As much as I love the Great Lakes I am getting older and getting tired of the long winters. I've never been to Texas but it seems to be a place that I would like. Florida is also an option but how does it compare to Texas in overall living quality and housing affordability? California is pretty much ruled out! Of course I'd have to be near the water and wondered if anyone here is familiar with the Houston area? How about Corpus Christi? I could wear my cowboy hats in Texas too, lol. Snowbirding will not work financially for me. Any input will be appreciated. Thanks.

This just hit the market, it is 2 doors down from Tiger's house:

https://www.realtor.com/realestatean...5_M66704-48660

okie I'll cut a check today! lol

Oh, I don't need to be on the water but within about 20 miles would work.

with inflation that will seem like a bargain in a year

Let's see, 22K/yr for taxes, 4-6K/Mo in Maint/Utilities, 15-20K for insurance. House on salt water, about 5K/year in throw aways. (grill, outdoor furniture, door handles etc) OK, I'll take it... LOL

I don’t know much about Texas but for FL, you might look at Bradenton, Palmetto, Ruskin along the bay and river. For 30-40 minutes inland, Parrish, Myakka City etc. Personally, I like the “Old Florida “ landscape you see just east of 75. But you might find that you dislike the loooong hot summers as much as the winters in Mich.
One other area I don’t know much about but might be interesting are the small towns along the St John’s river in N.E. FL.

I would look at Florida. But that’s because I like wahoo, yellowfin tuna, mahi fishing. The keys, homestead, winter haven.

I spent a decade in secure logistics. Spent quality time in fort meyers, Tampa, New Orleans, Houston, I have friends from Houston, it’s like anywhere else I suppose. I’d suggest figuring out if you want to be in gulf or ocean side and let that direct you. Gulf would be Houston or panhandle.
decades ago my wife and I honeymooned in ft lauderdale area. Don’t remember the name of town (found it, it’s Weston) but it was nice. Boca and Jupiter are nice. Problem will be ramps in Florida. So crowded from the people I talk to here. When we go to the ramp, 3 boats in line is nuts… most of time it’s all yours. So just throwing it out there. Kailua-Kona HI. I’ll probably buy a condo in waikoloa and store my boat in Kona.

I’ve heard you can catch my kind of stuff in the gulf. But I’ve heard it’s better in open ocean. No clue as I’ve never fished those waters. I prefer quieter areas (country ) near suburbia. I don’t need big cities anymore.

Don't give away the secrets of N.E. FL😎

If you are used to inland boating the St Johns is a great place. But be ready to buy. As soon as something hits the market it is gone quick.

Couldn't take it, moved back to New England.