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Good Location for Retirement and R/C????

Old 04-18-2015, 09:51 AM
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TLH101
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Default Good Location for Retirement and R/C????

Looking to retire in a couple years and shopping around for a good location, with a thriving R/C aircraft community. I am also a motorcyclist, so good riding will will be of prime importance as well. I currently reside on the Texas Gulf Coast, but the humidity and the wind, let alone, the lack of much R/C activity prompts me to want to move. Hoping to find a place with mild winters, low humidity, low cost of living (ha ha), and a nice R/C field. Local hobby shops would be nice, as been a long time since I have had a regular LHS.
I am originally from Albuquerque, and that is a possibility, but also considering something in Arizona. I am sure there are others who may on the same path in the near future.
So what would you do?
Old 04-18-2015, 08:21 PM
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Mesa,AZ
Old 04-18-2015, 08:58 PM
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Huntsville, Alabama. Few clubs south of there and a big club in Huntsville(I forget where). There's an awesome hobby shop that has pretty much anything you have ever wanted and more, and the winters aren't too bad. Here is a tour of the shop I was talking about.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/R+...433025!6m1!1e1
Old 04-18-2015, 10:49 PM
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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
Old 04-19-2015, 02:26 AM
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Traverse City, Michigan is surrounded by great biking roads, I used to spend my weekends riding my Goldwing around the many lakes and through the woods.

The retired guys in my club fly daily, at our two fields. http://www.traversemodelpilots.com/ There seems to be within driving distance Flyin, every 2-3 weeks.

The Summers are beautiful, up here, with relatively low humidity.

The downsides may be the cost of living and the long Winters.
Old 04-19-2015, 06:27 AM
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Hello--Move back to ABQ---Great weather--lots of different riding--great housing-and we gave a great RC field and friending flyers.
Old 04-19-2015, 08:20 AM
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I know there is a lot good R/C stuff in Alabama, and Florida, but I've had all the Gulf Coast I can stand. Too humid and the weather is too unpredictable. 4 season in one day is just too much sometimes. Michigan............no way I could stay indoors for those long winters. I can stand the heat a lot better than the cold.
Right now Albuquerque is the front runner, but I am still open. It's just a little bit colder than I like in the winter in Alb. At least when it is cold, it's only for a few days, then the sun comes back, and warms things up. It also seems like they still don't have clue how to run the city, but isn't it that way everywhere?
Old 04-19-2015, 09:44 AM
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Been thinking about this myself for some time. My wife and I have been looking at the Reno/Sparks/Carson City Nevada area. Here are the prime reasons we think it is the best choice for us:

1. Reasonable cost of living, similar to Texas.
2. Dry climate, few insects
3. Low taxes
4. Lots of sunshine
5. Average of 30 to 40 degree difference between high and low temperature during the day. In the winter it's cold in the morning but warms up in the afternoon. In the Summer it's hot in the afternoon but nice and cool in the morning. Lots of flying weather!
6. Several clubs in the area, some with paved runways.
7. Massive slope and thermal flying opportunities for gliders.
8. Cheap eats and entertainment possibilities at the casinos.
9. Lake Tahoe is a 30 to 45 minute drive away. Lots to do there!
10. California wine country and San Fransisco is a 3 hour drive away.
11. Beautiful mountain views from your yard and a climate that allows you to sit outside and enjoy.
12. The local airport is large enough to allow good access to the world.
13. Good medical facilities, great medical in SFO.
14. Reasonable cost of housing.
15. They have a Whole Foods grocery store! Getting tired of Walmart.
16. No state income tax.
17. No water problems like in Southern Arizona and Las Vegas, thanks to Lake Tahoe
18. Lots of festivals, like The Burning Man Festival
19. BEST OF ALL?? RENO AIR RACES EVERY FALL!!! YEA!

Last edited by 049flyer; 04-19-2015 at 10:16 AM.
Old 04-19-2015, 12:49 PM
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Greybeard lives in Las Vegas and seems to love it.
Old 04-19-2015, 01:02 PM
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Originally Posted by 049flyer
Been thinking about this myself for some time. My wife and I have been looking at the Reno/Sparks/Carson City Nevada area. Here are the prime reasons we think it is the best choice for us:

