Well, and thanks to all of those who took the time to make recommendations last week. You might be interested to see how the readership scatter-plotted:
The pic goes to an interactive map. I was toying with the notion of using the GoogleMap api, but it was all burdened down with JavaScript in a way that made my head hurt on a Saturday morning. Course, it might have been the mojitos from Friday evening, but no: I’m pretty sure it was the JavaScript.
Not included are any of them furren destinations, even Hobart, Tasmania – which, though they’re attractive to say the least don’t seem to be realistic choices. Also, we had to generalize where folks were, well: General in their recommendations. I dunno for example if “Fredericksburg, Texas” is truly reflective of the Texas Hill Country for example, but it sounded right to a Virginian ear. There’s an interesting over-sampling on a corridor that runs from northeast Alabama up towards New England. I believe it corresponds to the Appalachian range as it runs down into the Smokies.
I thought it was kind of cool.
I believe it corresponds to the Appalachian range as it runs down into the Smokies.
Could be a comment about your readers too! (I’m allowed to say that as I am an “Appalachian American.”)
N
By corresponding to the Blue Ridge, the eastern slope of the Appalachians, you have a rough match with the Great Wagon Road, the southernly route of the Scots-Irish — Andrew Jackson’s and Jim Webb’s (Born Fightin’) clan, which might explain a thing or two.
I did some looking for a map of where the retirees tend to settle; couldn’t find one.
But since John mentioned the Appalachians I should put in a late plug for Asheville, NC if you like Seattle without the bustle.
I *think* I don’t have to worry about this for a couple more years…
Lex,
Actually, the real reason we folks settled along the Appalacians is just in case that any of that Glow-Bull Warming stuff is real. Gives us first dibs on beachfront property:)
Respects.
“Glow-Bull Warning” LOL
I like that
Can’t help but notice, just looking at coastlines, the East Coast rules!
AW1, it used to be if you were to speculate on “future” beachfront property you would by east of California’s San Andreous Fault, my how times change! Glow Bull Warming, heh.
Well, sir, my wife and I moved back to Prescott, AZ.
You can walk in the DMV and be done 30 minutes–Car Reg., License–the whole 9 yards.
You can go to the local gun superstore, and buy an AK-47. Then there is a range to shoot it at not more than 10 minutes out.
We have mostly dry weather, not like East Texas with 98 and 98 (Degrees and Humidity)
You go to anemergency room–and everybody speaks English!
Deals are done with handshakes.
I forgot another Florida gem: we are a “must carry” state, the state MUST issue a carry permit, provided you are not a felon. The scenery, the beaches, the rivers, lakes and oak trees are quite nice as well.
Booo, no dots in Pensacola…
Michelle – the East Coast DOES rule, but then I might be a tad biased.
Asheville, NC – glorious place; vacationed there years ago and still harbor a yearning to live their full time. Maybe someday. Talk about God’s own country…
The missus and I were engaged in some active daydreaming and were trying to think of a place that might fit our need. We took an opposite approach and started listing things that might be deal-breakers with regards to each location and narrowing our search thataway. When all was said and done our best-fit location turned out to be eastern Tennessee.
Lex, if you do end up on the right coast and are looking for some decent fly-fishing I can direct you to some fairly good areas in the Shenandoah region of VA. About 263 miles from VA Beach but better’n nothing.
So has the Hobbit informed you where you will be going when the time comes?
I find it amusing that my work showed up but my home did not.
Well Sir, being as I have been a loyal Lex reader and seldom poster since the beginning, I have to add my vote for the Asheville area. There is a reason that the good Lord made the sky Carolina Blue ya know.
Grew up here, left and saw the world thanks to our uncle, settled in the ATL for 15 years and was able to finally make my way back to WNC. All in aviation no less.
It might not be as fast paced as your used to, but that’s not a bad thing, is it?
Oh, and Chap, only downtown Asheville is Seattle lite, thank God. At least the peacebabynonukesgranola types keep things interesting. The rest of us are mostly real people.
