USA -- low budget repatriation specific locations that aren't horrible

[SpokaneAl]

I buy nothing where I don't own the land outright. I certainly wouldn't buy into a condo or other zero lot line deal where some association could dictate what my monthly charges would be. I wouldn't share ownership in land or a pool or a rec. room or anything else I didn't control. It's not just the uncertainty of what the fees will be, but there's also the uncertainty of whether others will pay their dues. In tough times of foreclosures many dues go unpaid and there isn't enough money to properly maintain the common areas. Things can go to crap.

First buy the land. As the old saying goes, "There are just three things to consider when appraising property. Location, location, and location." You can always do things to improve a dwelling but nothing to improve the location. Location includes it being in a place with or without a homeowners' association.

After choosing the land, choose the dwelling. They are probably both already there but it's the location we choose first and only then bother to assess the suitability of the dwelling on it. This is why I could choose a small rural piece with a double wide mobile on it if I were in that price range. They can take their condo and shove it - sideways.

Cheers.

Rural sounds good, but for many of us, as we age we need an infrastructure involving someone else to take care of the yard etc, and quick and efficient access to healthcare, stores etc.

After spending many years in the suburbs with a big house, a few years ago we downsized to a townhouse in a community with most services a short drive or walk from our front door. We are fairly certain our next move will be to an even smaller place within a retirement community.

This works for us during the months we spend each year in the US.

[SpokaneAl]

I buy nothing where I don't own the land outright. I certainly wouldn't buy into a condo or other zero lot line deal where some association could dictate what my monthly charges would be. I wouldn't share ownership in land or a pool or a rec. room or anything else I didn't control. It's not just the uncertainty of what the fees will be, but there's also the uncertainty of whether others will pay their dues. In tough times of foreclosures many dues go unpaid and there isn't enough money to properly maintain the common areas. Things can go to crap.

First buy the land. As the old saying goes, "There are just three things to consider when appraising property. Location, location, and location." You can always do things to improve a dwelling but nothing to improve the location. Location includes it being in a place with or without a homeowners' association.

After choosing the land, choose the dwelling. They are probably both already there but it's the location we choose first and only then bother to assess the suitability of the dwelling on it. This is why I could choose a small rural piece with a double wide mobile on it if I were in that price range. They can take their condo and shove it - sideways.

Cheers.

Rural sounds good, but for many of us, as we age we need/want an infrastructure involving someone else to take care of the yard etc, and quick and efficient access to healthcare, stores etc.

After spending many years in the suburbs with a big house, a few years ago we downsized to a townhouse in a community with most services a short drive or walk from our front door. We are fairly certain our next move will be to an even smaller place within a retirement community.

This works for us during the months we spend each year in the US.

Edited March 19, 2016 by SpokaneAl

[GinBoy2]

I'm going wander off the reservation here, but...

I've maintained a South Dakota residency for while now, since I wanted to exclude myself from the tax grip of California.

I go back every 5 years which is the requirement to maintain residency, and as I approach my upcoming trip in May, I'm almost excited.

The Prairies & the Black Hills do have a charm which as a native Californian I didn't expect. They also have a certain small town charm that I remember from my youth in rural California, now long gone I have to say.

The winters are brutal, but the rest of the year ain't bad. I'm doing my usual stay for 4 days doing the DMV drivers license renewal, then Mount Rushmore. Then this year on the drive back to San Francisco before getting on a plane, I'm doing Yellowstone for 3 days. Never done it, quite excited

[NeverSure]

I'm going wander off the reservation here, but...

I've maintained a South Dakota residency for while now, since I wanted to exclude myself from the tax grip of California.

I go back every 5 years which is the requirement to maintain residency, and as I approach my upcoming trip in May, I'm almost excited.

The Prairies & the Black Hills do have a charm which as a native Californian I didn't expect. They also have a certain small town charm that I remember from my youth in rural California, now long gone I have to say.

The winters are brutal, but the rest of the year ain't bad. I'm doing my usual stay for 4 days doing the DMV drivers license renewal, then Mount Rushmore. Then this year on the drive back to San Francisco before getting on a plane, I'm doing Yellowstone for 3 days. Never done it, quite excited

Great! Here's what I'd do, but up to you. On leaving Mt. Rushmore I'd go out through Deadwood and catch I-90 to Sheridan. Then I'd go right over the Bighorns through Greybull and to Cody. Then I'd go right into the park through Wapiti (Indian word for elk) and across the N. edge of Yellowstone Lake.

