One kid in California, another in Montana, and three more in New Mexico along with a grandbaby! My whole family is still in South Carolina, and that is where I was born, my wife's family is in Southern California and she was born here, but she is really close to my family in... Yeah it's like she and my sister are sisters.
One of these days we are going to be forced to decide if we are going to make a move. Do we stay or do we go? This is where the question I am about to ask arises from. Where is home?
I know that home is where you are living, you know the old saying "Wherever I hang my hat is home!" and my hat has hung everywhere from both North and South Carolina, Texas, New Mexico, and California and I have not been completely unhappy anywhere I have ever lived, although home always tugs at your heart.
I have discussed my opinions with you on what to do if you find yourself living in an unfamiliar town, when I told you of My Home in the past, I said:
"Home is where I am right now and if I live out my life right here I will be home, also if I move anywhere else I will be home because that is where God has led me to go and live, Cindy is a big part of my life as you all know, and as long as we are together no matter where we are living I will proudly call that place Home."
So if we someday are forced to relocate, Where will our next chapter begin?
With family spread out so widely, how do you make a decision like this?
My opinion is wherever we land we are going to be OK! If we end up moving, for Cindy and I all we need is a smaller place than we have now. One that is easy to maintain, somewhat rural with no more than half an acre of land, close to town so Cindy can get her fast food fix every now and then, a good healthcare system to keep Bentley (my defibrillator/pacemaker) in tune, and a reasonable cost of living in a low crime rate area. Does a town like this even exist?
We are not going anywhere anytime soon, but we feel tugged in so many directions, so many that we don't have a clue where we will land, but the question is always in the back of our minds lately.
If you had a chance to relocate, where would you want to go? A lot of you are already settled into your perfect place, but if you could do it all over again or if you are dreaming of "someday soon", where would you want to go to live?
Tell me about where you live, and what the positives are about your area, and where you think the best place to retire may be. I have a list of locations that we are considering if we ever move and I'm curious if any of you would consider the same places as we.
What's your idea of the best location to live?
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I know that home is where you are living, you know the old saying "Wherever I hang my hat is home!" and my hat has hung everywhere from both North and South Carolina, Texas, New Mexico, and California and I have not been completely unhappy anywhere I have ever lived, although home always tugs at your heart.
I have discussed my opinions with you on what to do if you find yourself living in an unfamiliar town, when I told you of My Home in the past, I said:
"Home is where I am right now and if I live out my life right here I will be home, also if I move anywhere else I will be home because that is where God has led me to go and live, Cindy is a big part of my life as you all know, and as long as we are together no matter where we are living I will proudly call that place Home."
So if we someday are forced to relocate, Where will our next chapter begin?
With family spread out so widely, how do you make a decision like this?
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We are not going anywhere anytime soon, but we feel tugged in so many directions, so many that we don't have a clue where we will land, but the question is always in the back of our minds lately.
If you had a chance to relocate, where would you want to go? A lot of you are already settled into your perfect place, but if you could do it all over again or if you are dreaming of "someday soon", where would you want to go to live?
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What's your idea of the best location to live?
Never an easy decision. The thought of moving gives me the horrors. If I/we do decide to move I would like to go to somewhere cooler. And would love to live in sight of water (moving or still).
ReplyDeleteHome is where the heart is, and for the moment at least we are staying put.
Like you I wouldn't mind living a little closer to water, weather is also very important, warm weather is good but hot gets old pretty quick. From the pictures I have seen of yours it appears that you are in a very pretty area, I have never been out of the United States as of yet and your Country is definitely one I would love to visit.
DeleteI've always liked Springfield, Missouri. If I'd been a single gal, and not married with a little Genius, and another on the way, when my job at the unemployment office was phased out...I would have transferred down there when given that option. It's just country enough to live on the outskirts, and a big enough city for entertainment. An added plus it that the Oklahoma casinos are only an hour away!
ReplyDeleteVal, Springfield sounds like an excellent place to consider, I have been through Missouri a couple of times and really liked what I saw then.
DeleteYeah being married with little ones sure have a way of making decisions for you, taking those same reasons away I would have most likely been back in SC, but you know how that goes that just wasn't in the cards...
