Matthews is a fast growing town on the border of South Carolina in the central portion of the state.  In 2012, the population was about 29,000 - up dramatically from the 2000 census.  It is close to Charlotte so some people commute from here, although there is a considerable amount of industry.  Hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, recreational facilities and a…...

Occoquan is a small village adjacent to Woodbridge in suburban Virginia. The affluent population of this artist community is about 900 people. The town has charming streets laid out in a grid on the Occoquan River (see photo above of marina). People like it for its walkable streets, charming shops, and restaurants. It is convenient to I-95 and the Potomac…...

Decorah is a small town with a strong Norwegian heritage in northeastern Iowa, not too far from the Minnesota border. The population was 8,109 in 2012.   The town has been the home of Luther College since 1861. Decorah celebrates it Norwegian heritage with its architecture and its annual Norwegian festival - the Nordic Fest each July. Decorah is  also the…...

Manassas is the site of two famous Civil War battles (the first and second Battles of Bull Run). This town of about 35,000 people is close enough to Washington D.C. that is a suburb of that city, yet far enough away to provide some refuge for retirees who want to stay in the area in retirement. Five colleges have branch…...