Chiang Mai, an historic city located along the Ping River and within some of Thailand's tallest mountains, is frequently cited on this website as a top place to retire. The friendly people, beautiful setting, and low cost of living are among the major reasons. It is said you can live here comfortably for $1,000 per month. The area is famous…...

Helena is the capitol of Montana. It is located in the central part of the state. The town got it start as a gold mining town and there are still mining interests here. Several small colleges are located here, including Carroll College. The area offers excellent recreational opportunities. The area has been growing rapidly from people seeking out lower cost,…...

With the nickname "Blue Hole" one might not know what to expect about Sequim, Washington. Pronounced (skwim), this growing town of about 6,600 (with 20,000 more in the area) gets its name because pilots kept noticing that there was almost always blue skies over the area - it is in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains.  At about 14"…...

Orangeburg, population 13,000,  was chosen an All-American city in 2005.  Located in central South Carolina this small town has several colleges (including top-rated Claflin University and South Carolina State University - both predominately black schools). It is known as the Garden City and has a lovely downtown. Orangeburg has an active and very successful redevelopment program. Photo of St. Paul…...