So many pluses and minuses from almost anywhere. My family like yours is spread out, if it was not, I would go near (but not too near ) to family. As it is, where I live today is more expensive than I would like, but I know the area, it has good health care and I am comfortable. There is a nearby public inexpensive golf course, family is not completely out of reach, we are comfortable, and I am too lazy to consider moving. If I was ten years younger I might consider moving where it was less expensive and near even closer to the water with nice golf courses nearby. For me, that would probably be Delaware, but I am just too lazy to make a move and this little townhouse is not to bad.
ReplyDeleteKnowing the area, having good healthcare, and being comfortable sure makes your place almost perfect Joe. Like you our cost of living here is higher than I am happy with but what do you do, I think no matter where you are the costs are going to be comparable, just adjusted differently...
DeleteWhen my husband had his stroke we were living south of where I live now. We moved to be closer to his family because I reasoned we'd get some support living closer to his brothers and nephews and since he could no longer work, there was no reason to stay in a location closer to where our income came from. It was a good decision at the time but now that's he's gone I feel the pull to live closer to my family. I think as we age and are making this kind of decision it's important to take an honest look at the personalities of the members of our families and decide which one, if any, would be more likely to be your support system if needed in the future. Then do what you can to make it easy for them to do so.
ReplyDeleteJean you make an excellent point on choosing which family members that you need to be closer to, there are definitely some who will be there for you while others even though they love you still will not be there when you need them, we are finding this sad fact out with Cindy's family when we need help with her Dad...
DeleteFinding a place where you can be close to those who will be within your support system is a smart thing to do, Thank You for pointing this out because I hadn't really considered this.
I have lived in NC VA, PA, NV, NY, UT, MI and now GA... And I have spent a number of summers in Idaho and the Bay Area of CA. There are things I like about every place I lived, but where ever I go, I’m always a Tarheel! www.thepulpitandthepen.com
ReplyDeleteYour hometown always stays in your heart doesn't it Sage.
DeleteI have never lived too far from where I was born. My Joe came from the other end of the country and said he would never move back. I could never leave the area, the neighbours are friendly and helpful and the whole environment is good. The family is spread across England and Scotland, where they were born. I guess we all live where our hearts decide.
ReplyDeleteYes Valerie, I agree with you when you said "I guess we all live where our hearts decide." and you have the best place for yourself indeed, I sometimes wish that I hadn't strayed too far from my hometown, but like your Joe had we not moved away we would have never found the love of our lives...
DeleteWe love everything about where we live (things to do, cost of living, the people) except the weather, which unfortunately, affects more than most think it does. Plus, it's depressing to rarely see the sun 75 percent of the year.
ReplyDeleteMy top choice of places to live would be sunny California, somewhere near a wine area.
I remember how much that you love the wine areas of California, your vacation posts about your trips there are really telling and they make a perfect get away from home for you both.
DeleteJimmy, my most recent post is about visiting close to your home in late February!
DeleteYou were only about 75 miles down from where we live Bijoux, one of these days we will all have to meet up for lunch or something.
DeleteThere are so many things to consider, and not many (or perhaps any) people can have everything on the list. I think the most important thing for me is to be able to have a bit of nature close by. I would have said "have loved ones close by" but already our loved ones have scattered beyond our little town, so we are used to having them live away. When it gets down to the end of life, there will only be my husband and me, and then just one of us. Ack! Depressing! That's what happens when I veer off the topic! hah
ReplyDeleteInteresting topic and answers, Jimmy.
I love how our group always comes up with interesting answers on various topics, and veering off topic sometimes comes up with things that I haven't quite thought of yet. Thank you for leading me off into uncharted waters and sometimes straight into the answers that I was looking for...
DeleteI appreciate you my good friend.
Being in the Air Force, and then working with a large telecommunications company I've lived in Maryland, where I was born, on to South Carolina, Texas, Seattle, Virginia, Kansas, Phillipines, Mississippi, and now NC where I now live. I think about moving back to certain places,(Virginia Beach is top on the list) but at my age, it may be better to stay here. My rule is that I won't move out to the West Coast because I'd be much to far away from my son, who lives in KY. With such a wonderful family, I know you'll be happy wherever you end up. Happy Friday to you and Hugs...RO
ReplyDeleteI have always wondered about Virginia Beach, I know that a lot of my family have lived there and some even born there. You have seen a lot of places that is for sure and also being in NC you are in a beautiful area of our Country, I'd love to end up back in either South or North Carolina but the Good Lord will place us where we are supposed to be...
