The Woodlands in Texas, about 30 miles north of Houston often makes the lists of "best" retirement communities, although many younger families live here as well. The reasons are obvious - the cluster of 8 master planned villages and a Town Center is attractive, pleasant, and has something to offer everyone. These master planned communities offer every type of housing…...

Durango is one of the most interesting small towns in Colorado. Not just for retirees, but also for young people (average age is 29).  Located in the southwestern part of the state, Durango has convenient access to at least 5 major ski areas including Purgatory (about 25 miles away).  The Animas River, a gold medal fly fishing stream, flows through…...

Beer afficianados of a certain age will recognize the name Tumwater as the source of Olympia Beer. Unfortunately the brewery in Tumwater has been retired in the wake of its acquisition by Miller. Neverthless this delightful town of about 12,000 lives on.  It is located where the Deschutes River meets the Budd River at the southern end of Puget Sound…...

Sun Valley, Idaho has a great pedigree as a community.  Railroad magnet Averill Harriman sent Count Schaffgotsch on a yearlong trip to the west in pursuit of the perfect vacation destination to create passenger traffic for his railroad. The Count found Sun Valley and was immediately hooked on the beauty of the Sawtooth Mountains. The Sun Valley area encompasses the…...