the streets of the district.  Take time to wander off the beaten path to enjoy additional shopping and dining unique to Beaufort.  It features casual eateries, cozy bistros, or world class restaurants, some of which offer waterfront dining with breathtaking views of the Beaufort River and Low country marshlands.

Beaufort has been used as a setting for movies such as Forrest Gump, The Prince of Tides, and The Big Chill . Its historic mansions and moss-covered oaks provide a perfect historic southern setting.  Located on the Intra-Coastal Waterway, it has far more to offer.

Plenty for all to enjoy

Renowned for its charming harbor along the Port Royal Sound and maintaining a historical character, Beaufort attracts tourists and new residents alike.  If you are a boater, you can access the Atlantic Ocean, visit the many islands, or just enjoy the sandbars and beaches along the way.  Beaufort County also offers plenty of of top notch golf courses and resort activities.  The famous Hilton Head is just 40 miles away.

The Plus Sides

Plenty of good golf close by.  Great medical care is available in the area.  Located near Duke University the local hospital is affiliated with Duke.  Well maintained historic charm and southern hospitality.  Temperatures more moderate than Florida. And if you are a huge Bluedevil fan, than that makes it that much more perfect. Personally, I’m not, so that offers no extra incentive for me.

The Down Side

Taxes are higher than some places.  While homes in the area along fairways are in hot demand, the most prized real estate in Beaufort is the well kept historic houses near downtown Beaufort starting at $500,000.  In newer areas just 10 miles away nice homes average closer to $300,000.  Tropical weather is always a concern in coastal areas.  Depending on where the grand-kids live it could be a long way to visit. For Papa Boomer, I like the idea of living close to the water, but just a little too far from my grandson.  Might be a good place to take him to visit when he gets older.

Ready to get away? Find great beach destinations at hotels.com.

Related Articles:

1. Retire by the Water – Sequim, WA.
2. Retire on the Water – St. Joseph, MI.
3. Retire by the Water – Marble Falls, TX.
4. Retire by the Water – Dunedin, FL.

Where is your dream place to retire?  Is it the town you currently reside?  Maybe you have visions of living in the wilderness?  What about a nice college town? If that’s not for you, then maybe a beach front property is calling your name.

photo credit: Soulcow TMM

Recently CNN Money did a piece on the top 6 waterfront places for boomers to retire that won’t break the bank.  First stop on the list is Dunedin, Florida.

West Coast of Florida

While Dunedin Florida (pronounced DONE-EE-DIN) has a small town image, it is actually a bustling city of 37,000 residents. One of the oldest towns on the West Coast of Florida, it has a wooded and subtropical setting with almost four miles of picturesque waterfront, a relaxed lifestyle, and activities for all likes and ages, making Dunedin a truly delightful place to live or visit.

Something for Everyone

Dunedin offers something for everyone. A quaint and active downtown, beautiful parks, recreational activities for all ages, history, culture, educational opportunities, a wide range of housing choices, and much more. For the dog lovers, they even have a special parade and its own park that is dedicated to their canine friends.  Who can’t love a town that loves dogs!

The Plus Sides

One of the plus sides of Dunedin, FL is less crowded and less expensive than most of the other towns on the Atlantic side of the state.  Also, if you are into a baseball, being in Florida puts you in the middle of 18 major league teams that host their spring training. Dunedin plays host to the Toronto Blue Jays at Knology Park which Sports Illustrated named one of the top 5 parks to catch a spring training game.

The Down Sides

If you don’t like the sun, then Dunedin is not the place for you.  Their beaches are ranked top in the U.S.  And don’t forget about the hurricanes.  Tropical weather is a constant in this beach community.

Still not sure?  Check out this video on Dunedin, FL.

Ready to get away? Find great beach destinations at hotels.com.

Wanting to visit Florida, here’s a good deal going now:
Florida Beaches on Sale: Save up to 25% in Naples. Rates from $69! Book now for travel through 2/28/09.

Related Articles:

1. Retire by the Water – Sequim, WA
2. Retire by the Water – Beaufort, SC.
3. Retire on the Water – St. Joseph, MI.
4. Retire by the Water – Marble Falls, TX.