Retire There with Gil & Gene

When we—Gil & Gene—are curious about where people are choosing to retire, we often turn to the “Where To Retire” Facebook Group for inspiration. That's where we became intrigued by Marilyn Kaslofski, the group's Administrator, who chose Racine, Wisconsin as her retirement destination. We were eager to find out why, so we invited her to share her story on our show! Marilyn's husband had always dreamed of living by the water, and at first, Florida seemed like a natural choice—until Marilyn, who strongly dislikes hot weather, ruled it out. Determined to find a place they would both love, she launched an extensive search of towns and cities along the shores of Lake Michigan. One Indiana town had attractive lakefront homes, but Marilyn preferred a condo. Chicago was too pricey, and the Milwaukee condos were too far from the water. Then they discovered Racine—just right in terms of location, lifestyle, and affordability. The couple ultimately purchased a two-bedroom lakeview condo for $245,000. While it needed some updating, it checked all the boxes. Hear the full story of Marilyn's journey to Racine on Episode 211 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. #retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #racine #racinewi #racinewisconsin #racinearchitecture #franklloydwrightarchitecture #lakefronthomes #rootriver #lakemichigan

Retire in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal! EP 210 Bill and Jola Mansfield lived in Las Vegas, Nevada, for over 30 years before deciding to move to Europe to be closer to their son in Helsinki, Finland and Jola's mother in Poland. While many places across Europe captured their interest, it was Portugal's island of Madeira — with its lush mountains, vibrant flowers, and scenic hiking trails — that truly stole their hearts. It's no wonder Madeira is often called the “Hawaii of Europe.” The couple eventually settled in the city of Funchal, a charming old European town nestled in a tropical-like paradise, and have no regrets. Discover more about Bill and Jola's European adventure in Episode 210 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. #retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #funchal #madeira #portugal #madeiraportugal #funchalcity ##madeiraisland @funchal_municipio

After spending most of their lives in Northern California, Matt and Dawn had planned to wait a few more years before retiring to Europe. But everything changed when they decided to move to Nazare, Portugal, on the Silver Coast, while still working. They say the Silver Coast offers many of the best aspects of Northern California—without the downsides. As The Unretirees, they launched A Guide to Unretirement Abroad to help others make the leap to living overseas while still earning an income. Their website, TheUnretirees.com, is a hub of resources, and their fun, educational YouTube channel shares tips on everything from visas to flexible work options. If you're dreaming of a life abroad while staying financially secure, Matt and Dawn show that it's never too early to unretire. #retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #nazare #nazareportugal #portugal #theunretirees #unretirees #movingtoportugal #americansabroad #silvercoast #silvercoastportugal #leavingcalifornia

Eileen Vorbach Collins and her husband Hugh had retired to Florida, but after growing weary of repeatedly fleeing hurricanes, they decided it was time for a change. Wanting a place that wasn't too cold, they settled in a 55+ community in Garner, North Carolina, just outside Raleigh—making them  “halfback retirees,” a term which refers to retirees who move from the Northeast to Florida, only to relocate halfway back to states like the Carolinas, Virginia, Tennessee, or Georgia. Although Eileen once believed she was too young for a 55+ community, she took the leap. Find out if she's thriving in North Carolina on Episode 208 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. Eileen Vorbach Collins is the author of Love in the Archives: A Patchwork of True Stories about Suicide Loss. Her website is LoveInTheArchives.com.  #retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #garnernorthcarolina #garnernc #raleigh #raleighnorthcarolina #raleighnc #northcarolina #nc #loveinthearchives #eileenvorbachcollins

Patty Blue Hayes was living in San Luis Obispo, California, recovering from a “near-death” divorce. Seeking a fresh start, she bought an RV and embarked on a cross-country journey across the United States. During one of her late-night real estate scrolling sessions, she came across a listing for a home in Panama that caught her eye. Intrigued, Patty parked her RV at the airport, booked a flight, and flew to Panama with the determination to see the house in person. However, Patty never did visit the property. Instead, she fell in love with Panama the moment she landed. Her love affair with the country was instantaneous. Eventually, she sold both her RV and home and made the bold decision to move to Panama. But the journey to find her dream home wasn't smooth sailing. Several homes she was interested in fell through, and Patty admits it was the hardest time she'd ever had trying to spend money. After much searching, she finally settled on a dilapidated fixer-upper in El Valle de Antón, Panama. Tune in to episode 207 of Retire There with Gilen & Gene to hear the story of what it's really like to purchase and renovate a home in Panama. Find out more about Patty by visiting her website, PattyBlueHayes.com. Her books include: (1) Wine Sex and Suicide-My Near Death Divorce; (2) The Self Care Workbook for Emotional Healing and Self Discovery After a Breakup; and (3) How to Change Your Life With Easy Mindfulness Micro Habits-Declutter Your Mind Stop Negative Thinking and Empower Yourself. Patty's casita in El Valle de Anton “Spacious Casita with Bamboo View” can be found on Airbnb. #retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #elvalledeanton #elvelle #elvalledeantonpanama #elvallepanama #panama #pattybluehayes

