I've asked this question in other threads with no success

[No Vested Interest]

7. If I planned to move for retirement, which I don't plan to do,

I'd be looking for a smallish college town, preferably one with a teaching hospital. I'd also be looking for a church that would fill my needs. I do realize that there may be cultural differences, but, for that matter, my views more often than not, do not synch with my neighbors as it is, so I'm used to that. (That's why I relish time on DU, which gives me time to be my unvarnished self, and to formulate my thoughts re all things political and social.)

I've spent a good amount of time visiting Durham, NC, over the last 17 years and would find it a pleasant place to retire. Duke University and Medical Center, and many cultural and academic events open to the public, some at little or no cost. Also a good Franciscan-run church which recognizes the problems in the greater area, including immigration, poverty in all its forms, and, I'm sure, some remnants of racism. Also a mix of people from all over, owing to the university.

Didn't mean to highjack the subject, and won't any further, but, just wanted to throw that in. I believe one could live relatively frugally there, as the housing stock that I'm familiar with is not new. Most were built when tobacco was inits prime.