Looking for paradise to retire

[pharmer]

Since South of the border is high on the list I have decided if'n I was to "abandon ship" Uruguay has a "do your own thing as long as you don't do harm" attitude. You need to have $2500/mo income stream to move there last time I checked. No "2ndA" but gun ownership is relatively straightforward once you establish "residency." That said, I was born and i'll die in this sweet land. Joe

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Take this with a grain of salt

Before you ask folks to define "paradise" you must arm yourself with a large shaker of salt. You'll need lots of "grains."

I grew up 50 miles from where I am now, and I've been up here for 17 years.

Between my hometown and here I moved 14 times in 28 years during my Air Force career -- all over the United States, Asia, and Europe -- then I lived in a 5th-wheel trailer for a year and a half and went to the University of Wyoming in Laramie for almost six years after that.

When folks visit my place for the first time I say, "Welcome to paradise." Many, many agree this is it.

Visit my paradise in five photos.

 

[Golddollar]

Rational folks can own guns in the Philippines. It's a little hassle, but not a big problem.

Who defines who is rational? I might be in trouble.

 

[Rustyt1953]

I'd like to move to Montana and raise me up a crop of dental floss.

 

[Imissedagain]

This might work.

 

[A10]

I'd like to move to Montana and raise me up a crop of dental floss.

Just you and the pygmy pony?

 

[pharmer]

I'd like to move to Montana and raise me up a crop of dental floss.

"Well I just might grow me some bees
But I'd leave the sweet stuff to somebody else
But then on the other hand I would
Keep the wax
'N melt it down
Pluck some floss
'N swish it aroun'
I'd have me a crop
An' it'd be on top
That's why I'm movin' to Montana....."

Sounds like a "Shark Tank" episode. Joe

 

[Greyman50]

Consider state income taxes, few states have none. Florida also has no taxes on certain food and meds and lots of gun shops shooting ranges, new outdoor one just opened about 15 miles away. Moved to N. Florida inland as only #*@+%"- would live in a house few 100' from ocean anywhere. From coastal Va. , went through many very bad hurricanes from 50's til 90's and lived in Wilmington N.C. for few years so more hurricanes, no thanks. Saw the results of many hurricanes as we always drove to Sandbridge and the outer banks after hurricanes. Never forget seeing many many beach front houses hanging at crazy angles or just the pilings left where one used to be. Renting so the High home insurance rates may be in rent but don't have to deal with the hassles, have renters insurance which is not bad at all. There is no " winter" here. Used to work in midwest from Peoria to Williamsport Pa. in every month, had enough of cold and snow.Neighbors are very good and have lots of friends in gun club. Medical care is pretty good, just have to drive to a specialist but primary care is less than a mile away. Most of my Mds are gun guys too so after talking about conditions we talk guns. Oh, all the well known beaches are about a hour away, did I mention the Best seafood???.

 

[johngalt]

If the climate change alarmists are to believed, Minnesota will soon be a tropical zone. Plus we have beaches!

However the state is so blue a north easterner would feel at home.

 

[mtgianni]

I would suggest wherever you go, you rent for a year or so to make sure that you want to live there. I would also suggest, if finances allow, to spend 9-10 months inland and 2-3 pm a beach somewhere. The idea of finding both is great but the reality is very different.

 

[James K]

There was a Paradise in California, but it burned to the ground a few years ago.

 

[MetalMan]

Between my hometown and here I moved 14 times in 28 years during my Air Force career -- all over the United States, Asia, and Europe --

Funny you should mention...I've also moved 14 times in my business career, though with transfers/relocations rather than with the military. Wife and family have been with me through 12 of these.

We've lived on both coasts and several states in-between. Also, had a 2-year stint in Norway.

I'm originally from CT and wife is from WV. Met when I finished graduate school and took first job in SE Ohio.

We moved about every 2 years on average so the hardest part about all of these moves was the inability to plant real roots and, while we made many good "acquaintances", it was difficult to develop really good friendships. As mobile as we were, it was surprising how many of our contemporaries had spent all of their lives in one place.

