Deleted
Joined: Oct 9, 2024 4:26:46 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2014 19:37:05 GMT -5
DH is ten years older than I am (70 to my 60), and we talk about my retirement fairly frequently. I would like to retire when I am 65, but I am willing to consider it (depending on health insurance) when I am 62. Still, I think I will try to make it to 65. That also depends on whether my school district will let want me five more years. DH has no kids. I have two kids who live 30-50 minutes away. I see them three or four times a year. I talk to them maybe once a month (if that often). Every time I call either my son or daughter they are at work. I am honestly used to it. My son and DIL are on Facebook so I keep up pretty well with what's going on in their life. My daughter won't do Facebook, but I've finally gotten her to send me random pictures of her kids via her Iphone. Typical of our interaction: DH went to Grandparent Day last year because she gave no notice until the day before. He was the only grandparent (even though he is a step-grandparent) available so he went and enjoyed it. So I decided I would take off for Grandparent Day this year. I waited and waited to hear about it. Finally, I asked about it around the time DH went last year, and she said, "Oh. It was last week. You guys went last year so I had my grandmother go this year." Kids aren't apparently allowed to have multiple grandparents on Grandparent Day? It's fine. I am used to it actually. But maybe you can see why I'm not planning on retiring and sitting around waiting to visit with my kids and grandkids. So I have this fantasy of moving to a retirement community in Florida. DH and I have no mutual friends here. He retired in AZ and moved here for me. My friends are all female, many divorced females, and there's not much connection for him. I would like to move somewhere with people our age and organized activities. I love to play card and board games. I love to do crafts. I love to do almost anything. We want a golf cart community with lots of stuff nearby. So if you were preparing to do this, how would you figure out WHICH of the millions of retirement communities in FL to start with? It is rather overwhelming every time I look. Also, what would you tell your kids so as not to hurt them? I have always tried to be about their feelings because . . . Well, because the few times I have tried to tell my daughter how much it bothers me that we never talk, she tells me I make her feel like a bad daughter so she especially never wants to talk with me. She's busy with a career, a politician husband, and four kids. She doesn't have time to talk to anyone on the phone. So talking to her just makes stuff worse. This isn't about healing my relationship with my children. I was a good mom, and I have no guilt about that. They have busy lives that don't include me. I am just looking for a busy life as well. So where would you start to find a place? I figure Zib would have ideas because she loves FL so much. The Gulf Coast would be best because my kids might visit with us there. Ideas ?
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 9, 2024 4:26:46 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2014 19:42:28 GMT -5
What do you want? Hip swinging community? Quiet and peace? Culture? Weather? ... What do you see yourself doing every day?
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 9, 2024 4:26:46 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2014 19:52:46 GMT -5
I picture us playing cards, playing other board games, doing crafts, shuffle board, exercise classes, volunteer work . . . almost anything really.
Right now DH's life consists of watching news shows, working crossword puzzles, going out to lunch, taking care of the dog.
Mine consists of work with occasional stuff with my female friends.
We interact with my kids three or four times a year. Dh does a little more because he and my DIL eat sushi maybe once a month.
I just worry about when we retire. We need to make friends together, and a fresh start seems like a good idea. I gave up most of my couple friends in the divorce many years ago.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 9, 2024 4:26:46 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2014 19:59:54 GMT -5
I only know one area of Florida. It's on the panhandle, so cooler weather. It's a very arts, adult oriented area. Pretty, quiet, but constantly stuff going on, a little theater, art and historical buildings/museums, lots of cool shops and restaurants, bay water activities, some beached, but natural park beaches, always tons of community events going on, parades, they dress up like the people buried in the old graveyard at Halloween and tell their stories... You can take yoga or art classes, fish, they have 'balls... I've watched an awesome older ladies dance group called the Hot Flashes...
Im not sure how it compares to other areas of Florida.
