Updates....   Summer   2010
                    May 15.. .'til ...Sep 15

                             In the USA,
        The South is the No 1 tourist destination       
       for American and International travellers!
                according to travelsouthusa.org 

    
      Double dip recession? Third Depression? A Great Reset??  It appears most middle-of-the-road economists are calling for sluggish growth probably until 2012 or 2013; possibly with deflation (a decrease in prices of goods and services) and high unemployment; stagnant wages and dwindling retirement incomes.  Try to get out of credit card debt.  If you are near retirement, try to pay off your mortgage.  Stash some cash. Stay healthy; watch your diet and get some exercise.  We will live through this!

     Some experts say many of us can live to 87 or 88!  You know the rules- eat right, exercise, drink a little red  wine, keep healthy and surround yourself with family, friends and pets!  Now if our retirement funds and Social Security will just keep on coming!

     Many studies and publications are predicting some growth for the states of TX and the Southeast: FL, GA, SC, NC, VA and the adjoining states of TN and AL. Slower growth is predicted for AR, MS, KY, LA and WV.


     In a Popularity Poll (based on the most "clicks" per city)
at www.topretirements.com   FL was still the most popular state with 23 cities, NC had 11 and SC had 8.  This is another way to see where retirees are looking to retire.  A few surprises worth looking into include Greenville, NC; Paris and Crossville, TN;  Murray, KY and Eufaula, AL.  

     Dothan (AL) was recently named as a good retirement city by Kiplinger's magazine.

     According to a preview of the 2010 Del Webb Boomer Survey, the Carolinas are becoming the new Florida as boomers decide where to move in retirement. Florida, Tennessee and Virginia are also popular choices.  Also man yboomers plan to continue working after retiring.  The complete survey will be released in Mar.

      In the latest Census projections, fewer Americans moved in 09 than any other time in the last decade. Although still growing thru births and international migration, Florida is seeing more Americans leave than move in.  Texas with a growing jobs market and stable housing prices is attracting many citizens from other states.  In projecting changes in US House seats after the 2010 Census, TX is the big winner with a gain of 3; FL, GA and SC will each gain one; NC may gain one; LA will lose 1 and the rest fo the South will remain the same.  This is a good indicator of where people are moving.
   www.usatoday.com      key words us census     
                   
     According to Where To Retire magazine (Jan-Feb 10/ on newstands now), housing prices have declined substantially in many desirable areas.  Now may be a great time to purchase a retirement or second home, if you are able to. The big question is have we about hit bottom in housing prices?

   If you are over 50 you should condider joining AARP. They publish interesting magazines, support senior causes and offer discounts.  Check them out at www.aarp.org 
      
             "The joy of travel in going down the road isn't always to discover something new or better, just something different."
                              - Gene White
 
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                         Sadly, in our society....

"The worm in the apple of Democracy is Lobbyists and
                         Vested Interests." 
                                    and

     "The worm in the apple of Capitalism is Greed." 

                           -  Gene White


Tough Times Ahead:  Unless you are rich or have a guaranteed job, everyone needs to pay off your credit card debt and increase your savings.  If you are nearing retirement, pay off your home mortgage, if you are able to.

In the New economy,  Professional and Creative careers will dominate.  Unfortunately, the only other option will be low paying Service jobs.

A jobless recovery?  Nouriel Roubini is a professor at New York University's Stern School of Business.  He says the recession should end by the end of the year (09); but the recovery will be weak and unemployment will remain high until 2011.  Many jobs are gone forever. That means more trouble for housing, banks, credit cards and for us as consumers and retirees.  His solution is for the governemnt to create a new labor-intensive stimulus package to build highways, transit projects, etc.  (Nov 09)                        www.rgemonitor.com

Robert Reich professor at University of California at Berkeley says eventually consumers, when they feel secure, will begin spending again. He also says we are entering a New type of economy; but no one knows what it will look like or when it will begin.
       
                       robertreichblogspot.com

Suze Orman, financial advisor says we will not fully recover from this economic slump until 2015.

                           suzeorman.com

(Just a reminder. Many sights, state parks (St Pk), restaurants and the like may shorten hours or close due to these tough economic times.)

     If you are new to this site, please read the Intro First !!

Completed travel sites include WV, KY, NC, SC and   GA.         FL is a work in progress;  TX, next! 

        Coming soon VA, TN, AR, AL, MS and LA!

        Contact www.bestplacessouth@gmail.com            

          All Maps courtesy of the University of Texas Libraries,
                                        UT at Austin.
                      All Images from BigStockPhoto.com
                                unless otherwise noted.

                      Website by Gene White

       NOT affiliated with any of the recommended
 residential developments, restaurants, hotels, sights
                 or any other listings on this website.

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