Worst place was probably Arkansas where we were considered "d**n Yankees" for the 8 years that we were there; northerners that stay rather than just stopping to "set a while". That said, this was the best place for bird hunting, trout fishing and, generally, the most 2A friendly.

Favorite place is where we live now - Dublin, OH (NW Columbus suburb). We've been here going on 14 years now. Moderate climate - not too hot, not too cold. Four seasons (winters haven't been terrible). Downside is extremely high real estate taxes but, at least in Dublin, you can see where the money is being spent - schools, infrastructure, access to extremely good (and competent) healthcare. Great football (Go Bucs!) and access to several good gun ranges - Blackwing and Range USA. And, while OH is now "Constitutional Carry", there are 38 states that recognize my Ohio CCW permit and offer reciprocity.

The only downside is that our kids are now both located in CT so it's an 11-hour haul across OH, PA and NY to get there. I also have a CT non-resident permit so I have to stop at the PA/NY line and lock everything up for the 80-mile portion of the trip across NY.

I admit to sometimes getting "antsy" and suggesting that maybe we should consider to move; closer to the kids/grandkids, somewhere with lower taxes, etc. My wife just gestures "bye-bye"; she's happy here too. So, happy wife, happy life...guess we're here for a bit longer...

 

[CH4]

Paradise is a suburb of Las Vegas. Given all the tourists, many think it's truly is paradise.

 

[Golddollar]

o/" They paved Paradise o/"
o/" Put up a parking lot o/" - Joni Mitchell

 

[Farmer17]

I never really thought of Oklahoma as a paradise but it's generally considered the "reddest state" so in these weird and scary times maybe it's the closest thing to paradise for me. I can travel about anywhere I want when I feel like but it always feels good to come back home and I'll probably live here forever if things here don't change. Apparently other people must think it's a paradise also because they're moving here in record numbers but I don't want it to grow any more.

 

[A10]

I never really thought of Oklahoma as a paradise but it's generally considered the "reddest state" so in these weird and scary times maybe it's the closest thing to paradise for me. I can travel about anywhere I want when I feel like but it always feels good to come back home and I'll probably live here forever if things here don't change. Apparently other people must think it's a paradise also because they're moving here in record numbers but I don't want it to grow any more.

North East is awful pretty... around Bartlesville....

 

[LVSteve]

Favorite place is where we live now - Dublin, OH (NW Columbus suburb). We've been here going on 14 years now. Moderate climate - not too hot, not too cold. Four seasons (winters haven't been terrible). Downside is extremely high real estate taxes but, at least in Dublin, you can see where the money is being spent - schools, infrastructure, access to extremely good (and competent) healthcare.

I did some contract work for a guy based in Columbus, and I think he had a place in Dublin. He was telling me about the local property taxes levied variously by the city, the county, the dog pound etc. My wallet was whimpering as he went down the list.

 

[kaaskop49]

Paradise is a suburb of Las Vegas. Given all the tourists, many think it's truly is paradise.

Did not know we were a 'suburb.' I believe the formal term is "unincorporated township." Sure doesn't feel like a suburb: just more and more and more houses crammed together with every square inch of desert being built up.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[Ugly Hombre]

There is a big time gun culture in the R.P. many ranges etc. They are on social media- don't know if its allowed so won't post it it up. Ez to find if interested. Having a U.S. home base and going back and fourth to the Philippines would be ideal. Subic may still have some Americans there and other bases with American G.I's are opening up .


If Clark had stayed open I would have done that. That would have been ideal- to late.


California- when I came in from overseas in 89' was not bad- now its not paradise no, not by a long shot, we planed to move to Colorado is was paradise in the mid 80's but its changed-


I look at "zillow" every week, Arkansas, Texas, Wyoming, South Dakota,etc and dream. Wife is still working plan is to jump when she retires hopefully. Joke with my Texas friends and ask what the test is for getting Texas new immigrant visa from the late great. lol sort of...


I told wife that if something happens to me probably be better for her to move back home to the Philippines.

 

[johngalt]

I did some contract work for a guy based in Columbus, and I think he had a place in Dublin. He was telling me about the local property taxes levied variously by the city, the county, the dog pound etc. My wallet was whimpering as he went down the list.

