|
"Retire and Read a Book"
For many baby boomers the question, “Where to Retire?” is
never discussed. Most have decided to stay the course at their
present location because of the proximity of family and friends.
But, for about 10 percent of the persons nearing their retirement
years, the option of moving on to a place of their own choosing is
an attractive proposition. The Library has several books which rate
popular retirement areas in the United States. “Where to Retire,
America’s Best and Most Affordable Places” by John Howells is a
perennial favorite. The latest copy, the 5th edition,
was recently released.
According to the author, people who live in large cities are more
likely to relocate than those who live in small towns. This book
is for the relatively few who do find the idea of making a major
change later in life intriguing. The author cautions the readers to
evaluate their goals, motives, and present lifestyles to determine
the type of locale that would most fit. The “why” of moving when
you retire requires a good deal of self-examination.
Some think of retirement as a “permanent vacation”. While there’s
nothing wrong with that, one must ask if he will eventually become
bored with trout fishing after a couple of months? Or, will the
couple continue to enjoy the beach during the winter when all of the
summer people have moved on and the shops and restaurants are
closed?
If you think that once retired, life in your home town will not be
the same because you will no longer be part of “the gang” at work.
Or, your children will be working in distant cities and finding
their way back to your present town will limit their visits. Or, if
all of your long-term friends have, themselves, moved, then maybe
you too should move on. But, where?
Following the introduction, the book is divided into 7 sections
with each covering a geographical area of the United States (no
section for the mid-west). Each section is then broken down by the
states within that area. There is a description of the state which
includes the cost of living figures, tax advantages/disadvantages,
and social/cultural characteristics. A description of the most
popular retirement communities follows.
Early in the book the author identifies one factor that is common in
all great retirement communities. That characteristic is the
presence of a college or a university. An academic presence creates
an ambience that draws retirees. Strolling around a college town
square is like stepping back in time. People smile as you pass;
stores are open in the evenings and welcome your business; and you
will find many movie theaters featuring both the latest hits and
cult/classic films. The town square, which generally is just
adjacent to the college, is where you meet friends for lunch,
browse at the public library, shop for presents, and just stroll
around. A treeless strip mall along a busy street doesn’t have this
ambience! Retirees want to be included, not isolated. They want to
be where there is action and entertainment, not where they are
housed in large complexes served by boxy retail stores. Retirees
want to be near movie houses, restaurants, parks and young people.
All of these amenities are found in college towns.
Other great books about finding the right retirement community
include “50 Fabulous Places To Retire In America” by Ken Stern,
“America’s 100 Best Places to Retire” by Elizabeth Armstrong.
Donations to the Columbus Library Foundation include those received
from Ann Bernstein and Gregory Smith. Memorial donations were
received from Dorothy Collings, Connie Van Laningham, and Cheryl G.
Anderson in memory of their mother, Mabel G. Allington. Mr. and Mrs.
Robert Mead presented a donation in memory of Al Tucek; and Sally
Hansen gave a memorial in honor of Pam Zehring. These donations and
memorials are gratefully received and, if undesignated, will be used
to purchase library materials for the community to enjoy and benefit
from.
|
