Dear MarketWatch, My wife and I are 57 and looking to retire in five years. Here is what we are looking for in a locale:
Mountains within an hour and beach within a three-hour drive. Access to water close by would be ideal (lakes, river, ocean)
Moderate climate, with winters near freezing (or warmer) but nice summers
Moderate cost of living, especially housing. We would like to buy a home for $700,000 or less
Access to theater, music, great restaurants, similar to a college town
Moderate-to-low state taxes
Walkable neighborhoods
Strong healthcare system
We will likely have a retirement income approaching $220,000 a year (after a home purchase) but my wife and I are very frugal and would rather pass most of our wealth eventually on to our children than spend it all.
We love the Carolinas but would consider …