Good Location for Retirement and R/C????
#27
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Use to live just north of Reno, nice area but for as big a town as it is LHS at the time was limited, the local flying field is located east of Lemmon Valley and is paved and state of the art, but the wind blows really hard starting about noon, also I found the winters to be a bit colder and longer than I like, other than that it is a great area. When I retired I moved to Redding, CA for the fishing and the RC opportunity, we have three flying sites that are club supported, Ash Creek RC Park with a 60' x 620' paved runway, Anderson RC Park that is best suited for electrics but folks do fly some nitro/gas, Warren Field which has about a 40' x say 300' undulating chip seal runway suitable for at least 120 size planes and in the warmer months (mostly year round) we float fly at Whiskeytown Lake. Also the surrounding mountains in normal years carry a good snow pack so flying off of snow is a possibility in the winter. We also have two well stocked hobby shops which is more than I could say for Reno back then. I used to ride M/C's so I can say that the riding/touring is first rate locally and the ocean and Oregon are not far away.The main industry in the community is retirees with lumbar a close second, light traffic and good shopping and medical care. Two major downsides; first, it is California so even your farts get taxed (joke but not far off) but the cost of living is reasonable; second, as mild and short as the winters are, the summers are long and hot but low humidity. Example, last year starting from June 1 to October 1 we enjoyed every day, except for maybe 2 weeks, in the triple digits, so make sure your a/c is working properly. As bad as that sounds it is no worse than Mesa, Az and you can still escape to the mountains or coast. Hope I've given you an assessment you can work with.
#28
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Why not try Sarasota, FL home to Sarasota RC Flyers, SRQ. Outstanding flying facilities incl. 500 foot long x 80 foot wide paved runway, no obstructions, covered viewing/ pilot area, 2 buildings (1 is AC), soda machine, fridge with soda/water/ iced tea, microwave, Realflight Simulator -almost like home. Four to five events annually plus great weather & excellent Gulf beaches. Our almost 300 member club invites all to guest fly & possibly join our club. Happy flying.
Tom Zink
SRQ Member
Sarasota, FL
Tom Zink
SRQ Member
Sarasota, FL
#29
Hi,
I'd say SoCal sans the cost of living.
Overall I would chose FL, yet there is the humidity.
If AZ, I would go far north, but may have challenges with clubs n shops.
I would avoid central IN, although the AMA field in Muncie is grand.
I was trying think of a location with all your preferences combined, with the current US but cannot think of one.
Have you considered offshore in a different country. Something to consider.
Good luck,
Jared
I'd say SoCal sans the cost of living.
Overall I would chose FL, yet there is the humidity.
If AZ, I would go far north, but may have challenges with clubs n shops.
I would avoid central IN, although the AMA field in Muncie is grand.
I was trying think of a location with all your preferences combined, with the current US but cannot think of one.
Have you considered offshore in a different country. Something to consider.
Good luck,
Jared
Faihope Alabama used to have a great club and a flying field with 3 each 3000 ft paved runways. Across the bay from Mobile so still on the Gulf Coast. RC stores in both Mobile and Pensacola. Multiple very nice flying fields in the surrounding area. And some great people to fly with. But then, I flew there 15 years ago so it could have changed a lot.
#31
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"No flying fields in SoCal - the liberals have closed them all because of noise."
That is a load of crap!
As there are dozens and dozens and dozens and easily proven as FACT by using the AMA Club Finder tool.
Now prove your words by multiple facts, I double dare you?
And please keep your hateful political mumblings to yourself.
That is a load of crap!
As there are dozens and dozens and dozens and easily proven as FACT by using the AMA Club Finder tool.
Now prove your words by multiple facts, I double dare you?
And please keep your hateful political mumblings to yourself.
#32
Manteca CA. lots of flying sites, gets pretty warm in the summer but the delta breeze cools us down, 1 acre of land and country home many have a pool around 350 to 450 thousand just need to get Jerry Brown outa here send him down to LA with the rest of the riff raff tree huggers...............
#33
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California certainly has the weather but the cost of housing and taxes are a huge issue for many approaching retirement.
My parents live in Santa Maria California in a similar size house as mine in Texas and in a similar neighborhood. My house is worth 1/3 of what their house is. Although I would like the CA weather and lifestyle, it's a "Bridge Too Far" for me. Never mind the taxes and water issues.
Some states tax social security income, some don't. I suspect Ca is one of those that does.
My parents live in Santa Maria California in a similar size house as mine in Texas and in a similar neighborhood. My house is worth 1/3 of what their house is. Although I would like the CA weather and lifestyle, it's a "Bridge Too Far" for me. Never mind the taxes and water issues.
Some states tax social security income, some don't. I suspect Ca is one of those that does.
#34
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In my opinion anywhere east of the rocky mountains sucks. Why?
In the winter,great storms gather ion the north pole and sweep down across the country. How about this winter?
In the south hurricanes move in and make shambles of everything.