DeleteHave a great weekend RO!
I think the "best" location would be one where you feel comfortable each and every day. And night. Reasonably easy access to the services you need is a good idea too.
ReplyDeleteMy "perfect home" would be where I could see the ocean every day, yet still have quick access to the areas where my kids live.
Could I suggest you find a map and mark all the places where you and Cindy have family, draw a circle to connect them all, then draw lines to find the centre of that circle. This gives you an area where you are equally distanced from all those you love, an area where you could look for your forever home.
River you have a great idea with the map, marking everyone's location and drawing a circle then making a cross to find the center, I think we will give that a try, it will be fun to find a central location like this, Thank you my friend.
DeleteWhen it comes down to it a place where you are comfortable every day and night is definitely the perfect place to be, I like how you said that.
I am in North Carolina. I was born and raised here with all my family within 30 minutes of me except a brother in law at the beach. I would have to say we proably see him more than any of the others. No family ever visits us unless I cook a dinner on a special occaion. I do not have any “best’ friends here so moving would not be that big of deal to me. I have never had a desire to move far but we have a five year plan to move to the beach. Once my daughter gets married one day and has children, then it may feel different to me. But for now. I’d move in a heartbeat. I do not think anyone would even know I was gone until I didnt show up at church for a few weeks. Seriously!
ReplyDeleteLisa
"No family ever visits us unless I cook a dinner on a special occaion. I do not have any “best’ friends here so moving would not be that big of deal to me." Lisa I understand that feeling 100% and life is too short to feel this way, I hope your five year plan comes together and you find that happy place on the beach where you will never feel that lonesome feeling that you described again, I hope we can visit you at that happy place one day...
DeleteI live in the suburbs of a town that has seen better days. Going away from the town brings me to Gower, which is the most beautiful place on earth. (Rhossili and Three Cliffs beaches are always winning Best awards.)
ReplyDeleteI love my home itself though I know that like you we will have to downsize one day but we won't go far. Two of our children live roundabouts and while they do that we'll be sticking close by.
Liz isn't it funny that we don't think about downsizing until it comes to the time that we must do it.
DeleteYour area does sound very nice and Gower being so close is a big plus, having your children close by is also a great comfort, with that said once you find the place that you want to downsize into, your perfect place will be found. I can almost picture it...
We live in the burbs of a nice little Ontario Canada city..low crime rate....lots of interesting stuff going on..good neighbours...oh it's not perfect..what place is...If I had a choice and was phyically capable I'd move to a small village with lots of historic charm but as it is, this place suits us. We are waiting for a seniors condominium to come available in this same city and we will move there and call it HOME.
ReplyDeleteDelores, We were discussing that same thing today, the fact that there is no place that will absolutely perfect anymore, a historic little town would be close though I have to agree with you on that. It sounds like you already have your plan mapped out, here's looking for that condominium to be ready when you are.
DeleteI too live in California and I wish I didn't, but there isn't another place to go. When I came to California in 1969 this was a great state. Much of it isn't anymore. I'm still not going anywhere. We're too old for another move.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day and weekend. ☺
Sandee, I am not completely unhappy here but it is not exactly where I want to end up, we are in a nice place but if we go anywhere else it is not so nice...Our biggest problem is that none of our kids are here and the majority of our family are anywhere but here, so I still don't have an answer but it is always good to look ahead.
DeleteYou two have a great weekend also.
Welcome Soslu.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to live somewhere close to Charleston or Beaufort, but I'd be afraid as a homeowner of any future hurricanes.
ReplyDeleteAdam, I have been down to Beaufort and Hunting Island with my Dad a few years back, that is really a nice place to go. Take away the hurricane possibilities and that whole coastline would be really great all of the time.
DeleteGood luck, Jimmy. I'm sure you'll be OK too!
ReplyDeleteWe live in a suburb of Colorado Springs. There are many things we like here - outdoor recreation opportunities mostly. But at the same time, it's too big and sprawling for our taste. I would like to be someplace with less population and traffic.