1. Reasonable cost of living, similar to Texas.
2. Dry climate, few insects
3. Low taxes
4. Lots of sunshine
5. Average of 30 to 40 degree difference between high and low temperature during the day. In the winter it's cold in the morning but warms up in the afternoon. In the Summer it's hot in the afternoon but nice and cool in the morning. Lots of flying weather!
6. Several clubs in the area, some with paved runways.
7. Massive slope and thermal flying opportunities for gliders.
8. Cheap eats and entertainment possibilities at the casinos.
9. Lake Tahoe is a 30 to 45 minute drive away. Lots to do there!
10. California wine country and San Fransisco is a 3 hour drive away.
11. Beautiful mountain views from your yard and a climate that allows you to sit outside and enjoy.
12. The local airport is large enough to allow good access to the world.
13. Good medical facilities, great medical in SFO.
14. Reasonable cost of housing.
15. They have a Whole Foods grocery store! Getting tired of Walmart.
16. No state income tax.
17. No water problems like in Southern Arizona and Las Vegas, thanks to Lake Tahoe
18. Lots of festivals, like The Burning Man Festival
19. BEST OF ALL?? RENO AIR RACES EVERY FALL!!! YEA!
Sounds like you already died and went to heaven ! LOL Can only read the good and no bad. Are their any ?

Summer here in upper New York state is nice and plenty of clubs and flying fields around. Winters can be quite long, but then again, couple of clubs fly at indoor domes during the winters, but of course they are only flying small electrics.
Old 04-19-2015, 01:32 PM
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Reno/Sparks/Carson City Nevada area sounds nice. I have been there several times. I wonder about the Water thang though.
I recall visiting a special Ranch east of Reno back around 1980 while doing construction work for a few days.
I also found Carson city a very friendly and supportive place around 1984 when stranded for a few day.
Happy thoughts.
Old 04-19-2015, 01:48 PM
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Granpooba:

I don't live in Nevada so my research is restricted to short visits, internet research and daily checks of the weather.

From my perspective the downsides to the Reno area are as follows:

1. Lingering unemployment - Not a problem if you are retired.
2. Reduced home values lingering from the "Great Recession" - not a problem if you are retired.
3. Occasional earth tremors and slight chance of earth quake - could be a problem for some, but I have lived in similar areas before so not too much of a concern.
4. The Reno area is arid which means few trees and foliage. Sometimes "Brown" gets old, I'm hoping a short trip to Tahoe from time to time will cure it for me.
5. Gambling and prostitution are legal in Nevada. Not a problem for me as those types of businesses pay LOTS of taxes which keeps mine low. I'm sure some will take issue with the "vice" industry though.
6. It does get cold for short periods in the winter and it does snow. Neither seems to last very long though.
7. It does get hot in the summer but it's dry and usually only in the afternoon. Night time temps in the summer are moderate.
8. The arid climate can get to you if you are not prepared.
9. Forget about grass runways, too dry. I prefer paved runways anyway.
10. No ocean. If you like the ocean you'll have to drive to SFO to see it!
11. Elevation is about 4500 ft. May not be suitable for some with health problems.
12. If you live near the airport you may have to endure the sound of P-51 Mustangs, Corsairs, Bearcats and other loud piston powered aircraft with huge engines chasing each other around at low altitude during a week or so in the Fall! NOT A PROBLEM FOR ME!

That's about all the bad things I have discovered so far. I'm sure there are more. Different people have different priorities. So far the Reno area has the highest concentration of the things my wife and I are looking for. I really like the central coast of California (where my family lives), but California has a host of other problems that kick it out of the running for me. Cost of living (especially housing), taxes, water, and politics to name a few. I can easily visit the area from Reno however.

We have about 5 years to go to retirement so plenty of time to change our minds if something better comes to mind, but I have been looking for over 30 years and so far Reno is the place for us.

Here is what that Reno airport looks like at 500 mph from 100 ft or so! Notice the lack of trees and grass? I didn't either! http://youtu.be/3e1f89eidFs

Last edited by 049flyer; 04-19-2015 at 02:23 PM.
Old 04-19-2015, 01:54 PM
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duplicate post
Old 04-19-2015, 02:40 PM
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Originally Posted by 049flyer
Granpooba:

I don't live in Nevada so my research is restricted to short visits, internet research and daily checks of the weather.

From my perspective the downsides to the Reno area are as follows:

1. Lingering unemployment - Not a problem if you are retired.
2. Reduced home values lingering from the "Great Recession" - not a problem if you are retired.
3. Occasional earth tremors and slight chance of earth quake - could be a problem for some, but I have lived in similar areas before so not too much of a concern.
4. The Reno area is arid which means few trees and foliage. Sometimes "Brown" gets old, I'm hoping a short trip to Tahoe from time to time will cure it for me.
5. Gambling and prostitution are legal in Nevada. Not a problem for me as those types of businesses pay LOTS of taxes which keeps mine low. I'm sure some will take issue with the "vice" industry though.
6. It does get cold for short periods in the winter and it does snow. Neither seems to last very long though.
7. It does get hot in the summer but it's dry and usually only in the afternoon. Night time temps in the summer are moderate.
8. The arid climate can get to you if you are not prepared.
9. Forget about grass runways, too dry. I prefer paved runways anyway.
10. No ocean. If you like the ocean you'll have to drive to SFO to see it!
11. Elevation is about 4500 ft. May not be suitable for some with health problems.
12. If you live near the airport you may have to endure the sound of P-51 Mustangs, Corsairs, Bearcats and other loud piston powered aircraft with huge engines chasing each other around at low altitude during a week or so in the Fall! NOT A PROBLEM FOR ME!

