Retired in Tennessee
I retired at home. I live in middle Tennessee which I still think is beautiful and engaging in all four glorious seasons.
I live just outside Nashville, so I have all the amenities a big city has to offer; NHL hockey, major league football, and nine colleges and universities. My suburban hometown of Franklin still has a central square surrounded by beautifully kept brick buildings. On a fair day, the downtown is full of people out being seen and taking in the sights. Why would I leave this beautiful place?
Tennessee does not have a state income tax. My real estate taxes run about $2,500 per year. I pay sales tax at near 10%, but since I don’t do a lot of shopping these days, so that hardly affects me. The cost of living here is nothing like the large popular retirement states. The cost of living is very affordable.
I also hate the thought of moving. I am faced with a house full of furniture. I don’t know what I would have to sell or donate. It is a lot of work for one person. I have downsized, but I am a widow and have no one to go with me to a new city.
All the friends that I have are here, and most of them are friends of long standing. I have fixed up the house in case I have to sell it. I updated the kitchen and bathrooms, putting in granite and tile and getting rid of the wallpaper. But other than that, I am sinking the money necessary for only upkeep into the house. If anything, I would like to sell the house and get into something smaller.
Sometimes I feel as if my things own me since I have to find a way to keep them dry. But the big kicker is that this house is paid for. I have no debt on it but for taxes and very low homeowners’ association fees. I also know all its faults. I look that the quality of new construction and I am appalled at seeing particle board stapled to 24 inch centers with nail guns. If I buy new, I think I will get an inferior quality. If I buy used, I inherit someone else’s problems. I can’t think of a reason to leave. My life is here. Why would I want to abandon that?
Wendy's other site... because Aging Matters!