I have 2 children who live within 2 hours of each other. I would move relatively close to them, because it would so much easier on them when I get to a more fragile stage in my life.....or at least closer to my siblings.

You may consider trying to find a place that has common areas as a way to expand your space - so maybe your single-wide could be in a park that has a common room that you could use to lay out and baste quilts? That's what my gran did with hers - she lived in a single-wide as long as I can remember and made beautiful quilts. :)

You need to Google areas where you would like to live. There are apts out there that are available with income restrictions. I never thought in a million years I would be riding on one of those old people community buses but being disable, I made the move. I am the youngest in the community. My only suggest is always keep moving and don't stop for any reason.

so much to consider. We don't live near any family and our friends are aging too. One son lives in a different city and wants us to move there. I am "all in" but Mr. Stitchnripper (who is 12 years younger than I am) can't see the writing on the wall, that we will most likely need son's help at some point and I'd like to move when I can enjoy it. Other son would look after us, but, he and his family live in a place I don't think I'd like to retire to. For me, the advantages of moving near son are 1: good medical care; 2: airline hub; 3: 4 decent seasons, no extremes; and 4: no hurricanes. so we are in kind of a stand off right now. Good luck with your decisions!!!

I'm in almost the same position as you. Right now I'm getting social security plus working part time, and within the next year or so I want to completely quit working and will thus need to downsize. I'm looking at retiring to Green Valley, AZ which is a little south of Tucson, but a higher elevation and not as hot. It has the most affordable properties I've seen and the most flexibility in lifestyle from homes to townhouses to mobile homes, all in nice areas. I'm thinking about getting a 2-bedroom, 588 sq.ft. villa in Villa West or Villa East areas. These are central areas within walking distance to a shopping center, doctors, bank, and transportation. Also a new hospital is to be completed early 2015 just to the south of Green Valley. The prices range from about $35,000 for 1 BD up to a high of about $60,000 for 2 BD. The HOA fee is $195/month and includes AC/Heating, Common area maintenance, exterior maintenance of unit, garbage collection, pest control, roof repair and replacement, water, blanket insurance policy. They have green park-like areas and swimming pools included in the HMO. Many villas are available furnished. Property taxes run about $400-$450 in the Villas. There are many senior activities in the area, and also many organizations which assist seniors who need transportation, in-home care, etc. There is a quilt guild, many volunteer opportunities, and of course golf courses . They also have Green Valley Recreation which one can join with 13 recreation centers offering pools, exercise equipment, movies, dancing, workshops like jewelry making and woodworking, a computer club, hiking, tennis, etc. It's retirement heaven! Whenever you get serious about an area, it's fun to subscribe to the local newspaper so you can become familiar with the area before making a commitment. Good luck & maybe I'll see you there some day.

Crossville TN is a retirement area and low cost of living. It is on what is called the Plateau so cooler in the summer months. We moved here from MI over 8 years ago and love it.

I have found the same amenities in a little town in Oregon. The pace is slower than the city, but has everything I need or want, and if we drive 1-2 hours we can be up in the snow year round, or in a large city, or at the ocean. It's perfect. I have 1513 sq. ft. In a manufactured home, and it only costs me $20 per month to keep the .31 acre yard mowed. My own little piece of heaven. The best thing I did was buy a homeowner's warranty, it covers everything the home owner's insurance doesn't. I pay $47 per month, and plumbers, electricians, carpenters, whatever costs me a flat $60 per visit! Used to be you could only buy a warranty when you bought a home, but now any homeowner can buy one. Worth every penny!

Oh yes, wander through IKEA's floor plans. They set up apartment/house space by square footage and even the 600sqft set is spacious and functional. Great ideas and you can snap a picture of the floor plan.

Speaking of being on a limited income, I am considering exchanging living quarters (separate building on property) to a limited-income couple. Rent could be summer riding mower and maybe laundry or one supper meal prepared a week (which of course could make enough for themselves, too. Or instead of mowing taking care of flower beds. Do you think anyone would go for a set up like this? The building has a kitchen, bedroom, living room and bathroom and utilities only run about 50/month.

I think this is a very generous offer. This would be great for a limited income couple as long as they are physically able to mow or do yard work. If I were able to mow or do garden work, I'd certainly take you up on it..

We don't want the income per se as when we retire it would mess up our taxes, which is why we would trade off for something we don't like to do or just seem to always be behind on. That's why it would not necessarily be mowing as might be too much for someone. Actually just having someone take over the utilities would be great. Heat is radiant floor heat, which is why so inexpensive. Heck, if they played pinochle, rent could be play once a week with DH and I! It is something I have been playing around with in my head.