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…...

Aurora is a city of close to 200,000, located to the east of Chicago in northeastern Illinois. The city has a long history of manufacturing. Many historical buildings were created during its most prosper and some of them remain today, such as the Paramount Theater.  Aurora University is within the town. Photo of The Phillips Park 'Sunken Garden...

Sebring is a town of about 10,000 in South-central Florida.  It is the home of the Sebring International Raceway where the 12 Hours of Sebring, an annually held American Le Mans Series race, is held every year.  Highlands Hammock State Park is a popular local attraction. There is also the Sebring Downtown Historical District. The town is popular with retirees…...

Thomasville, Georgia, the City of Roses, can be an interesting retirement community in  cotton plantation country. The surrounding countryside can be quite beautiful, although one cannot say that about all areas of town.  It does offer a reasonable cost of living. The active brick-paved downtown has been restored with live oaks draped in Spanish moss, magnolias, antebellum homes, and fragrant…...