After that you can come out at W. Yellowstone or go S. through The Tetons to Jackson (aka Jackson Hole).

I've been considering making another drive around the US, either this May or in September. I haven't done if for almost 20 years. It takes me about 10K miles averaging about 300 miles per day (easy) in about 30 days. I catch everything worth seeing and eat every type of food worth finding and then come home. I don't know which I like best - BBQ ribs at Corky's in Memphis or catfish and hushpuppies at any of a number of places or a sampler plate of Cajun food in the French Quarter in N. Orleans but it's all fun.

Have a good time!!

PS If you're traveling across S. Dakota on 90 don't forget to stop at Wall Drug, as if their billboards would allow it, LOL.

[GinBoy2]

I'm going wander off the reservation here, but...

I've maintained a South Dakota residency for while now, since I wanted to exclude myself from the tax grip of California.

I go back every 5 years which is the requirement to maintain residency, and as I approach my upcoming trip in May, I'm almost excited.

The Prairies & the Black Hills do have a charm which as a native Californian I didn't expect. They also have a certain small town charm that I remember from my youth in rural California, now long gone I have to say.

The winters are brutal, but the rest of the year ain't bad. I'm doing my usual stay for 4 days doing the DMV drivers license renewal, then Mount Rushmore. Then this year on the drive back to San Francisco before getting on a plane, I'm doing Yellowstone for 3 days. Never done it, quite excited

Great! Here's what I'd do, but up to you. On leaving Mt. Rushmore I'd go out through Deadwood and catch I-90 to Sheridan. Then I'd go right over the Bighorns through Greybull and to Cody. Then I'd go right into the park through Wapiti (Indian word for elk) and across the N. edge of Yellowstone Lake.

After that you can come out at W. Yellowstone or go S. through The Tetons to Jackson (aka Jackson Hole).

I've been considering making another drive around the US, either this May or in September. I haven't done if for almost 20 years. It takes me about 10K miles averaging about 300 miles per day (easy) in about 30 days. I catch everything worth seeing and eat every type of food worth finding and then come home. I don't know which I like best - BBQ ribs at Corky's in Memphis or catfish and hushpuppies at any of a number of places or a sampler plate of Cajun food in the French Quarter in N. Orleans but it's all fun.

Have a good time!!

PS If you're traveling across S. Dakota on 90 don't forget to stop at Wall Drug, as if their billboards would allow it, LOL.

I was just looking at potential itineraries, so thanks for the recommendation.

On a side note, my daughter may join me, she'll be flying out of SFO, then driving back with me, Given that I'm driving from Rapid City, anyone got advice on the best airport for her to fly into that we can meet up before we head into the park?

[sirineou]

I looked into the question of taking SS benefits early and found a source saying if you live to 62 you're better off taking it early if you die before 78. After that a bad choice. About 50 50 odds if you live to 62 of living longer than 78. People are probably poor judges of their own life expectancies but on the other hand it is possible to make educated guesses based on your parents, gender, and health conditions. Also I think poverty definitely tends to shorten lifespan in general. Grim perhaps to bet against yourself but old age ain't for wimps.

an other option would be to, if possible,to leverage any medical condition one might have by then ,to apply for disability

a lot easier to qualify for disability at 62, as you have limited prospects for retraining and re employment

Disability at 62 would return the same as retirement at 65

http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/retired-draw-disability.html

[Langsuan Man]

I looked into the question of taking SS benefits early and found a source saying if you live to 62 you're better off taking it early if you die before 78. After that a bad choice. About 50 50 odds if you live to 62 of living longer than 78. People are probably poor judges of their own life expectancies but on the other hand it is possible to make educated guesses based on your parents, gender, and health conditions. Also I think poverty definitely tends to shorten lifespan in general. Grim perhaps to bet against yourself but old age ain't for wimps.

an other option would be to, if possible,to leverage any medical condition one might have by then ,to apply for disability

a lot easier to qualify for disability at 62, as you have limited prospects for retraining and re employment

Disability at 62 would return the same as retirement at 65

http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/retired-draw-disability.html

Seriously, you think that the Social Security Adminstration just hands out SS Disability benefits if you just say please !