Ohio taxes (including property taxes) are interesting. All taxes go on the ballot for a vote. You would think that would be a barrier to lots of silly taxes. Ohio politicians are experts on pulling shenanigans to get their taxes passed. One of the more popular methods is to have a special election and don't advertise it. The only people who know about it are the supporters. So a majority of the less than 10% who actually show up to vote pass it.

 

[Rich Richardson]

I live in Phoenix from November to May. I live in the Colorado mountains at 11,000 ft from May to November.

 

[Capt3513]

I thought I had found paradise about 50 years ago, and we invested our lives together in Colorado working for the future.

Now the future is here and I don't want to live here anymore.

I want to move back to America, but no one seems to know where that is these days. Please let me know if you hear any rumors.

As Colorado escapees we found the America we grew up in in the wheatfields and small towns of NW Oklahoma.

 

[LVSteve]

Looks like Paradise CA will never be fully rebuilt thanks to the insurance industry.

How are people supposed to rebuild Paradise, California, when nobody can afford home insurance? | AP News

 

[luvsmiths]

Okay, so my wife and I are looking for the perfect place to retire. What are we looking for???? Paradise. I know, sniffing too much glue.

She wants to be close(r) to the beach with mild temps. Me, I want a, um, better political climate that is more pro 2A. No hurricanes or humidity.

I know, I am dreaming............right?

Drop her off in Florida on your way to Wyoming?

 

[luvsmiths]

When my wife and I decided to relocate to AZ some asked "Why not Florida?"

Easy answer...FL has humidity...AZ doesn't. FL has hurricanes...AZ doesn't (but does have the occasional dust storm and summer heat...but low humidity).

" It was 138 degrees today, but it's a DRY heat"!

 

[DWalt]

One major consideration for retirement relocation is the availability and quality of health services. Not just doctors and hospitals, but also dentists and vets. You can't forget your four footed friends. Assuming you can take them along. Some countries may not allow entry of animal pets.

One good thing about being here in San Antonio is the presence of a large medical center and a medical college with every type of specialist you can imagine.

 

[Skeet 028]

I grew up on the Eastern Shore of Md...when I was a kid it WAS paradise. hunting fishing lots of nice folks More'n half of 'em related...Stayed that way till about 1985 or so...Then the Philtydelphians Warshington Idiots and the Balti morons started moving in. By 95 she was about doneBay went to hades...Plywood orchards sprung up...We moved here to Wyoming in about 2005...We already owned a small ranch in Montana..near Red Lodge. sold the farm in Md and bought another place here in Wyoming. Gets colder here...gets hotter. Average is about the same. No humidity...no hurricanes...no tornados. Easy place to live. Wife loves it here. . Only thing I really miss is the folks and family I grew up with...course... My family was from the area there since the 1660s.. I had to marry a gal from Long Island so I knew I wasn't marrying Kin. She mighta been a Yankee...but her daddy was a southern boy for real

 

[UncleEd]

Just remember, retirement with the concept of
paradise must include good hospitals, excellent
and plentiful types of doctors and specialties,
ready supply of staff and distances not too
daunting. Add to that retirement facilities,
ditto on staffing for them.

Paradise must be coupled with the reality of life.

 

[dockmurgw]

Paradise must be coupled with the reality of life.

Even if it means you can't use a 20 round mag?

 

[Skeet 028]

Yep...those useless 20 round mags. Much better to have a 30 round mag...except the ammo pile gets used up faster. True story. Wife bought an AR wanted to kill them pesky coyotes. First time she went out on the 4 wheeler Y heard her shoot. Comes roaring up to the house...says I got a coyote. I hadda go make sure it was dead...and she wasn't touching an ol dead anything. Get back there...yep...critter WAS dead...1 223 hole...2 45 Colt holes through there too. I asked how many rounds she shot. Looked at me like I had lost my mind...and then said...well...all of 'em. That was 30 rounds...and 2 45 colt rounds too. She was so proud about killing the coyote that ate her cat...Bubba...so that's why we can have 30 round mags...but she gets 10 rounders these days