Diane made a life-changing decision—she was done with suburban living and yearned to return to the energy of the city. She initially considered condos and co-ops in New York City, where her three adult children lived, but quickly realized the Big Apple was out of her financial reach. Declaring that she had “broken up with New York City,” Diane expanded her search to cities within a two-hour train ride of New York. Her journey led her to Philadelphia, where she found herself drawn to the charm of Old City—a neighborhood renowned for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and affordable living. Diane purchased a one-bedroom condo in a renovated factory building for $306,000. To hear more about why Diane fell in love with the City of Brotherly Love, tune in to Episode 206 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. Additionally, if you're interested in publishing a book, check out Diane's company, Rebel Books Press at https://rebelbookspress.com/ Diane has authored fiction and non-fiction books, including The Last Invention: The Day Death Died and How to Stop Project 2025 #retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #oldcity #oldcityphilly #efrethsalley #philadelphia #philly #pennsylvania #visitphilly, #historicphilly #libertybell #phillygram #igers_philly #rebelbookpress

Karen Espig took early retirement from her government job in Ottawa, Canada, to dedicate more time to her passion for art. Concerned that her pension wouldn't provide a comfortable lifestyle in Canada, she explored more affordable options in Europe. She initially settled in the small town of Pogradec, Albania, which met her financial criteria but ultimately felt isolating and unfulfilling. After two years, Karen discovered a far better fit in Arles, a charming town in the south of France renowned for its rich artistic heritage. It seems she has truly found her place in Arles! To hear more about Karen's journey from Albania to France, tune in to Episode 205 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. Learn more about Karen's art and travels go to Karen's website, KarenEspig.com. Karen has written two books on Albania. They are Albania: A First-Timer's Guide for Visitors & Expats and Pogradec, Albania: Tips for Tourists, Slow Travellers, & Digital Nomads. She has also published a number of date and birthday books. #retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #arles #arlesfrance #france #thesouthoffrance #southoffrance #pogradecalbania #albania #karenespig #karenespigart

Greg Kitzmiller and his wife, Jen, dreamed of retiring early after years of hard work and enduring chilly Michigan winters. However, since they were still in their 50s, they faced the challenge of securing affordable health insurance, as their jobs would no longer cover it once they retired. In their search for a warm, budget-friendly destination with excellent healthcare, they found Coronado, Panama. This charming beach town offered stunning condos, a relaxing atmosphere, and a lower cost of living. The couple found their perfect spot in a condo community with a country club, and they couldn't be happier with their decision. Tune in to Episode 204 of Retire There with Gil & Gene to explore the ins and outs of condo living in Coronado, Panama! Greg's website about living in Panama is 2RetireInPanama.com. His book on the subject is Retired in Panama: A Comprehensive Guide for Retiring and Adventuring in Panama. Murder in Eagle Cove is Greg's first mystery novel. #retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #coronado #coronadopanama #panama #retiredinpanama #2retireinpanama

Carol Fahy had always dreamed of living in the tropics, and after talking to expats, she decided to stay in the U.S. She and her husband, Gene, moved to Oahu, Hawaii, but Gene, a car enthusiast, missed long drives. To satisfy this, they bought a second home in Prescott, Arizona, which is a unique rammed earth home. You can learn more about their experience of splitting time between Hawaii and Arizona in Episode 203 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. For more about rammed earth homes, check out the website of Aerecura Sustainable Builders or https://www.aerecura.ca/. Carol recommends two books on Hawaii: (1) Big Happiness: The Life and Death of a Modern Hawaiin Warrior, by Mark Panek and (2) Plague Doctors: How Hawaii Battled the Pandemic, by Jonathan Dworkin, MD. #retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #prescott #prescottarizona #prescottaz #arizona #rammedearthhomes #aerecurasustainablebuilders #kaneohe #kaneohehawaii #oahu #hawaii

A murder in Philadelphia set Theresa Conroy on an unexpected path to discovering her love for France. But the story behind this revelation is likely not what you think. Over the years, she returned to the country multiple times with her husband, and it wasn't long before the idea of living there took root. During a trip to Rennes, France, the couple instantly felt it was the place they were meant to be. To learn more about their journey and what drew them to France, tune in to Episode 202 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. Theresa and her husband, Don Russell, write about their transition to life in France on their blog called “Yo France,” found here: https://yofrance.substack.com/ Theresa's website on yoga for people with Parkinson's disease is YogaForParkinsons.com. #retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #rennes #rennesfrance #france #bretagne