Talk to anyone who has tried that route and they will tell you that the odds are overwhelmingly against your winning approval. Not to mention the "disabling" medical history will have to confirmed by US licensed physician and verified by a SS approved doctor. A process that cannot be done overseas

[adisont]

Great thread, thinking out loud if I'm in JT shoes & SS income under $1K/Mo.

The only busy place in downtown Cleveland is the court house, other than this place are all dead. Rural Cleveland is very nice in Spring & Summer but Winter ... you knew !!

For overall value & medicaid, I would rent out my Condo in Thailand until sure on direction & check these places few months each, Henderson / Laughlin - 1 meal a day brunch all you can eat seafood etc. for $4.99-$8.99, only fruits/salad for dinner keep you in good health. A/C from Casino or fishing at Lake Mead / river. Next rent an address/PO Box in San Diego, stay few months in Ensanada/Rosorito, find out what would be the best overall out come ? ObamaCare would be under $10-$0/Mo. for low or no income. If found place to settle in U.S. then sell your Thai Condo & buy in U.S. Thai Condo will be on down turn for the next couple years on over supply but long run would be back up again.

Your concern are on health care, many of world's best Doctors are in Thailand are working 6Mo. in Thailand & 6 Mo. in U.S. What make them best is practice without fearing of lawsuit where US's doctors fear to give you a shot or any medication. These're hospitals where served & support by the King: http://www.si.mahidol.ac.th/th/ , http://md-center.org/md/home from simple cold to liver & heart transplant & etc. and the cost is less than your insurance premium. Just need to know what & where to look.

You'll need to be Thai citizen which need to live in Thailand for min. of 5 yrs. and marry to Thai and 5,000 Baht for application. I don't mean for you to marry a bar girl !! You knew that there're more female than male in Thailand, 30% of Thai men are ladyboy, 20% are gay, 30% are drunk & not support family, 10% have several mistress. That's left you so many choices to choose, 40-50% of female are self sufficient single / never been marry, don't need financial support just need companion and some are better financial than us. I would find a Thai wife, live in rural Thailand 1/2 hour from beach, 1/2hr. from mountain/water fall & 1/2hr. from hospital, grow my own fruit/vegetable, 9 hens & 1 rooster. Just need to know what & where to look.

Cheers,

[sirineou]

I looked into the question of taking SS benefits early and found a source saying if you live to 62 you're better off taking it early if you die before 78. After that a bad choice. About 50 50 odds if you live to 62 of living longer than 78. People are probably poor judges of their own life expectancies but on the other hand it is possible to make educated guesses based on your parents, gender, and health conditions. Also I think poverty definitely tends to shorten lifespan in general. Grim perhaps to bet against yourself but old age ain't for wimps.

an other option would be to, if possible,to leverage any medical condition one might have by then ,to apply for disability

a lot easier to qualify for disability at 62, as you have limited prospects for retraining and re employment

Disability at 62 would return the same as retirement at 65

http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/retired-draw-disability.html

Seriously, you think that the Social Security Adminstration just hands out SS Disability benefits if you just say please !

Talk to anyone who has tried that route and they will tell you that the odds are overwhelmingly against your winning approval. Not to mention the "disabling" medical history will have to confirmed by US licensed physician and verified by a SS approved doctor. A process that cannot be done overseas

That is why I said :"leverage any medical condition one might have"

If the medical condition is inadequate for qualification you will be denied as most people are, at which point you will consult a disability lawyer, if said lawyer believes you wave a reasonable chance in front of a judge, he/she will take the case on contingency, which is a percentage of your award, the case will take a year or two and if you win you will be paid retroactively to the day you filed minus the lawyers percentage

You are welcome

[BKKSnowBird]

You also need to be recently insured for SSDI. If you have not worked in a job that pays FICA in the last 5 years, you will not qualify no matter how disabled you are.

Many guys who stopped working in their 50s might be suprised how little SS they get since the anount is based on your 35 highest years of paying FICA. Those statments you get assume you will keep working until "normal" retirement age.

Edited March 21, 2016 by BKKSnowBird

[BKKSnowBird]

There is always a reason for the low price! But I can't afford a high price.

I get why people love Portland. I just don't. C'est la vie. Just as well as I can't afford it. I like Seattle a lot of better which I also can't afford.

Apparently there are a lot of SNAKES in Phoenix? Could be a deal breaker.

If Portland ends up on your short list, then here's another thought:

You might want to consider Vancouver, Washington, which is just across the Columbia River - spitting distance - from Portland.

