Need ideas of where to live

[breeves2245]

Figured this group has been to a lot of places I have in mind. My local office shut down and instead of being forced to relocate to another state (Indiana/Florida) I was offered a work at home option. Been doing this since January, love it. I'm 58, hope to retire in about four years or so and hit the western US in a truck camper. Single Joe, so just me and the dog.

Keep thinking I have an opportunity to have some adventure and live someone else temporarily, maybe for six months or a year. Somewhere in the western US with outdoor activity within a short driving distance. Probably just rent an apartment and lease out my house fully furnished. If the adventure ain't what I had hoped, I move back. Been a landlord for twenty years, so I know the ropes. My idea spot would be an in town apt close to everything, even walking distance but has fishing, golf, hiking, biking, etc close by. I live in a wonderful place now in Northwest Arkansas in the Ozarks, but the idea of a bit of an adventure and still working full time is tempting. Any towns small to mid sized come to mind? Thanks for any ideas.

[jesseannie]

Check out Boise Idaho. Warm summers mild winters there is a river through town. Lots of recreation opportunities. It is a nice walkable or bicycling city. It has a nice downtown. We moved here a year ago and like it a lot.
Jesseannie

[JFNM]

Howdy breeves2245,

Given this is an RV forum, why not do what all of us working fulltimers are already doing?? Pick one of the big three, no income tax states for your domicile (SD, TX, FL) and then live/work in an RV from wherever you want to be at that point in time??

I'm a software engineer and have been doing it for years. It works just fine for me, I get to see every part of the country that I want to see, and I am not stuck in any one place. I've seen more of my family and friends since I've been doing this than ever before in my life.

I do admit, working all day with this view can be difficult!!

[sdianel_-acct_c]

http://www.bestplaces.net/

[sdianel_-acct_c]

My cousin lives in Montrose Colorado if you can take the winters. About 20,000 people lots to do nearby.

[coolmom42]

In your shoes I would migrate with the seasons. Look for something pleasant/high altitude in the summer.... say Idaho mountains, Couer D'Alene is nice. Then a winter in the Southwest.

You don't want to spend the winters in cold climates nor summers in hot. You have wheels, go somewhere nice!

[Grit_dog]

From the northern NM towns to anywhere on the western slope of CO sounds like what you're looking for. Honestly I'd have trouble picking one.
Depends on how much you can spend how close you get to the popular areas. The outdoor recreation is just as good in Aspen as it is Craig save for the ski resorts 2 minutes away.

[JIMNLIN]

Santa Fe/Taos or Las Vegas in north central NM area would be my pick.

We did have a place near Gunnison, CO but got out when the state went to pot.

[F-TROUP]

Forget Calif, we'll be taxed to poverty for a High Speed Rail going nowhere. The lic. for my 16 year old F250 was $184 and will go to $358 in 20018, not to mention the new gas tax, you see where this is going. I'd do Utah.

[EgorKC]

breeves2245 wrote:
I'm thinking Utah or Colorado. City-data.com is very interesting to read about everyone's opinion. Looking for a small to mid-sized town. Plenty to research on the internet, but was hoping to get some real insight from the rv crowd that has been there.

Pagosa Springs, Durango or Cortez Colorado are good options to look at. Pagosa Springs is likely the most expensive of the 3 but all have tons of things to do nearby. Highway 160 is decent for travel considering it is only 2 lane.

Hope this helps.
Greg

[Merrykalia]

Breeves, I know you said Western states, but Asheville, NC has all that and more!! EST, 5 hrs to the coast, lots of outdoor activities, snow occasionally in the winter, mountains, valleys, lots of local breweries, has been listed in the top 5 localities to retire, but still has a wonderful young feel to it. Do some searching about the nightlife, activities, etc.

[wa8yxm]

Since you have the "Telecommuting" option and given modern electronics May I make a suggestion.. Do not live in "one" place.. Live in at least two

Winters I spend in Oconee County SC. I shuttle (Due to memberships) between a Membership park and a county park. Full hook up with Wi-Fi at the Membership, Water/Electric only at the county (50 amp)

Summers I shuttle between two Membership parks. Full hook up (50 amp) WIth Wi-Fi

The shuttling is not required. YOu can , for example, Spend the winter with Bill Brown at Cathead Creek Ranch RV park (Townsend, GA, 3 miles north of exit 49) and the summer say with the Crawfords here in MI.

Less strain on teh A/C in teh summer. And the heater in the winter.

NOTE. Some states (Mi for example) require you spend a specific amount of time "In State" each year.. I do

[breeves2245]

I want to stay in the central or mountain time zone as all my reports I generate to east coast employees. Don't want to wake up at 5:00 am to get them out!

I'm a homebrewer, so beer friendly is great. Took a visit to Boulder a few years back on a weekend getaway. Liked it, but holy geez the price of even a small apartment is impressive. My investigate more in Colorado in case I needed to get back to NW Arkansas, the drive would not be too bad.

[Alabama_Jim]

If you can stand a lot of cold, take a look at Casper, WY. If you want a mix, try looking at Ashville, NC.

[mike_kellie]

Check into Bend Oregon. I'll throw in dog and beer friendly.

[memtb]

breeves2245, You may take a look at extreme northern Idaho or northwest Montana. Summers are a little cooler than North Arkansas, and winters are not much cooler... Though a lot longer! We are taking a serious look-see!