Cda Hailed As ‘Up And Coming’ Retirement Spot

Now that baby boomers are turning 50, retirement will never again be the same.

Unwilling to content themselves with shuffleboard and bridge, today’s younger and more restless retirees search out new horizons that afford more-active lifestyles, writes retirement relocation guru Ken Stern.

As computers enable people to work from home, and downsizing pushes seasoned veterans out of the traditional workplace, the early retirement so many have longed for is rapidly becoming a possibility - if not an absolute necessity.

Whatever the circumstances, today’s retirees and semi-retirees are more free and willing to roam.

These are themes of a new spin on a decades-old book by Lee and Saralee Rosenberg. “Fifty Fabulous Places to Retire in America,” as the new edition continues to be titled, has been extensively remodeled and updated by Stern, an estate planner, radio talk-show host, newspaper columnist, and author of four best-selling books on personal finance.

Every year, more than half a million Americans 55 and over move out of the state where they worked, he reports, citing U.S.Census figures.

“Regardless of the reasons for their moving,” writes Stern, “there is almost universal agreement as to what constitutes an ideal retirement spot. The consensus is that a retirement spot should have mild seasons, beautiful scenery, affordable living costs, abundant culture and recreation, low crime, low taxes, a healthy economy and enough activity to entice the kids to visit.”

Stern doesn’t rank the top 50, but profiles them in alphabetical order by state. Coeur d’Alene is the only Inland Northwest community on the list.

Montana is among 29 states that aren’t even included in the hefty volume’s 300-plus pages.

Two western Oregon communities receive a nod - Eugene and Medford.

Bellingham, Olympia and Sequim - all Western Washington communities - are this state’s only picks. Even so, that places Washington right up there with such traditional big-time destinations as California and Arizona.

California is represented by Santa Barbara, San Diego and Palm Springs. Arizona’s hot spots are Precott, Scottsdale and Tucson.

Texas goes Washington, California and Arizona one better, with four “Fab” picks - Austin, Brownsville, San Antonio, and some place I’ve never heard of named Kerrville.

But blowing all other states away with a full dozen - or roughly one-fourth - of the total “Fifty Fabulous Places to Retire in America” is, of course, Florida.

Stick a pin in the map of Florida, and you’ve got one. Either that, or get the book (Career Press, $18.99).

Stern’s book singles out Coeur d’Alene as an “up and coming retirement location.”

The North Idaho community rates a five-page spread, which starts out with these words: “Picture yourself in a region of rolling wheat fields, green forests, snow-capped mountains and more than 75 crystal clear lakes, and you’ve got Coeur d’Alene.

“But enjoying the spectacular natural setting is only the beginning of the beauty of retiring here. This Idaho lake city is alive with activity and sparkles with energy.

“Life can become a wonderful vacation of golfing, fishing, canoeing and sailing - and that’s just in warm weather. Cross country skiing and snowmobiling are waiting for you at other times of the year.

“Possible drawbacks: If you don’t like snow, this is not the place for you.”

Picky? Uninspired?

Well, how about this one-sentence summary of what Olympia has to offer? “Best reasons to retire here: No income tax, state capital, recreation, great senior services.” Is that a snoozer?

So, what about Kerrville, Texas? Well, according to the book, its 18,187 peace-loving souls occupy the pinnacle of the rugged Texas hill country, about 55 miles northwest of San Antonio. “Kerrville is a nearly picture-perfect retirement community,” writes Stern. “People think everything in Texas is big, but Kerrville is a pleasant contradiction.”

Beyond “birdwatching,” there’s not a lot to do that offers real excitement. But, says Stern, “Whatever you choose to do, Kerrville offers you the chance to do it in peace - taking a well-deserved rest.”

, DataTimes MEMO: Associate Editor Frank Bartel writes on retirement issues each Sunday. He can be reached with ideas for future columns at 459-5467 or fax 459-5482.

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Frank Bartel The Spokesman-Review