Fairhope, Alabama is one of the most unusual (and nicest) retirement communities anywhere. It was founded by 28 settlers from Iowa in November, 1894 as a utopian single tax colony by the "Fairhope Industrial Association". Their purpose in founding a new colony was to establish and conduct a cooperative model community, free from all forms of private monopoly. The Fairhope…...

Charlottesville, Virginia, the home of Thomas Jefferson (Monticello), has been ranked as the #1 city (Cities Ranked and Rated) as well as one of the best 100 places to retire. It is also home to the stately and picturesque University of Virginia, founded by President Jefferson. This college town offers a tree-lined dignity and charm that, combined with its location…...

Hilo, the second largest city in Hawaii, is one of the most interesting places to retire in the U.S. It is located on the eastern coast of Hawaii (the “Big Island”), and near Mauna Loa, one of the active volcanoes in Hawaii.   Volcanoes National Park, the climate, the scenery, and the lifestyle are all superb. The Hilo area offers…...

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…...