College towns as a place to retire?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A lot of Kendal communities are in college towns, and the intellectual and cultural opportunities are really nice for the active elderly. The problem comes when people's health starts declining and the small college town doesn't have the sorts of advanced medical care they need. CCRCs will provide transportation to cities that are a considerable drive, but it's not as convenient as having your doctors be local.

I would be careful about the lack of protections provided to the elderly by conservative governments; you may think you'll never fall prey to sleazeballs who put you under a guardianship, but you might. Higher taxes are buying you a more ethical government.

There's a Kendall community right here outside of DC. My parents moved there exactly b/c of the issue PP mentioned - in their small town retirement life there wasn't specialized health care available that they need as they age.

[Anonymous]

How about Charleston, SC?

[Anonymous]

College town for retirement is an interesting idea, as long as it’s not near a party school. The neighborhoods where professors live a can be lovely. Evanston is a good idea except for the awful weather. Charlotte sounds nice.

[Anonymous]

“These seniors are enrolling in so-called university-based retirement communities, or UBRCs, where, for high prices, they enjoy many of the most-sought-after benefits of senior living, as well as the perks associated with college living. Perhaps one of the most popular features is simply the ability to interact with students, which some residents say helps keep them feeling young.”
https://www.wsj.com/articles/theres-a-new-type-of-senior-on-college-campuses-11574046000

[Anonymous]

Athens, GA

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My husband and I wouldn't want to live in a community primarily with people over the age of 65. Having been around a university setting most of our adult lives, we see having a younger cohort around as a feature not a drawback and it seems the OP does as well. My husband is nearing retirement age as a university prof and we too would like to retire in a warmer climate college town as well.

I would rather live in a college town - any college town - than a retirement community. Sounds awful. Luckily, my wife feels the same way.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A lot of Kendal communities are in college towns, and the intellectual and cultural opportunities are really nice for the active elderly. The problem comes when people's health starts declining and the small college town doesn't have the sorts of advanced medical care they need. CCRCs will provide transportation to cities that are a considerable drive, but it's not as convenient as having your doctors be local.

I would be careful about the lack of protections provided to the elderly by conservative governments; you may think you'll never fall prey to sleazeballs who put you under a guardianship, but you might. Higher taxes are buying you a more ethical government.

+1
“To start, there are two ways to do this: You can simply settle in the town itself, or you can move into a “university-based retirement community,” or UBRC. That term—coined by Andrew Carle, an adjunct professor at George Mason University and chief operating officer at Affinity Living Group, a senior-housing company in Hickory, N.C.—describes real-estate developments that have some type of connection (formal or informal) with an academic institution.

A good example: Kendal Corp. (kendal.org) in Kennett Square, Pa., whose popular retirement communities in eight states (primarily in the Northeast and Midwest) are closely integrated with lifelong-learning programs. Residents—who typically live within walking distance or a short drive from a college campus—can audit classes, hear guest lecturers, and attend concerts, plays and athletic events.”

https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/what-to-consider-before-retiring-in-a-college-town-1493996579

[Anonymous]

We're retired and chose Williamsburg. We're very glad we did. Not knocking Charlottesville at all, but we found Williamburg to be a better fit for us for a variety of reasons: quick access to waterfront activities, several nearby large cities with airports, mild climate, good healthcare, and a sense of community you find in many smaller cities.

Since you're planning to scout out Charlottesville, why not include a side trip to Williamsburg? That way, you'll get a better idea of which size city fits you better. Either one would be an excellent choice.

Good luck and happy retirement!

[Anonymous]

Ann Arbor, MI.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ann Arbor, MI.

brrrrr

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:“These seniors are enrolling in so-called university-based retirement communities, or UBRCs, where, for high prices, they enjoy many of the most-sought-after benefits of senior living, as well as the perks associated with college living. Perhaps one of the most popular features is simply the ability to interact with students, which some residents say helps keep them feeling young.”
https://www.wsj.com/articles/theres-a-new-type-of-senior-on-college-campuses-11574046000

For the PPs mentioning Gainsville FL, there is Oak Hammock.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ann Arbor, MI.

brrrrr

With global warming, it will be a non issue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:College town for retirement is an interesting idea, as long as it’s not near a party school. The neighborhoods where professors live a can be lovely. Evanston is a good idea except for the awful weather. Charlotte sounds nice.

As a Northwestern grad, Evanston would be a wonderful place to which to retire, other than the cost. You can bundle up against the weather and they’re great with snow removal. Considering that things are only getting hotter the South gets a hard pass.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ann Arbor, MI.

brrrrr

With global warming, it will be a non issue.

Um, global climate change doesn't mean every place on Earth gets warmer. Some of them will stay the same and some actually will get colder. And besides, the retirement age group won't experience the brunt of it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ann Arbor, MI.

brrrrr

With global warming, it will be a non issue.

yes it will still be an issue. Climate change is causing extreme weathers -- hot and cold. Do you recall the frigid bombcyclone that just happened?

Wild weather like that is only going to get worse.

My mom and MIL -- both late 80s - are always cold. My mom lives in SoCal. My MIL lives some place colder, and she keeps her house at 85F - year round. She's lived in that area the majority of her life. We went to visit her, and I felt like I was in an oven.

When you get really old, you are always cold. So, I'm going someplace warm, really warm when I'm 75+.