Therapist1,
Are we spealing metaphysically, or from a physical sense?
Hmmm… depends, of course, on how one interprets physical, or, rather, corporeal, I suspect. That’s a whole ‘nuther discussion there…
Respects,
Helena, Montana?!?!?!?!?
I grew up in Havre and Malta in the other part of Montana. Helena has been infested with foreigners(California, Oregon, Washington, New York, etc). The only real Montana is on the plains. The lefties don’t like the open country.
Oh, yeah, I lived in Helena from 63-66. Grade school days.
VERY Cool Lex! These danged ol’ computers shore can do the funky stuff.
One last bid for Columbia, SC (for you and anybody else looking)… grab the wife, have a quick discussion about the equity in your San Diego home and what you might get if you were to sell it. Then, together, take a look at these websites and consider what your money could buy. No, I’m not a Realtor and I have no connection – it’s just that I think the values here are so outstanding!
http://www.shumakerhomes.com/
http://www.drhorton.com/
http://www.essexhomes.net/
For each of these, select the Columbia, SC area and check out the communities.
Zillow.com is another website that is pretty good at finding approximate prices and properties nationwide based upon taxes.
Just, you know, sayin…
Agree with the Ensign (something I don’t normally do). How could you overlook the cradle of Naval aviation? Three days bread and water…
Dept of Interior has some aviation-related jobs in Boise. I was raised in Melba–the seed capital of America, as the sign said when about to decend into the valley. But, I’m hoping for Bend, when my time comes to retire.
First time poster…
I just wanted to toss another location into the mix — Colorado Springs. Medium-sized city (about 400k), high desert climate (nice and dry, the thermometer only occasionally goes above 90), very few bugs. Sunny more often than not.
Thirty minute drive to the Rocky Mountains, 2.5 hours from skiing. Many, many parks and open spaces. Yes, we get the occasional snow, but it tends to evaporate/melt quickly. Lots of military support in the area (four AF bases + one big Army base).
However, there is a distinct lack of large bodies of water, which might tend to dissuade Naval types…
Fredericksburg is 100% Texas Hill Country. Nice German flair too with some decent breweries, a great state park, and the Nimitz musuem (National Museum of the Pacific War). Not a bad little place if you like small town life.
I have to agree with Zack, You might also want to check out Kerrville,Boerne,and Bandera, The Cowboy Capital of The World. All Are within easy driving distance of San Antonio.
“…easy driving distance of San Antonio”.
Yeah, not like he’s biased or anything
Lex, I was TAD last week so unable to participate. So, for what it’s worth, check out my hometown: Fort Collins, CO. Turning a little port lately but a wonderful place.
Oh and by the way, Fredericksburg, TX? Beautiful Hill Country indeed. And home to the Nimitz Museum, which is outstanding.
http://www.nimitz-museum.org/
Of course I’m biased Michelle, I am Blessed to also Live IMO in a wonderful place.
In my brief,3 year truck driving career, I was privilege to get to 47 of the lower 48 with Maine being the lone exception. I hear it is much like New Hampshire,scenery wise that is.
That being said, I haven’t found a place I’d rather live.
unkawill, my point was … I think you’ve said that you live in or near San Antonio so I figured that you were trying to get Lex to move down your way.
Cool job, a long distance trucker. When I was about 12 we went to visit my uncle in El Paso and I travelled with him in a semi on one of his shorter trips. I fell in love with the idea and decided that I was going to marry a trucker… I think somehow it equated with power and independence in my mind. I was going to definitely marry either that trucker or a cop. Funny thing is, it wasn’t until years later that it even occured to me that I could have either one of those occupations myself if I wished.
Trucking, If it’s exciting, you are doing it wrong.
It’s kinda like flying, hours upon hours of tedium inter sped with moments of stark terror.
And yes I am cheerleading for my region of the country, we have everything the good Cap’n is looking for, and more!