Don’t Fret over Winter Woes. Do This Instead!

Dear Rich Lifer,

In many parts of the USA, dealing with winter weather is no joke!

Whether you’re in Ohio or Oregon, the snow, freezing cold, and weeks without seeing the sun can really drag you down.

Social occasions also become fewer and farther between because no one wants to go outside in dreadful weather.

Not only that, it’s a major inconvenience to get around, and living costs, like food, car insurance and can be much more expensive, not to mention your heating bill. For many people, winter weather drives prices up and quality of life down.

What’s a Man to Do?

The good news, is now that you’re retired, you don’t have to stay put if you don’t want to… and there are many beautiful cities with warmer weather, low cost of living, and lots to do even in winter.

Moving may seem extreme, but when you think about it, you’re spending a quarter of your life (or more, depending on how far north you are) living a lower, more expensive quality of life. And if you’re suffering from medical conditions like COPD, asthma, or arthritis, the cold isn’t just unpleasant – it can be downright painful and even dangerous.

So maybe it’s time to make the move to warmer weather, become a snowbird, or at least plan extended trip to get away from the worst of winter.

If getting away from the cold weather appeals to you, here are a few cities you should consider retiring in if you want to save money. Best of all, we’ve skipped the costly old favorites like San Diego, Austin, and Ft. Lauderdale. Don’t get me wrong, those cities are well known for a reason, but these cities are just as good – maybe even better – and a lot more affordable, too.

Round Rock, Texas

What’s so special about this place? Round Rock is one of the fastest growing cities in America – and for good reason. The mild weather, sound infrastructure, and low crime make this a very enjoyable place to call home. Also, with a booming real estate market, many of the houses are sporting the latest comforts and amenities.

If you’re a fan of barbecue or Tex-Mex, you’ll be in good company in Round Rock. There are several restaurants specializing in either cuisine, and some of the best barbecue in the world can be found right next door in Austin.

• Average Temperatures In December – 62 high, 41 low
• Median Home Price – $275,800

Ahwatukee, Arizona

What’s so special about this place? Life in Ahwatukee is all about relaxing and enjoying the great outdoors. There are three golf courses and opportunities for hiking and trail riding. If cooking is your thing, you can try your hand at the famed Ahwatukee Chili Cookoff – this annual festival lasts three days!

The housing market is moving pretty fast, but don’t worry – with a couple hundred newer homes available, you’ll be sure to find one you love.

• Average Temperatures In December – 66 high, 39 low
• Median Home Price – $319,200

Las Cruces, New Mexico

What’s so special about this place? Believe it or not, Las Cruces is getting hot on the wine scene! You can go wine tasting at a number of wineries along the Las Cruces wine trail. If you’re not into the vino, there are tons of other things to do, too – camping, golf, and bird watching are all local favorites.

Whether you want a new custom home or an older home with acreage, Las Cruces has got you covered – just about anything you could wish for in a home is available here, and the housing market is cheaper than many other locations.

• Average Temperatures In December – 58 high, 29 low
• Median Home Price – $171,800

Jacksonville, Florida

What’s so special about this place? Anyone who loves the beach would love to call Jacksonville home. With 22 miles of coast, you can enjoy fishing, diving, and (most importantly in my book) surfing, as well as all sorts of other water sports practically year round. If you prefer watching sports, the Jacksonville Jaguars are a local fan favorite – and watching football when it’s warm at the stadium is pretty nice!

Jacksonville real estate isn’t just beachy shacks. If you’re into a particular style of architecture, you’re sure to find it here – there are thousands of homes on the market, so you’re sure to find the perfect one for you at a great price.

• Average Temperatures In December – 68 high, 49 low
• Median Home Price – $180,300

Lafayette, Louisiana

What’s so special about this place? A lot of life in Louisiana is all about the food. From crawfish to oysters to etouffee, be prepared to eat like a king! There’s such a rich tradition in this area – French blended with Cajun and Creole – that permeates just about everything, and with the second largest Mardi Gras celebration, a good time is usually had by all.

Simplicity is key in Lafayette homes – you’ll find many comfortable one-story ranch style homes here, and they’re all pretty affordable, too.

• Average Temperatures In December – 64 high, 45 low
• Median Home Price – $159,100

Murrieta, California

What’s so special about this place? While the median home price in Murrieta is higher than the others on this list, it’s also more than $100,000 cheaper than the rest of California. It’s also one of the safest cities in the state, and is just a short drive from San Diego or Orange County, so you can hit the beach, visit Disneyland (a great choice if you have young grandkids), or enjoy food and beverages at world class restaurants and breweries.

If you believe bigger is better, then you’ll love house shopping in Murrieta. You’ll find many homes that are 2500Sqft –or even bigger– and many of them are on the new side, too.

• Average Temperatures In December – 67 high, 49 low
• Median Home Price – $446,100

Charleston, South Carolina

What’s so special about this place? Charleston is rich in history, and you see that reflected everywhere. There’s a strong arts community here, and you can visit a museum or a beautiful old plantation just about any day of the year. If you prefer being active, they’ve got sailing, fishing, golf, and tons of other activities you can enjoy year round.

If you’re looking for a slice of Americana, you’ll love the homes in Charleston. There are a few classic architectural styles in town – you’ll be sure to enjoy them all.

• Average Temperatures In December – 61 high, 46 low
• Median Home Price – $316,500

With choices like these, does it really make sense to stay put through another harsh, horrible winter? Maybe it’s time to find somewhere you’d really love to live…

If you’re not completely sold on moving to one of these cities, now is the perfect time to schedule a trip to see how you like it. You’ll be able to see the sights, learn more about the community, and, of course, escape the cold for a little while!

To a richer life,

Nilus Mattive