What Does Your Dream Retirement Look Like?

Retirement is a journey unique to each individual. For many, it's a time to fulfill dreams and ambitions that were put on hold due to work and other responsibilities. My dream retirement is less glamorous than what one might find in a glossy magazine, but it's exactly what I desire.

Living in Harmony with Nature

The key aspect for me is simplicity. Imagine waking up without an alarm clock, having leisurely breakfasts with a good cup of coffee, and spending my days indulging in activities that I enjoy, such as gardening, reading, or writing. Places like Portland OR or a quaint coastal town offer a laid-back lifestyle that suits my preference for a quiet and peaceful environment. With their charming neighborhoods, these locations provide the perfect setting for a simple yet fulfilling retirement.

Chasing Dreams and Traveling at a Leisurely Pace

Travel is also high on my list, but it’s about long slow trips where I can really soak in the atmosphere of different places. Europe, with its rich history and beautiful countryside, calls to me. Renting a small cottage in Tuscany or exploring the quaint villages of the French countryside at my own pace would be ideal. Traveling in a less hectic and touristy manner allows me to appreciate the local culture and history.

Building a Strong Community and Volunteering

Being retired doesn't mean being alone. Community plays a significant role in my dream retirement. I envision having a close-knit circle of friends and family and hosting casual get-togethers where we can share good food, stories, and laughter. Volunteering is another aspect that I want to be a part of my retired life. Giving back and being involved in community projects or local causes that I care about sounds incredibly fulfilling.

Beyond Coastal Hopes: A Warm Climate for Relocation

Currently, I am in a small city with most shopping needs within a one-hour drive to two international airports. Being within a short distance from nationally regarded medical centers and two of the largest metros in the state is a significant advantage. The cost of living is under the national average, especially housing, which has been a consideration for us over the years. Our neighborhood is relatively crime-free, and we can be out in the countryside within 15 minutes, despite the coastal location being 3 hours away.

My mobility has decreased significantly since 2018, a reason why we chose this point in our lives to retire. Given that, we made the wise move to purchase a single-storey house in 2013, fulfilling my wife's foresight to plan for retirement early. My second marriage, and the absence of children and parents, add to the simplicity of our life. My brother lives 800 miles away, and my wife's sister may move closer when she retires next year.

In the end, when I die, I hope to return to a warm climate off the shores of Florida in a reefball - Eternal Reefs. These living legacies memorialize our loved ones, and I can imagine my wife and the cremains of our former dogs and cats living in this underwater sanctuary. The cats will no doubt play a whimsical role in the reef as fish swim past!

My dream retirement is about living with simplicity, enjoying the beauty of nature, and giving back to the community. It’s a journey that I'm excited to embark upon and make my own unique chapter.