Retirement.   What a wonderful word.  We’ve had a few colleagues recently enter that phase of life (good luck Mary Beth, Helen and Paula!) and their excitement was infectious.  On the way to their last work day, they faced many emotions and decisions, including where they wanted to live.  They got to dream, think and explore.

And guess what, the Coldwell Banker trio are not alone.  The Pew Research Center recently shared that 10,000 Americans will turn 65 EVERY day for the next 16 years!

That’s why I love what Rodney Brooks, who authors the Retirement Living column in USA, does every so often.  Check out today’s article where he once again details some great retirement havens that are off the beaten track.

He focused on two college towns, Knoxville, TN, and Blacksburg, VA, along with Bella Vista, AR, and Traverse City, MI, which are two desirable lake communities.

While Rodney did a terrific uncovering what makes these towns so great, I thought I would go a bit more in depth and provide a look at available homes in those communities.  Rather than cover all price ranges, take a look at what you can get for under $250K:

Knoxville
Bella Vista
Traverse City
Blacksburg

Although it’s a ways away, what will I do in retirement?  Hmmm.

Well, if my wife allows, I would love to Winnebago around America and see a different college football game each weekend.  Or better yet, move to a college town.

She would be partial returning to Penn State in State College, PA.  I’m thinking East Coast still, but warmer.  How about Chapel Hill, NC?

It’s not too early to start dreaming!

Header image courtesy of Flickr user Chris Potter via Creative Commons.