I had an excellent visit with family that spend winters in
Arizona. They have a "park model" home in one of the many
resorts down there. The resort has facilities for all kinds
of hobbies and physical fitness including pickle ball, slow
pitch and golfing. What is, I think, most important about
the resort route is that everyone is there for the same
reason and most leave in the summer. What that means is
that there is ongoing opportunity to meet and re-meet other
people. Kind of like the start of a school year on a
regular basis. Most people are there ready to meet others
and to enjoy their time. Outside of the resorts, I am
guessing it will be less easy to meet and plan activities
with neighbours. Some of them will be year-rounders with
jobs and obligations so less time to socialize.
On 12/16/16, Rob wrote:
> Hi all-
> I retired recently as a 69 year old science teacher, and
> just turned 70. I live in Washington state in
> Bellingham, and as much as I love the beauty up there,
> I'm currently experiencing being a snowbird and spending
> a couple months in Tucson, Az. That limited time really
> doesn't qualify as a snowbird, but call it what you may.
>
> I'm trying to decide on whether I should buy a townhouse
> in Tucson to spend a few months a year in. Your opinions
> would be really welcome, but let me tell you what is on
> my mind about all this.
>
> I'm currently in an airbnb, and frankly I could do that
> every year. Sure it could be $3,000/month, but then you
> don't have the headache of making sure your place is ok
> when you are not there. Also, having a second smaller
> home ends up compelling you to only go between your two
> homes. It's possible that I could travel to other
> locations using airbnb.
>
> What are your thoughts on retiring with two homes versus
> owning one home and renting the other when you need to.
>
> I certainly do like the summer conditions here in Tucson
> right now, but understand that from May to October there
> are numerous 100+ days, according to retirees who are
> here year round.
>
> By the way, a very Merry Christmas.
>
> Regards,
> Rob
Posts on this thread, including this one