When baby boomers share notes about potential retirement towns, chances are that Asheville will be the place most frequently  mentioned. Asheville is a prosperous small city with a population 94,589 (2020 Census), (260,000 in Buncombe County) in the Blue Ridge mountains of western North Carolina. Because of its charming environment and mild weather it has long been a desirable retirement…...

Eureka Springs is a Victorian resort village in the northwest corner of Arkansas. Its steep winding streets and well-preserved Victorian-era homes give it an alpine feeling. Many of the buildings are built with local stone. The undulating streets rise and fall with the topography in a five-mile long loop.  Eureka Springs has been selected as one of America's Distinctive Destinations. …...

Des Moines is the state capital of Iowa and its largest city with a population just over 200,000.  It is located in the center of the state.  Drake University is a prestigious college in town, giving Des Moines the oomph of the arts and a youthful feel.  The city is very important in the insurance industry. Photo of Old Main…...

Johnson City is a fast-growing town and area in extreme northeastern Tennessee.  The area is becoming popular for retirement because of its low cost of living and its friendly, welcoming people.  Johnson City is near Kingsport and Jonesborough, and only about 60 miles north of Asheville.  There is plenty of great recreation in the area and nearby mountains....