You ou might actually see more of the kids if they come to stay with you..? Or you with them...
|
|
Blonde Granny
Junior Associate
Joined: Jan 15, 2013 8:27:13 GMT -5
Posts: 6,919
Today's Mood: Alone in the world
Location: Wandering Aimlessly
Mini-Profile Name Color: 28e619
Mini-Profile Text Color: 3a9900
|
Post by Blonde Granny on Apr 5, 2014 20:14:42 GMT -5
1. Do you want really nice warm weather during the winter? If yes, then you want to be south of I-4. if you live comfortably financially, the very best retirement area is The Villages. Located NW of Orlando, and south of Ocala. There is not an activity you can think of that is not offered. I believe the website is www.thevillages.com
|
|
gooddecisions
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 22, 2010 13:42:28 GMT -5
Posts: 2,418
|
Post by gooddecisions on Apr 5, 2014 20:27:32 GMT -5
Sun City Center is another big community south of Tampa: suncitycenter.org/ not too far from Sarasota, St. Pete Beach and other nice gulf coast beaches. A 55 and up community is a smart way to go since everyone who moves there is looking for friends and activities. Everyone is retired, so work doesn't get in the way of doing stuff.
|
|
Blonde Granny
Junior Associate
Joined: Jan 15, 2013 8:27:13 GMT -5
Posts: 6,919
Today's Mood: Alone in the world
Location: Wandering Aimlessly
Mini-Profile Name Color: 28e619
Mini-Profile Text Color: 3a9900
|
Post by Blonde Granny on Apr 5, 2014 21:11:41 GMT -5
One of the best things about the Villages, you can go almost everywhere in your golf cart. Groceries doctors, dentists, shopping, dinner out...you name it.
In the town centers, every evening local talent entertainment, dancing etc.
btw, we don't live there, but if DH would have said yes, we'd be living there instead of Arkansas.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 9, 2024 4:26:46 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2014 21:13:54 GMT -5
I think golf carts are a common thing in most of Florida? ...
|
|
Blonde Granny
Junior Associate
Joined: Jan 15, 2013 8:27:13 GMT -5
Posts: 6,919
Today's Mood: Alone in the world
Location: Wandering Aimlessly
Mini-Profile Name Color: 28e619
Mini-Profile Text Color: 3a9900
|
Post by Blonde Granny on Apr 5, 2014 21:20:52 GMT -5
Lake county Fl. Finally caved in and allows golf carts in the original Villages, on hiway 27/441 to travel on city streets. Most other communities allow carts on streets oly within the community.
shoot, I'd be ack living there in a heartbeat if I could.
|
|
zibazinski
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 24, 2010 16:12:50 GMT -5
Posts: 47,912
|
Post by zibazinski on Apr 6, 2014 4:49:29 GMT -5
DF s aunt lives in the villages and loves it! There's all kind of financial groups there but you need to be social, I swear it. I think it's the best place for those who are coming from elsewhere. Because I have lived and worked in the Clearwater area, I can't imagine living anywhere else but DF grew up in Miami and I have family there as well. I'd just as soon VISIT them though than live there!
|
|
Blonde Granny
Junior Associate
Joined: Jan 15, 2013 8:27:13 GMT -5
Posts: 6,919
Today's Mood: Alone in the world
Location: Wandering Aimlessly
Mini-Profile Name Color: 28e619
Mini-Profile Text Color: 3a9900
|
Post by Blonde Granny on Apr 6, 2014 7:49:59 GMT -5
The further south you get the higher the cost of homes. Home insurance is another issue, we left there permanently in 2009, so I am unsure of the current status, but it has been hard to get and the prices in some places are higher than you can imagine. Coastal living is the worst for insurance.
There are a couple of Del Webb places near Ocala. Some of the places, especially condo areas have few activities and a lot of VRBO rentals. Gated golf course communities would also be a good place to look. I know there are a few in the Sarasota area.
The best part is that your choices are unlimited. Perhaps rent a condo in the Orlando area and spend 1 month taking day trips looking at places. The panhandle area is pretty, but winters are about the same as what you get in Gulf Shores (BTDT) not going to stay there again during the winter.
