Nestled in the southwestern corner of North Carolina, Franklin serves as the southern gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smokies. Franklin is a favorite retirement and relocation spot for people of all ages, especially those who like the mountains and outdoors.  Many people have vacationed in Franklin only to dream of retiring here.  Hiking, rafting, fishing, kayaking, tubing,…...

Orangeburg, population 13,000,  was chosen an All-American city in 2005.  Located in central South Carolina this small town has several colleges (including top-rated Claflin University and South Carolina State University - both predominately black schools). It is known as the Garden City and has a lovely downtown. Orangeburg has an active and very successful redevelopment program. Photo of St. Paul…...

Just east of Morehead City, Beaufort, North Carolina is a charming and friendly small town of about 4700 by the sea. Pronounced Bow-furt, it is not to be confused with the South Carolina city of the same name, pronounced B'yoo-furt (see the Retirement Guide to Beaufort, SC). The Hatteras barrier islands sweep away to the east, and ferries will take you…...

Banning is a  town of 29,000 near the San Gorgonio Pass; north of San Diego and east of Los Angeles. Palm Springs and Riverside are nearby.  It is named for Phineas Banning who was a stagecoach line operator and Father of the Port of Los Angeles.  The area was first settled by the Cahuilla Indians and then as a Spanish…...