Sometimes referred to as "Hill City" because of its rolling landscape, Lynchburg (population 73,000) is located in central Virgina and often lands on the "Best Places to Live" lists. Thomas Jefferson built his personal retreat here, Poplar Forest. Nowadays it is a subdued but lovely town with working class values. Five lively college campuses make Lynchburg a vibrant college town.…...

The town of Brevard, North Carolina, consistently ranks near the top of popular lists of “best retirement communities” and “best places to live, work, and play. Located in southwestern North Carolina on the border with Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina, this small town is surrounded by the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. It has a small town environment plus many friendly…...

Kalamazoo is small city of about 77,000 on the Kalamazoo River. It  is home to Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College, a liberal arts school whose campus abuts WMU's. Kalamazoo is a dynamic place with a very interesting industrial past. The Checkers Motor Company, makers of the fabled Checker cabs, was headquartered here. Now there is an interesting mix of…...

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…...