I went thru two and lost the only full scale aircraft I ever owned. (Boca Rattan,Fl.1947)
If I could move today, Reno sound great.
San Diego would be better if it weren't in CA .
How are you Eloy?
In the winter,great storms gather ion the north pole and sweep down across the country. How about this winter?
In the south hurricanes move in and make shambles of everything.
I went thru two and lost the only full scale aircraft I ever owned. (Boca Rattan,Fl.1947)
If I could move today, Reno sound great.
San Diego would be better if it weren't in CA .
How are you Eloy?
#35
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RENO-SPARKS may sound great but a quick search revealed otherwise. Crime appears very high earning a "D" and livability only scored a 72 out of a possible 100.
Last edited by MTK; 04-20-2015 at 09:00 AM.
#36
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I'm about 20 years away from retirement but I'm thinking about South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Arkansas. Just based off of climate. Not going to worry about politics and taxes until I'm about 3-5 years out. So much can change in 15 years!!!
Can't decide? Always this!!!
http://outlawrv.com/class-a/?_ga=1.1...558.1429551477
Can't decide? Always this!!!
http://outlawrv.com/class-a/?_ga=1.1...558.1429551477
#38
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I'm with you jcstalls, leave the political commentary for the editorial page, this isn't the forum for that crap. Also, there are dozens of flying sites in SoCal and the San Diego weather is hard to beat, but the cost of living is really high, not counting taxes. I always thought that the Carolinas and Florida would be nice but the weather seems to be an issue there, and then the humidity. Like I said in an earlier post, the Redding, CA area really appeals to me, but that is not for everybody.
#39
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Wow a couple votes for Mesa AZ, I didn’t know I had it so good here ;-) Mesa is certainly worth considering for a retiring RC enthusiast and we’d be glad to have you. Here is an honest assessment.
PRO’s:
Weather – We get like 450 days of sunshine a year. Not much wind to speak of, except for a few weekends or so in the spring it seems to get a little windy.
Environment – Mesa is a suburb of the Phoenix metro area, which is around the 5[SUP]th[/SUP] largest city in the country. So you have all the conveniences of metro life surrounded by some of the most beautiful desert scenery in the world. 2 hours north and you’re skiing in the Rockies. LOTS of great motorcycle space and a thriving weekend warrior contingent.
Retirement – Mesa is like the Mecca of Midwestern retirees. They come as winter visitors then decide to stay; a retirement community on every corner, usually surrounding a golf course. Cost of living seems to be agreeable to the billion or so retirees that live here.
RC flying – Mesa is home to one of the premier flying sites in the country, the Arizona Model Aviators field is a world class setup. The other field east of town is hugely active in IMAC. At least 5 other nice fields in Phx metro area. Plenty of hobby shops.
Other – No natural disasters, all major sports teams, spring training, casinos, great for aviation and motorsports enthusiasts. 5 hour road trip to Vegas or LA (or El Paso, but why?). Large recreational boating community believe it or not. Phx is bordered by 6 mountain lakes on its northern edge. Best roads and traffic in the nation as far as I can tell. ASU is next door. You’ll love the politics if you’re conservative.
CON’s:
Weather – We get like 450 days of sunshine a year. Don’t step outside in the summer or you will explode. Dust storms in July / Aug.
RC Flying – All Mesa parks and retention areas (there are hundreds) forbid RC planes or cars of any kind. Lots of people do fly their foamies in the parks but they can and do get shooed-off. All flying fields are dirt or asphalt, not very conducive to belly-landers. Plan on spending Memorial Day thru Labor Day building in the air-conditioning, not much flying. Plenty of hobby shops but like everywhere most are catering to the BNF and multi rotor crowd. It’s hard to find serious RC plane stuff anymore. The premier flying field can get crowded; the other choice is dirt with IMAC guys practicing constantly. Other fields are across town (Phx metro is about 70mi across)
Other – Illegal alien problem. Pockets of Mesa have high crime - which was nonexistent 20 years ago. ASU is next door. You’ll hate the politics if you’re liberal. When snowbirds are here, long lines everywhere. If you’re retired military Luke AFB is really the only large military installation in Phx area - Waaay across town.
Congratulations on your retirement!
Eric
PRO’s:
Weather – We get like 450 days of sunshine a year. Not much wind to speak of, except for a few weekends or so in the spring it seems to get a little windy.
Environment – Mesa is a suburb of the Phoenix metro area, which is around the 5[SUP]th[/SUP] largest city in the country. So you have all the conveniences of metro life surrounded by some of the most beautiful desert scenery in the world. 2 hours north and you’re skiing in the Rockies. LOTS of great motorcycle space and a thriving weekend warrior contingent.
Retirement – Mesa is like the Mecca of Midwestern retirees. They come as winter visitors then decide to stay; a retirement community on every corner, usually surrounding a golf course. Cost of living seems to be agreeable to the billion or so retirees that live here.