Happy hunting.........
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 9, 2024 4:26:46 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 6, 2014 7:56:43 GMT -5
This is all very interesting, and I've been having fun this morning perusing house porn.
|
|
swamp
Community Leader
THEY’RE EATING THE DOGS!!!!!!!
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 16:03:22 GMT -5
Posts: 45,617
|
Post by swamp on Apr 6, 2014 8:05:12 GMT -5
FYI, the villages has the highest rate of senior STDs in the country
|
|
Nazgul Girl
Junior Associate
Babysitting our new grandbaby 3 days a week !
Joined: Dec 25, 2010 23:25:02 GMT -5
Posts: 5,913
Today's Mood: excellent
|
Post by Nazgul Girl on Apr 6, 2014 8:14:09 GMT -5
I hate golf, so I'm not a candidate for golfing condos. I can see how they would have a lot of value, though. I personally like the Naples/Marco Island area. It's beautiful, and there are lots of things to do in Naples. My DF and DSM have wintered there for years. My family is gradually moving to the area to vacation and retire ( I'm counting the Canadians and my extensive step-family as part of the group ). Boating is wonderful there, and the Florida Keys and the Everglades are near by. We are water people, I guess.
We have been looking for a cheap condo along the coast of SW Fla, even if its further north than Naples and Marco, but we haven't pulled the trigger yet. My father advised us that by the time I truly retire, a low-priced condo which we purchased earlier could be in a development which has really gone to the dogs. We've settled for winter get-away with a two-month rental for Jan/Feb on Marco in 2015. We really don't know what we're going to do later on.
I like Orlando, and have never been to Ocala, although my brother-in-law's parents moved from Naples to Ocala, and love it. We want to stay in the deep southern part of Florida at this point. We''ll all be on Marco next March for my father's 90th birthday, and I'm sure we'll all discuss then.
|
|
Blonde Granny
Junior Associate
Joined: Jan 15, 2013 8:27:13 GMT -5
Posts: 6,919
Today's Mood: Alone in the world
Location: Wandering Aimlessly
Mini-Profile Name Color: 28e619
Mini-Profile Text Color: 3a9900
|
Post by Blonde Granny on Apr 6, 2014 8:25:05 GMT -5
FYI, the villages has the highest rate of senior STDs in the country Did you know that Florida has the highest HIV rate?
drum roll.................The senior citizens found out they could get it for free!!! <insert evil laugh>
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 9, 2024 4:26:46 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 6, 2014 8:30:00 GMT -5
FYI, the villages has the highest rate of senior STDs in the country I knew that was the case for nursing homes: they are old, can't get pregnant and figure why bother. The nursing home where my mom works at have monthly STD's talk with demonstration on how to put on a condom. My mom told me: those folks lived to 70-80, some on 5-10 pills a day, list of illness a mile long... STD is just another thing added to the list and they are going to try to enjoy the little life they have left. Ratio is 5 female for every 1 male (capable male)...
|
|
Cookies Galore
Senior Associate
I don't need no instructions to know how to rock
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 18:08:13 GMT -5
Posts: 10,891
|
Post by Cookies Galore on Apr 6, 2014 8:35:44 GMT -5
My dad has a house between Ft. Meyers and Naples. The town starts with an E (I always forget it). He and my stepmom seem to love it there. And that Grandparents Day story makes me sad.
|
|
Nazgul Girl
Junior Associate
Babysitting our new grandbaby 3 days a week !