About a 15 minute drive.

Houses are considerably less expensive than in Portland, and the lots are larger.

I rented a nice 3br ranch for $800 in 2012.

No sales tax on food items, and no sales tax at all when you cross the river to Oregon.

Vancouver and Portland have changed a lot since 2012! Portland is the new hot city to live in and there is a shortage of housing which is also effecting Vancouver. Look on cragslist for what places are renting for now. You will be shocked! Edited March 21, 2016 by BKKSnowBird

[skatewash]

Many guys who stopped working in their 50s might be suprised how little SS they get since the anount is based on your 35 highest years of paying FICA. Those statments you get assume you will keep working until "normal" retirement age.

Your claim about the assumption SS makes that you will keep working until "normal" retirement age when they send you your annual estimate of benefits seems to be contradicted by this statement from SS (https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/rsnotes/rsn2008-05.html):

As noted above, benefits are estimated using the PIA [primary insurance amount] formula for the year the Statement is sent. When computing the AIME [average indexed monthly earnings] that is used in the PIA formula, current-year and all future preretirement earnings are assumed to be equal to observed earnings in the latest full year. For example, if the worker earned $40,000 last year, it is assumed he or she nominally earns $40,000 in the current year and will continue to nominally earn $40,000 in all future years until the relevant retirement age.2 If last year's earnings were zero, then earnings from 2 years ago are assumed to equal the individual's earnings from the current year until retirement. Zero earnings in the last 2 years result in the assumption of no current and future earnings.

[Jingthing]

Social security. It's complicated.

[craigt3365]

Interesting article, has a few new places I've not thought of.

http://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2016-03-03/the-10-best-places-in-the-world-to-retire

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Your claim about the assumption SS makes that you will keep working until "normal" retirement age when they send you your annual estimate of benefits seems to be contradicted by this statement from SS (https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/rsnotes/rsn2008-05.html):

As noted above, benefits are estimated using the PIA [primary insurance amount] formula for the year the Statement is sent. When computing the AIME [average indexed monthly earnings] that is used in the PIA formula, current-year and all future preretirement earnings are assumed to be equal to observed earnings in the latest full year. For example, if the worker earned $40,000 last year, it is assumed he or she nominally earns $40,000 in the current year and will continue to nominally earn $40,000 in all future years until the relevant retirement age.2 If last year's earnings were zero, then earnings from 2 years ago are assumed to equal the individual's earnings from the current year until retirement. Zero earnings in the last 2 years result in the assumption of no current and future earnings.

Thanks for posting that info from SS. As someone in that general situation, I was wondering about the accuracy of the info you were responding to.

[Jingthing]

My radar has stayed the same.

My personal finalists for "Low" budget repatriation destinations that aren't horrible are still St. Pete, FL and Tucson, AZ.

Also included casually are Albuquerque, NM and the Northeast suburbs of Atlanta, GA.

I've totally rejected the Las Vegas, NV area.

Most focused on St. Pete including nearby places like Kenneth City and Pinellas Park, etc., looking at Zillow daily and getting a feel of the neighborhoods and housing complexes.

Weirdly, I still feel the culture of Tucson may be a better fit.

On that note, this is funny:

http://www.tucsonweekly.com/tucson/keeping-tucson-tucson/Content?oid=6092105

"We started [Tiny Town Times] partly to combat Tucson Weekly's attack of the 'Keep Tucson Shitty' thing," Ficker says. "We wrote an article on what 'Keep Tucson Shitty' means to us, which is basically keep things affordable—just shitty enough to where it's not Portland where it costs a bunch of money to live."

[Jingthing]

Yeah, I could search myself, but looking at St. Pete I've become aware that FLOOD ZONES are a real issue, not only the actual potential floods but also the INSURANCE.

Does someone know some great sources for detailed block by block FLOOD ZONE real estate info?

[losworld]

My radar has stayed the same.

My personal finalists for "Low" budget repatriation destinations that aren't horrible are still St. Pete, FL and Tucson, AZ.

Also included casually are Albuquerque, NM and the Northeast suburbs of Atlanta, GA.

I've totally rejected the Las Vegas, NV area.

Most focused on St. Pete including nearby places like Kenneth City and Pinellas Park, etc., looking at Zillow daily and getting a feel of the neighborhoods and housing complexes.

