There are a number of publications which review retirement golf communities.  Some of these are full of advertising for the same developments that are featured, and I am not real good at extracting the marketing hype from the write-ups.

With this site's geographically wide membership, a heightened interest in golf, and many also with travel, I can't think of a better source for the type of information I am seeking.  So, here is what I am after, should some of you wish to lend your opinions and advice:

A retirement location, not necessarily an adults only community for "active seniors", that has a good combination of the following:

1) relatively pleasant weather without extremes at both ends;
2) quality golf courses in terms of architecture, maintenance, and membership (not just a bunch of old married couples playing hit and giggle);
3) within a couple hours of a major airport;
4) not far from a university or center with cultural activities;
5) not requiring a large investment in real estate;
6) a reasonable cost of living and tax burden;
7) other outdoor activities.

North Carolina has been mentioned in general.  I am looking for more specific areas and communities.  

Hopefully, this information will be of interest to a number of gca.com participants.  Thanks in advance.
 

Denver or Albuquerque.  Whatever you do, DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT move anywhere between Wilmington, NC and Charleston SC.

Matt Ward says he can give you the details, but probably won't.

Mike,

Don't you have a project at Lake Oconee?  What's the status of that one?  Will it be public/private, etc.?

Stevenson Ranch, home of KP??, is beginning the housing development phase of the property soon.

Fits all the criteria you mention but the kicker is ... Cowboy Poetry ...

Lou, as you and I have talked about this, I continue to believe that the ideal golf-retirement would be two modest abodes in different parts of the country.  I would love to remain here in Wisconsin for quality of life, and great and affordable golf during summer, and have a nice little place near Southern Pines for winter.  Even if I were relegated to just play SP and Tobacco Road, it would be a joy.  Retirement and affordable would have to be used in the same sentence, in my case   .

I was duly impressed with the city of Athens.  I am not sure that they are quite affordable enough in their everyday golf, or memberships to qualify for me personally.  

Now, if they could only get just a smidgen warmer in Gothenburg, and be open for play all year... I know exactly where I'd retire!  Unfortunately, I know exactly where my wife would not...

Bend, Oregon

Dick, Fine Italian cusine is in it's infancy in the Sand Hills region. They will need more. Now if you just get somebody to help with the work.

Carmel,

Oops, missed reading #'s 6 and 7.

Bob

Bob -

I was going to mention your area but didn't for the same reasons you note.  But on the other hand, if you have owned property for 20-30 years, the cost of housing ain't so bad.

Mike

Thanks for your responses and suggestions.  I hope there are many more to come.

SB- walking is another criteria I should have noted, which limits hot weather locations considerably.  I am finding it much easier when playing in Dallas and Houston during the summer to hop on a cart.  Many of my former walking golf buddies have become so accustomed to riding that they won't walk any more, even on cool days.  Lake Oconee is on my list, though the real estate within the resort is too pricey and more than I want or need, the resort courses are not what I prefer, and the summers a bit too hot.

RJ- other than having to maintain two homes which I probably don't want to do (I've been known to sweat details and worry beyond reasonable), your suggestion is probably one that I'll try.  I guess it would be possible to own at a winter place and rent for a few months elsewhere during the hot seasons.

MY- I was impressed with Athens, and your home club.  Costa Rica will be included in my search as well, though I like living in the U.S. better.

JC and MG- FL seems too hot and crowded.  Also, from a gca and walking standpoint, not very compelling.  I do need to look at the center of the state and the pan handle a bit more carefully.

shivas- DFW is way too hot for my tastes.  Also, cart golf is the rule here and either you gamble for a bunch of money or just for pennies (no $2 to $5 Nassaus, buck skins, etc.; plenty of $50/$30 Wolf, $5+ carry-over skins, and limitless side bets).

BH- you, sir, are a bad man.  Carmel is at the top of my wish list and near the bottom of my can-do.  However, if you can get me into a little club that I am so fond of, perhaps I can scrape things together.

redanman- I've spent a bit of time in Marbella, and like Spain as a place to visit.  RTJ's work is not generally my cup of tea, and living in Spain is somewhat of a hassle.

Mr. Crockett, do you live between Wilmington and Charleston?

       

 

Mr. Crockett, do you live between Wilmington and Charleston?
       

I do not.  I live in Alpharetta, GA, just north of Atlanta.

Ace,

Mike Golden's comments about the Pensecola CC redo and his large house have me intrigued.  I can get a non-resident membership at PCC, rent a wing at the Golden estate, and house-sit when you are gone.  Heck, I'll even regale your lovely wife with some good conservative philosophy while you are out there applying your trade and/or playing golf with your clients and associates.

I do love the beaches around there and the excellent fishing on the golf.

As to Portland, do the courses ever dry up?  When I was there in May, Portland GC and Pumpkin Ridge were quagmires, though lovely nevertheless.

A.G.- what's wrong with the areas between Wilmington and Charleston?  The heat?  How about Greenville, SC?

I would add The Vintage to the list of well on the high side with Misters Gates and Buffet as members

In addition walking in Palm Sprins in the summer is out of the question.

Lou,
two words:

SAINT

and

ANDREWS

1) relatively pleasant weather without extremes at both ends

Very low rainfall (for Scotland); temperate all year climate (mostly!)

2) quality golf courses in terms of architecture, maintenance, and membership (not just a bunch of old married couples playing hit and giggle);

7 Courses you can play for about £150 A YEAR!!!

3) within a couple hours of a major airport;

Edinburgh maybe an hour away.

4) not far from a university or center with cultural activities;

Only one of the oldest Yoonies in the YooKay.

5) not requiring a large investment in real estate;

Expensive (for Scotland!)

6) a reasonable cost of living and tax burden;

Okay - you got me on the whole TAX thing - Petrol a FIVER a gallon - Come on!!!

7) other outdoor activities.

ANYTHING you like....

No other real alternative as far as I can see!

Cheers,
FBD.