Joined: Dec 25, 2010 23:25:02 GMT -5
Posts: 5,913
Today's Mood: excellent
|
Post by Nazgul Girl on Apr 6, 2014 8:59:48 GMT -5
My dad has a house between Ft. Meyers and Naples. The town starts with an E (I always forget it). He and my stepmom seem to love it there. And that Grandparents Day story makes me sad. Is it Englewood ? I felt bad about the grandparents day story, too. Move to the sun, s.s.
|
|
Cookies Galore
Senior Associate
I don't need no instructions to know how to rock
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 18:08:13 GMT -5
Posts: 10,891
|
Post by Cookies Galore on Apr 6, 2014 9:03:45 GMT -5
My dad has a house between Ft. Meyers and Naples. The town starts with an E (I always forget it). He and my stepmom seem to love it there. And that Grandparents Day story makes me sad. Is it Englewood ? I felt bad about the grandparents day story, too. Move to the sun, s.s. Estero, I just looked it up.
|
|
Nazgul Girl
Junior Associate
Babysitting our new grandbaby 3 days a week !
Joined: Dec 25, 2010 23:25:02 GMT -5
Posts: 5,913
Today's Mood: excellent
|
Post by Nazgul Girl on Apr 6, 2014 9:12:36 GMT -5
Cool. We were in Estero a couple of years ago looking around, and thought it was a really pretty town.
|
|
hsclassic
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 8:15:12 GMT -5
Posts: 199
|
Post by hsclassic on Apr 6, 2014 9:32:40 GMT -5
OP, Try renting in different parts of Florida before deciding. Yes, there are some who just love the gulf coast of Florida, and I'm happy for them. Personally, I live on the east coast and cannot fathom living on the gulf coast because of the congestion. But that's just my preference. (And, there are others that wouldn't consider my area because they think it doesn't have enough going on!)
Rentals are easy to find and you should try different parts of the state and different types of areas. In my area, many rent on the barrier island and enjoy the ocean, walking the beach, and the activities that the condo communities offer. That's enough for them - they don't want/need the constant activities offered by The Villages or other types of similar communities. OTOH, there are plenty of those types of communities throughout the state - some inland and some close to the water where you get the sea breeze almost constantly.
Do you have any friends or friends of friends that that any first-hand experiences they can share with you?
|
|
alabamagal
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 11:30:29 GMT -5
Posts: 8,147
|
Post by alabamagal on Apr 6, 2014 9:45:07 GMT -5
I would check out the Villages. It is probably the biggest senior area. If you get much farther south than that, you are probably getting to a very long drive for your family. It is not near the beach, but if your ok with that, it is a good start.
Weather in the middle of Florida is pretty hot, but that is what AC is for. Winters there are cooler, you can pretty much do outside activities most days in the winter.
Since you want to be around other seniors, would definitely stick with retirement community. It looks like he lifestyle you want.
|
|
Nazgul Girl
Junior Associate
Babysitting our new grandbaby 3 days a week !
Joined: Dec 25, 2010 23:25:02 GMT -5
Posts: 5,913
Today's Mood: excellent
|
Post by Nazgul Girl on Apr 6, 2014 9:50:39 GMT -5
One good thing about the plethora of rentals in Florida is that you can easily change locations from year-to-year. We've been advised by relatives that own there that due to the costs of purchasing, condo fees, insurance, plus maintenance, after all of the expenses are taken into consideration, renting is actually about the same cost. I don't know if that's true for everyone.
|
|
bookkeeper
Well-Known Member
Joined: Mar 30, 2012 13:40:42 GMT -5
Posts: 1,783
|
Post by bookkeeper on Apr 6, 2014 12:05:41 GMT -5
I hate golf, so I'm not a candidate for golfing condos. I can see how they would have a lot of value, though. I personally like the Naples/Marco Island area. It's beautiful, and there are lots of things to do in Naples. My DF and DSM have wintered there for years. My family is gradually moving to the area to vacation and retire ( I'm counting the Canadians and my extensive step-family as part of the group ). Boating is wonderful there, and the Florida Keys and the Everglades are near by. We are water people, I guess. We have been looking for a cheap condo along the coast of SW Fla, even if its further north than Naples and Marco, but we haven't pulled the trigger yet. My father advised us that by the time I truly retire, a low-priced condo which we purchased earlier could be in a development which has really gone to the dogs. We've settled for winter get-away with a two-month rental for Jan/Feb on Marco in 2015. We really don't know what we're going to do later on. I like Orlando, and have never been to Ocala, although my brother-in-law's parents moved from Naples to Ocala, and love it. We want to stay in the deep southern part of Florida at this point. We''ll all be on Marco next March for my father's 90th birthday, and I'm sure we'll all discuss then. I have visited Sanibel Island, Ft. Myers, Naples, and Marco Island several times and absolutely fell in love (we are water bugs too). It would be a great place to spend a cold winter. However, property maintenance in a hurricane zone would prove to be more than what I would sign up for. Carrying costs on Florida real estate can be expensive. I would look into a rental for whatever period of time you want to spend. Maybe a month in one Florida spot followed by a month in another location.