It seems everywhere is growing quickly doesn't it. Small towns like we grew up in are not there like they used to be but thank goodness there are still a few to be found. Believe it or not but I have never been to Colorado and it is one of those states that I would love to see one day.
Deletefor many of the reasons you mentioned, and a few more, we have chosen the Gilbert-Queen Creek area of AZ. Hot, yeah. But that's why God created a/c units. :) Good luck picking!
ReplyDeleteArizona has always been fun for us when traveling through, hot! yes even in the shade, but like you said about the a/c units...
DeleteIf you decide on a small town you've never spent much time around, I'd suggest renting a bed and breakfast in the area and spend a few days wandering around. Some small town are not all the friendly to outsiders. Some friends of ours found that out after they bought a place.
ReplyDeleteThat is an excellent idea Jean, renting long enough to get the lay of the land makes perfect sense, Thank you so much for the tip.
DeleteI remember when it used to be easy to move. I had almost nothing and moved quite a bit. Now it's much more complicated because of "TMS" (too much stuff).
ReplyDeleteWe live close to the ocean in the hills. When we moved here 13 years ago it was more rural than suburban. There is still a lot of open land and wilderness here, but a lot more houses also. My wife says that is where she wants to live forever because of the weather. Because of the ocean it is almost always mild, so I understand why. Also, we have 5 kids who are pretty much in the same area.
I'd love to move to someplace a lot more rural. It could be desert, mountains, or even wilderness. I've been looking for a while now, and when I find something I like, I show it to her. She hasn't gotten too excited yet. Having an RV gets me to those places very frequently, so I don't argue much at all about where we live. I'd rather her be happy, so I can be happy. You know what I mean?
Pat you never realize how much stuff that you actually have until you go to move, we were blown away by how much we had when we moved to California 10 years ago and I am afraid that we have gathered at least as much while living here.
DeleteYour situation sounds ideal with all of the kids being in the same area, I'd like to be in that situation also. I agree with you as long as Momma is happy then we can be happy too, so if we go anywhere it will be where Miss Cindy will be happy...
Interesting topic, and since I've moved about 20 times in my life (once across that big pond!), I often think about living in different places. I like your attitude wherever we land we are going to be OK!
ReplyDeleteMy plans include winning the big lottery and buying five small-ish condos: 1. One condo somewhere near here, because youngest son lives in Tampa, and because I've lived in Florida for almost 11 years and I like it here.
2. One condo in Greenville, SC, because oldest son lives there, with a nice wife and a cute granddaughter.
3. One condo in Buffalo, NY, because middle son lives there, with a nice wife-to-be and two cute granddaughters.
4. One condo in Munich, because my sister lives there, and my entire family is nearby.
5. One condo in Colorado somewhere, because sometimes I want to see mountains and I hear Colorado is nice.
That is, of course, if I win that lottery...
I sure hope you win the lottery because it sounds like you have the perfect plan, I like your way of thinking...
DeleteI have moved 27 times in my 71 years. It is my decision to stay right where I am and have been the last 12 years. My children will have to pry me out of the door if the time ever comes to go.
ReplyDeleteAnnie it sure sounds like you are happy where you are, that is a great feeling.
DeleteMy home is in a place called Lancashire in the north west of England (UK). My parents live nearby as does my only son. My daughter has wanderlust and currently resides in Sydney, Australia. As I'm soon to be 60, I can't see me moving from my current location.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a while Jimmy....everything okay over there???????
ReplyDeleteJimmy where are you? I miss your funny post!
ReplyDeleteCount me in among those wondering what's going on, Jimmy. We miss you in cyber space.
ReplyDeleteI just think you follow your heart and go where it leads you. In our case, it's leading us to Rapid City, SD - in two weeks. And I could not be more excited!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Delores and Lisa, where are you? Are you okay? family okay? perhaps you're just packing up and moving to that 'forever" home?
ReplyDeleteI'm worried too. Hope all is well.
ReplyDeleteOkay, where are you guys? You're starting to get spam comments like the one above me. Are you two okay? ♥
ReplyDeleteRomeo and I had this conversation late last year, when I mentioned that perhaps we should move back to Texas when retirement. Which he jumped on just about the time I thought I could never move from the mountains and the desert and the sunsets......then we drove to Texas for Thanksgiving. We've agreed to put the whole idea on the back burner for now.
ReplyDelete