Weirdly, I still feel the culture of Tucson may be a better fit.

On that note, this is funny:

http://www.tucsonweekly.com/tucson/keeping-tucson-tucson/Content?oid=6092105

"We started [Tiny Town Times] partly to combat Tucson Weekly's attack of the 'Keep Tucson Shitty' thing," Ficker says. "We wrote an article on what 'Keep Tucson Shitty' means to us, which is basically keep things affordable—just shitty enough to where it's not Portland where it costs a bunch of money to live."

I think I would lean toward St Pete. Too bad Cali is getting so expensive. What about Utah? I know its not a political fit for you but I always thought St. George a cool little town if you are just looking to chill.

[55Jay]

Yeah, I could search myself, but looking at St. Pete I've become aware that FLOOD ZONES are a real issue, not only the actual potential floods but also the INSURANCE.

Does someone know some great sources for detailed block by block FLOOD ZONE real estate info?

Indeed.

Google around a bit, you should find a municipal / county site with GIS flood/storm surge data.

I did that for the panhandle area we visited in February. The results did alter my thought process about what the snow birds call "living the beach dream".

Edit: Googled St. Pete flood zone data. Couple results. Here's one:

http://www.pinellascounty.org/flooding/maps.htm

Edited April 10, 2016 by 55Jay

[Langsuan Man]

If you can read a topographic map they are free from the US Geological Survey and cover the entire United States in PDF format

http://nationalmap.gov/ustopo/

[1happykamper]

Tucson. Cheap. Warm. Diverse. College town.

[Jingthing]

Tucson. Cheap. Warm. Diverse. College town.

But it's a DRY heat ...

[lopburi3]

Dry heat may be less punishing but it can be rather hot - remember a year in New Delhi heat was not that nice. Blast furnace effect.

[Jingthing]

Dry heat may be less punishing but it can be rather hot - remember a year in New Delhi heat was not that nice. Blast furnace effect.

Indeed, and both of my top choices don't enjoy perfect weather. Pros and cons on that too. At least both have pleasant winters.

[1happykamper]

Yes.. Tucson can be hot.. 42-abd about 10% humidity. Here in Chiang Mai City for the past week: 41 and about 45% humidity. Pick your poison.

[Jingthing]

Yes.. Tucson can be hot.. 42-abd about 10% humidity. Here in Chiang Mai City for the past week: 41 and about 45% humidity. Pick your poison.

Yeah. Tucson is hotter and St Pete much more humid. I really like the massive stock of low cost over 55 housing in the latter though. Too much shuffleboard though. Prefer tennis.

[Gary A]

The good thing about desert hot and low humidity is that what we call swamp (evaporation) coolers, are very effective and they also raise the humidity to a healthy level. No such luck in St. Pete or Atlanta. Rattlesnakes and scorpions like dry heat.

[Jingthing]

The good thing about desert hot and low humidity is that what we call swamp (evaporation) coolers, are very effective and they also raise the humidity to a healthy level. No such luck in St. Pete or Atlanta. Rattlesnakes and scorpions like dry heat.

Tradeoffs. I think St. Pete would be a lot less culture shock for me for better or worse. Have a good idea of what Florida is like from vacations there. Have lived in various places with hot humid summers. Having clean beaches close is a big plus. Also Tampa St. Pete is more of a major metro area. International airports and major sports teams etc.

[55Jay]

The good thing about desert hot and low humidity is that what we call swamp (evaporation) coolers, are very effective and they also raise the humidity to a healthy level. No such luck in St. Pete or Atlanta. Rattlesnakes and scorpions like dry heat.

Tradeoffs. I think St. Pete would be a lot less culture shock for me for better or worse. Have a good idea of what Florida is like from vacations there. Have lived in various places with hot humid summers. Having clean beaches close is a big plus. Also Tampa St. Pete is more of a major metro area. International airports and major sports teams etc.

You won't have to make any trade offs. Florida has air conditioners that remove humidity. They also have rattle snakes and scorpions.

Keep an eye on the beach water quality, which is something I hadn't considered until I was in Florida recently, and read up on it. Pinellas County was "red" when I was in-state, still is, sometimes severe levels causing fish kills and respiratory irritation. Not a deal breaker, just (another) thing to be aware of.

https://www.facebook.com/FLHABs/

[Jingthing]

Rattlesnakes and scorpions in coastal central Florida? Hard to believe.