Day -204 -- Where will I go?

After my brother suggested heading back to Northeast Ohio, when I’ve sold out down here in Florida, I immediately dismissed it. And then, as I am prone to do, I had to research the possibility.

I dug out all kinds of retirement cost related information on Lake County, Ohio versus northeast Georgia versus Florida in general.

Let’s just say either Georgia or Ohio would be tons cheaper than places in Florida where I would accept living. I don’t want the hurricane life anymore. Too stressful and potentially costly.

The non-Florida choices both offer much cheaper home prices and taxes (property especially, but others too) and insurances are super-low comparatively. I could easily own outright a home at either destination, for the proceeds from the one here, and not have any mortgage (I have 10-15 years left on this place).

Adding those savings to other “extra” costs to live down here in the sunshine state, makes it clear I will want to move.

I will continue to look at both areas now. Seeing as I am end-dated at 12/20/2019, and that is the beginning of winter in northern Ohio, I wouldn’t see me moving there until March 2020 or so. And, around February is when I will be finishing up the financial switching due to being terminated, and that next month also matches my entry into Medicare/Medigap (H?). I think I’d list this place around February, and hope for a March sell. Meanwhile finding my next place (rent or buy) during that period.

But, before winter hits this year, I’d like to drive up to both Georgia and Ohio to get a feel for the way they are now, as opposed to how I think they are, or remember them as being. It has been 15-20 years since I’ve seen either.

That trip should be in the August/September time-frame, I think.

Many non-financial factors will come into play for the final decision. Winter in Ohio, UGH… But, I could easily vacation elsewhere. One brother is there, and the other may go back there when he retires.. Those are STRONG positives… I don’t know how much relative bonding this old ADD brain could handle, but I still think connecting with those two, and a sister that is up there too, would be nice.

Northeast Georgia has tons of hills and forests and wonderful places to photograph. And little snow, unless I want to see it. One good friend up there too. Lots of scenic places within a one-day drive.

Both have plenty to do in spring, summer, and fall. Lots of cultural, artistry, etc. Georgia is still good in winter, so what do I do in Ohio in Winter? Other than vacation in the south??? I’m too old to go play in the snow and sled ride. But the concept of curling up with a good book (or Alexa reading me an Audible one) in front of a real fireplace sounds nice.

Neither will do much for my tan — and I sure will miss my private pool and my orchard — hmm, planning during the winter, for starting a spring garden, up in Ohio, is a possibility. What else?

So, I throw this out to the few readers I have here, what is there to do in Northeast Ohio as a senior, in the winter?

And, what benefits to either Georgia or Ohio can you bestow upon me to help with the decision?.

Add comments below….

For now,

Enjoy Life.

I picked Boynton Beach because it is the closest “listed” city to me in Lake Charleston of unincorporated Lake Worth, Fl. Boynton has much less expensive housing than here. So the comparison is even greater.

Other cities in Lake County, Ohio are even better — Perry, Madison, etc. - lower cost housing, similar other costs.

Boca’s housing is about the same as Lake Charleston — so, here is a comparison to Madison, Ohio.