RC flying – Mesa is home to one of the premier flying sites in the country, the Arizona Model Aviators field is a world class setup. The other field east of town is hugely active in IMAC. At least 5 other nice fields in Phx metro area. Plenty of hobby shops.
Other – No natural disasters, all major sports teams, spring training, casinos, great for aviation and motorsports enthusiasts. 5 hour road trip to Vegas or LA (or El Paso, but why?). Large recreational boating community believe it or not. Phx is bordered by 6 mountain lakes on its northern edge. Best roads and traffic in the nation as far as I can tell. ASU is next door. You’ll love the politics if you’re conservative.
CON’s:
Weather – We get like 450 days of sunshine a year. Don’t step outside in the summer or you will explode. Dust storms in July / Aug.
RC Flying – All Mesa parks and retention areas (there are hundreds) forbid RC planes or cars of any kind. Lots of people do fly their foamies in the parks but they can and do get shooed-off. All flying fields are dirt or asphalt, not very conducive to belly-landers. Plan on spending Memorial Day thru Labor Day building in the air-conditioning, not much flying. Plenty of hobby shops but like everywhere most are catering to the BNF and multi rotor crowd. It’s hard to find serious RC plane stuff anymore. The premier flying field can get crowded; the other choice is dirt with IMAC guys practicing constantly. Other fields are across town (Phx metro is about 70mi across)
Other – Illegal alien problem. Pockets of Mesa have high crime - which was nonexistent 20 years ago. ASU is next door. You’ll hate the politics if you’re liberal. When snowbirds are here, long lines everywhere. If you’re retired military Luke AFB is really the only large military installation in Phx area - Waaay across town.
Congratulations on your retirement!
Eric
#40
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"On Top O The World" in Ocala, Florida is an RC Retirement Community. It is about 70 miles north of Orlando. Very nice winters, but summer is a bummer as it is hot and muggy about 6-7 months of the year.
#42
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Yes we know. But still looking for the PERFECT place. Besides there are a few different places mentioned on each thread so it's informative. I think it is fair to say that Arizona, Nevada, California and Florida seem to be the most mentioned states on both threads. Seems that cold and snow are over rated!
#43
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Yes we know. But still looking for the PERFECT place. Besides there are a few different places mentioned on each thread so it's informative. I think it is fair to say that Arizona, Nevada, California and Florida seem to be the most mentioned states on both threads. Seems that cold and snow are over rated!
#45
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My wife and I have been looking at Texas. She has family there and we have visited 4-5 times over the last few years. Central Texas, (Hill Country), seems to be pretty decent weather wise and the cost of living is less than here in Southern California. The area between Austin and San Antonio is pretty nice and I know there are large clubs in both those towns. Also, no state income tax and in general, the cost of living is pretty reasonable.
I love the weather here in Southern California. Other than that, things are starting to suck in my specific area. Crime is getting bad too. Two police shootings here in the last week. In the first one, two carjackers shot at a deputy with an assault rifle when he tried to pull them over. The deputy is ok and the bad guys were taken into custody a few days later.
In the second case, a deputy and a CHP officer on a gang task force stopped a gang member across the street from my church. The gang member came out of the car shooting and the deputy and CHP officer returned fire and killed him. Thank God the good guys are ok.
Make sure you check the crime statistics before you jump to a new location!
I love the weather here in Southern California. Other than that, things are starting to suck in my specific area. Crime is getting bad too. Two police shootings here in the last week. In the first one, two carjackers shot at a deputy with an assault rifle when he tried to pull them over. The deputy is ok and the bad guys were taken into custody a few days later.
In the second case, a deputy and a CHP officer on a gang task force stopped a gang member across the street from my church. The gang member came out of the car shooting and the deputy and CHP officer returned fire and killed him. Thank God the good guys are ok.
Make sure you check the crime statistics before you jump to a new location!
Last edited by Mickydee1354; 04-30-2015 at 10:28 PM.
#46
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All that being said, I'm afraid we're not that much better off here in Michigan politically. And I can't imagine many not from here would consider the weather conducive to R/C, either.
Last edited by RickVB; 04-20-2015 at 06:29 PM.
#49
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Nope, not impossible. Just a desire to live somewhere that meets your most important desires, and a willingness to pack up and move there.
I've seen too many retired folks that just "End Up" somewhere. When asked why they chose the place, they often reply that they never gave the issue much thought.
I don't want to be that person, so threads like this are informative for me. Having travelled extensively I know there are choices out there.
Although I am not the OP, I want to thank everyone that has responded with their opinion on this thread.
By the way, I love Maine. I travel to Rockland frequently, but the winters are WAY too long and harsh for me.
I've seen too many retired folks that just "End Up" somewhere. When asked why they chose the place, they often reply that they never gave the issue much thought.
I don't want to be that person, so threads like this are informative for me. Having travelled extensively I know there are choices out there.
Although I am not the OP, I want to thank everyone that has responded with their opinion on this thread.
By the way, I love Maine. I travel to Rockland frequently, but the winters are WAY too long and harsh for me.