If you decide to keep renting, great. If you decide to buy, the rental periods were your market research.
Check out Vacation Rental by Owner on the internet to see what properties and price points are available.
|
|
Nazgul Girl
Junior Associate
Babysitting our new grandbaby 3 days a week !
Joined: Dec 25, 2010 23:25:02 GMT -5
Posts: 5,913
Today's Mood: excellent
|
Post by Nazgul Girl on Apr 6, 2014 12:22:12 GMT -5
That's the website that we found our condo rental on for our stay next winter. It's a pretty good website.
|
|
Blonde Granny
Junior Associate
Joined: Jan 15, 2013 8:27:13 GMT -5
Posts: 6,919
Today's Mood: Alone in the world
Location: Wandering Aimlessly
Mini-Profile Name Color: 28e619
Mini-Profile Text Color: 3a9900
|
Post by Blonde Granny on Apr 6, 2014 12:40:56 GMT -5
We have rented thru VRBO for 4 years now. We've done Phoenix, St. Augustine, Orange Beach, Al and back to St. Augustine.
I would love to buy something again in Fla. the biggest reason being that I have a place to run to when I've had all I can take of Arkansas. No reservations, no deposits, no being sure we arrive during the day because we don't know where we're going exactly. But, DH will have none of it.
We lived in the Punta Gorda Isles area for a few years and it's terrific, but again, not exactly what one would consider a retirement filled place with somewhat organized activities. You're rather on your own for finding things to do.
Someone mentioned Sun City outside Tampa, there is also the Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club. We never looked there, but you can see if from I-75. From the area of Tampa/Sarasota that I'm familiar with, there are many places to chose from.....you just have to be willing to look. I second and third the advice to rent somewhere for a month, see what you like and dislike.
|
|
swamp
Community Leader
THEY’RE EATING THE DOGS!!!!!!!
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 16:03:22 GMT -5
Posts: 45,617
|
Post by swamp on Apr 6, 2014 15:29:25 GMT -5
My parents spend the winter on Anna Maria island, near Bradenton/ Sarasota. Very quiet but social for the senior crowd.
|
|
milee
Senior Associate
Joined: Jan 17, 2012 13:20:00 GMT -5
Posts: 12,344
|
Post by milee on Apr 6, 2014 16:14:40 GMT -5
FYI, the villages has the highest rate of senior STDs in the country Well, Blonde Granny did say that the Villages had every activity...
|
|
milee
Senior Associate
Joined: Jan 17, 2012 13:20:00 GMT -5
Posts: 12,344
|
Post by milee on Apr 6, 2014 16:20:07 GMT -5
hsclassic was right about renting to check things out. This upcoming summer, rent for a total of one month, spending one week in four different areas. Why summer? Because it's very inexpensive to rent then so you can stay and see a lot at low cost plus you'll be here during the worst time of the year. If you like Florida in the summer, you will love it the rest of the year. To figure out which 4 areas you want to spend time in and around, go online and check out the various communities, forums, etc
|
|
NoNamePerson
Distinguished Associate
Is There Anybody OUT There?
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 17:03:17 GMT -5
Posts: 26,214
Location: WITNESS PROTECTION
|
Post by NoNamePerson on Apr 6, 2014 16:52:26 GMT -5
Why don't you just plan a few vacations between now and when you plan to retire and scope out the areas first hand.
|
|