Ruidoso is a mountain resort in New Mexico.  Located in south-central New Mexico, its population is just under 8,000. ENMU Ruidoso Campus is a two-year community college here.  Major development projects in Ruidoso include large housing subdivisions, condos, and retail establishments There is good skiing nearby at Ski Apache. Ruidoso Downs is a suburb and home to Ruidoso Downs (flat)…...

Portland, Maine (population 68,000) has had a dramatic resurgence over the last 20 years. Always an important port and manufacturing center, Maine’s largest city is an ideal retirement community – in fact it is often mentioned as one of America’s most livable small cities. It combines New England history (founded in 1632), a vital downtown centered on the Old Port…...

Methuen is a small city and suburb that is northwest of Boston.  This is an old town (population 44,000) with a  history dating back to 1642.  It has many strong institutions, such as the stately Nevins Memorial Library pictured above (photo courtesy of Wikipedia and EraserGirl).   The town lies along the north banks of the Merrimack River. There are several…...

Richland, Washington, is a city in Benton County, located in the southeastern part of the state at the confluence of the Yakima and Columbia rivers. The town, with a population of about 61,000 (2020), is part of the Tri-Cities which include Pasco and Kennewick.  With an exceptional climate, it's known for its wineries and its outdoor recreation. The rivers provide…...