That's about all the bad things I have discovered so far. I'm sure there are more. Different people have different priorities. So far the Reno area has the highest concentration of the things my wife and I are looking for. I really like the central coast of California (where my family lives), but California has a host of other problems that kick it out of the running for me. Cost of living (especially housing), taxes, water, and politics to name a few. I can easily visit the area from Reno however.

We have about 5 years to go to retirement so plenty of time to change our minds if something better comes to mind, but I have been looking for over 30 years and so far Reno is the place for us.

Here is what that Reno airport looks like at 500 mph from 100 ft or so! Notice the lack of trees and grass? I didn't either! http://youtu.be/3e1f89eidFs
Do not think my wife would approve, even though we are both retired.

Thought about going to Florida, but I do not like or can take the humidity and she does not like air conditioning. Thus, Florida is off our list. Besides, if I want to smell Ben Gay, I can buy a tube of it at our local drug store. LOL
Old 04-19-2015, 02:48 PM
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When I first read this thread, I to though of the Reno area, or even the Sacramento, CA area. The reno area sounds really good, I can not talk of the hobby shops in Reno, I do know that there are some great RC shops in the near area, AMain is up in the chico area of California, and in Sacramento itself there is RC Country, which is a very very good shop. If you are into racing, there is some 3 pole and some 2 pole racing, we bracket race warbirds in Sac and there are several guys who come from that part of Nevada.
Old 04-19-2015, 03:13 PM
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Did I mention that Tower Hobbies/Great Planes has an order fulfillment warehouse in Reno? Don't know about local hobby shops but I doubt shipping will take long!
Old 04-19-2015, 03:48 PM
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San Jose, Costa Rica! Especially if Hillary gets elected!
Old 04-19-2015, 03:56 PM
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I've thought of Costa Rica but can't find any info on modeling clubs.
Old 04-19-2015, 04:10 PM
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Come to North Carolina We fly year round the winters arent too bad, the summers are a little humid but not as bad as gulf coast . Riding is great in the mountains or the beach or anywhere in between.You can ride from the smoky mountains to Carolina beach in a little over 5 hours. Cost of living is average . Lots of friendly people too.

Last edited by CK1; 04-19-2015 at 04:14 PM.
Old 04-19-2015, 04:13 PM
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Oh I forgot the important part , bountiful BBQ and shine.
Old 04-19-2015, 05:00 PM
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049 Flyer - the group in Costa Rica is named "Aeromodelismo Costa Rica", spearheaded by Julio Pastora ([email protected]). He is a US college graduate so communication with him is not a
problem. Years ago Julio organized the (Tropical Fun Fly) that drew fliers from as far south as Argentina, Europeans, Asians and of course Americans and Canadians, including Don Lose, Bob Brown, Larrry Wolfe, Quique Somenzini. Went on for 20 years, after which Julio burned out and of course air travel now with and rc airplane and related electronics has to be impossible.
There are enough Americans living there to support an English language newspaper. the "Tico Times" tico being the nickname for Costa Ricans. US retirees are welcome with laws
to facilitate residence.
Three shopping malls, one with a hobby shop, though not like we USED to enjoy here before the invasion of ARFs, foamies and such junk. Anyway Miami is only a couple of hours away
and mail service is excellent. And where else could you enjoy an iguanaburger?
Old 04-19-2015, 05:09 PM
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go to mesa arz
Old 04-19-2015, 05:12 PM
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Eloy-

Sounds tempting, I'll check it out. I'm glad they have a modeling club, makes it much more attractive.

My dentist told me last week that one of her patients was retiring to Costa Rica with his wife. Their total combined retirement income was $1200.00 per month. If I thought I could retire on that I think I would already be retired!
Old 04-19-2015, 06:25 PM
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Albuquerque! The weather is great and all the guys at the field are great. You really can't beat it anywhere else. I ride a trail bike and there are hundreds of miles of trails all over. The food is unique in Albuquerque. Green or red chile on everything. Did I say the weather is great? It is!
Good luck, Dave
Old 04-19-2015, 06:39 PM
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Sabastion, Fl, Low cost of living, pleasant atmosphere, very few tropical storms, nice people and pretty good flying field.

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