One of the nation’s top tourist and retirement communities is Santa Barbara, California. Located about 85 miles north of Los Angeles, this charming mission city on the Pacific, has done a superb job of preserving its heritage and creating a livable, modern city. The graceful adobe architecture of the Spanish Mission style is everywhere - from the historic Mission Santa…...

Punta Gorda, Florida is a small community of 17,000 on the Gulf Coast of Florida between Sarasota and Fort Myers. Many 55+ retirees choose this city as their retirement community because of its sub-tropical warmth, its small town feel, and it a bit more sophisticated and upscale than neighboring towns like Port Charlotte. The city, located in Charlotte County, was…...

Toms River is the county seat and largest town in Ocean County, New Jersey (also includes Dover, both are part of Toms River Township).  The 2010 population was about 90,000.  Residents of nearby towns like Brick, Manahawkin, and Lakewood tend to come here for shopping or doctor's appointments.  It has a busy downtown thanks to many government buildings, yet it…...

Oxnard is an interesting place and one difficult to describe because it has so many facets. It is one of California's most important commercial harbors. It is home to 2 navy bases. It has some of the best surfing beaches around. Movie stars live here, and it is also home to a huge industrial base. Its location is between Santa…...