Brentwood is a rapidly growing town of about 50,000 in the east Bay area of California between Stockton and Walnut Creek. Nearby recreation areas include Franks Tract Recreation Area and Sherman Lake. The area was originally an agriculture community but now it is suburban and home to some industry. The area boomed from 2000 to 2008.  The county is Contra…...

Westerly is a very attractive and prosperous town of about 20,000 in southwestern Rhode Island, near the Connecticut border. It is very popular with tourists because of the wonderful ponds and beaches in the area.  Its economy was once centered on the local granite quarries.The downtown is especially beautiful with classic buildings, churches, and library. The town includes Watch Hill,…...

Bartow is an up and coming community of 17,000 about 40 miles east of Tampa in central Florida. The town is formerly rural but now attracting all kinds of people, including retirees and active adults.  Its live oak trees and many preserved historical buildings give it a southern charm that is very refreshing. The town is laid out in a…...

McCormick is a very tiny town in western South Carolina near the Georgia border. Its population is about 1500.  McCormick is a very low cost place to retire. Its other attraction is the presence of Lake Thurmond, one of the county's largest man-made lakes. Photo of Downtown McCormick courtesy of Wikipedia and Evanoco, and photo of th Classical Revival Courthouse…...