One thing that I would recomend checking out is whether the HOA covers pest control inside the units. (many just do common areas). This is important, not because of saving expenses for you, but prevents your neighbors from developing a pest problem that bleeds over into your unit but that you can’t do anything about.

Thank you! So far we are holding tight where we are! Not much out there in homes for sale that is making us want to jump!

Of course, it works both ways, and you could find your own home in a bidding war, driving up the sale price of your home significantly. But it might make sense to wait until the housing market is in calmer waters. Or, take Mrs. FW’s suggestion of buying a condo. Managing two properties would be a major challenge – maybe extended stays in warmer climates during the winter might make more sense? Anyway, good luck on everything!

Lacey,
I love your attitude! You sound like you are up for anything and any type of living arrangement. You go, girl!

Melissa, thank you for your suggestions. We’ve had lots of discussions about our future plans.

Its not for everybody, but its something to consider. Parts of Florida would likely have this benefit, as would many other areas. And I can’t say enough good things about Luquillo. Its got a robust “continental” community of retirees in the winter as well as lots to do.

Good luck!

It’s funny how everyone is mentioning Florida. I’ve never wanted to land there. I like to Carolina states!

I have lived in Florida my whole life. I agree with most of this. My husband said, “if they want to know what is is like to live in Florida, tell them to take a hot shower, do Not dry off, just put on your clothes and go.” Funny, but not quite accurate, all year. Anyway, I think (near Fort Myers) we have very, very low cost of living. Yes, we have hurricanes, alligators if you are near water, bad drivers (we say because the people who retired here- ha ha), no basements, and flat land. I never plan to move. Travel, yes, but I don’t worry about a rare lizard on the patio (the cats get em for me.) Best of luck. I think Bill should write books, he is very descriptive.

Yes to renting! My parents rent a condo near family in South Carolina for 2-3 months in the winter. It’s I think around $600-800 per month for a small 2BR, because it’s off season for the beach community they go to but much warmer than the winters in MA (usually in the 60’s). They are still able to drive down so their costs are really minimal. They road trip on the way, stop at civil war battlefields and other interesting places and stay in budget motels near the highway.

I am also in my 50s like you Melissa, as well as Dan and Deb.

My mother moved into a continuing care community from a single house at age 80. Though Dan and Debbie are nowhere near that age,
the idea in some comments is to prepare for aging in place since they are already considering moving.

In some ways my mother’s move was positive, there are three levels of care and she has been in all three, which has provided continuity during some minor crises. It certainly will make it easier for us when she eventually passes since there is no house to clean out.

However, there were also some negatives. She gained an enormous amount of weight, which I think would have been held in check by having a home and yard to care for which to care. If I remember correctly, the author who wrote about the “blue zones” mentioned Costa Rica and a man who was 80 who climbed a hill every day to visit his mother who was 102! Non-optional physical activity can keep you in shape.

When my mother moved from her apartment in the CCR to assisted living in the same CCR, she moved to a different group of neighbors, had to make new friends, and we had to take her cat. So the idea that you will move to age in place doesn’t take into account different levels of decline, which will come with their own losses and the possible need to move again.

Most people are talking about condos as if there are no sacrifices in terms of lifestyle other than space. But Dan, how will you feel having put in all this work on your house if you live in a place where the upkeep is not up to your expectations? People talk about no upkeep but you won’t have control over the level. How will Deb and you feel about going from seeing horses in your back to hearing your neighbors voices and music through the walls? While it does seem to make sense to move closer to family in the long term, don’t rush a move.

Dan and Deb could really sock a lot more away for retirement in the next 5-10 years if they try and are in good shape and can be in even better.

Louise,
I have heard about the ridiculous premiums out there! I’m sure this is quite a stopper for a lot of people right now who are considering early retirement. Thanks for the heads up!