Doreen Hall Vann is a native Hawaiian who has always loved the state and thought she would never leave. That all changed when one of her daughters relocated to the mainland. Doreen pulled up her stakes, along with her husband and young son, and moved to North Las Vegas, Nevada to be closer to her daughter who was starting a family. However, her daughter later returned (!!!) to Hawaii but Doreen decided to remain in Nevada. Hear why Doreen stayed in North Las Vegas on Episode 201 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. #retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #northlasvegas #nevada #lasvegas #hawaii 

Celebrate the New Year with Gil & Gene! Tune in as we reflect on the remarkable growth and transformation of the Retire There Podcast throughout 2024. We share behind-the-scenes happenings, revisit standout episodes, and offer a sneak peek into the exciting plans for 2025. If you value the Retire There podcasts, consider supporting Gil & Gene by making a $5 donation at https://buymeacoffee.com/retiretherepod. Each contribution goes towards production expenses. Retire There was spotlighted in the March/April 2024 issue of Connect to Northern Westchester Magazine: The Next Chapter: A comprehensive guide to empty nesting, downsizing and retiring in Westchester and beyond and Retire There appears near the end of the article: https://connecttomag.com/the-next-chapter/ Retire There was ranked number one in the list of the “10 Best New York Travel Podcasts” by FeedSpot, and in https://blog.feedspot.com/travel_podcasts/ As noted in the episode, IHOP has a special $6 menu ($7 in some locations) available Monday through Friday from 7am to 10pm. The special menu is IHOP House Faves or https://www.ihop.com/en/specials/house-faves. #retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #connecttonorthernwestchester #josephinedippolito #feedspot #feedspottravelpodcasts #bestnewyorktravelpodcasts #bleav #ihop #ihophousefaves #buymeacoffee

Marsha Scarbrough worked in Hollywood for 20 years as an Assistant Director on major feature films and prime-time television shows. In 2006, she retired and moved to Sante Fe, New Mexico, a place she thought would be her “forever home.” In Sante Fe, she used her small nest egg to purchase two houses as investments. Unfortunately the Great Recession of 2007-2009 rendered her real estate near worthless. By 2010, she was bankrupt, in foreclosure, and owed money to a friend. Marsha believed she could not live comfortably in the U.S. but might be able to do it overseas. She desired a large European city but didn't think it was affordable. A visit to a friend in Madrid, Spain changed her mind. She soon learned that life on a budget in Madrid was possible. In 2017, at the age of 70, Marsha left Santa Fe for Madrid and hasn't looked back. Learn more about Marsha's journey to the large cosmopolitan city of Madrid, Spain on Episode 199 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. Learn more about Marsha on her website, MarshaScarbrough.com. Marsha's two award winning memoirs are Medicine Dance: One Woman's Healing Journey into the World of Native American Sweatlodges, Drumming Meditations and Dance Fasts and Honey in the River: Shadow, Sex and West African Spirituality. For Marsha's interview with Vince Gilligan and his staff about the creation and writing process of Breaking Bad. Available on Amazon as a Kindle ebook. Get the inside story! Click here to download Inside Breaking Bad available on Amazon as a Kindle ebook #retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers @aarp #madrid #madridspain #marshascarbrough

Jennifer Oliver O'Connell and Lynn O'Connell were living in southern California and were hit hard by the Great Recession of 2007-2009. They had thought long and hard about relocating to a less expensive part of the United States. After doing extensive research, in 2023 they finally made the big move to a small town in Alabama: Muscle Shoals. It may be rural there but it is known around the world for the music made there. It is home to two famous recording studios and is known as “The Hit Recording Capital of the World.” Find out why the O'Connell's left the glitz and glamor of southern Cal for the beautiful and friendly little town of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, on Episode 198 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. Check out Jennifer's inspiring website: AsTheGirlTurns.com. #retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #muscleshoals #muscleshoalsalabama #muscleshoalsal #alabama #asthegirlturns #jenniferoliveroconnell #thehitrecordingcapitaloftheworld #theshoals #theshoalsalabama #famerecordingstudios #rickhall #theswampers #muscleshoalssoundstudio #aarpmagazine #aarp #aarpalabama @aarp @aarpny @aarpalabama

Jennifer Oliver O'Connell and Lynn O'Connell were living in southern California and were hit hard by the Great Recession of 2007-2009. They had thought long and hard about relocating to a less expensive part of the United States. After doing extensive research, in 2023 they finally made the big move to a small town in Alabama: Muscle Shoals. It may be rural there but it is known around the world for the music made there. It is home to two famous recording studios and is known as “The Hit Recording Capital of the World.” Find out why the O'Connell's left the glitz and glamor of southern Cal for the beautiful and friendly little town of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, on Episode 198 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. Check out Jennifer's inspiring website: AsTheGirlTurns.com. #retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #muscleshoals #muscleshoalsalabama #muscleshoalsal #alabama #asthegirlturns #jenniferoliveroconnell #thehitrecordingcapitaloftheworld #theshoals #theshoalsalabama #famerecordingstudios #rickhall #theswampers #muscleshoalssoundstudio #aarpmagazine #aarp #aarpalabama @aarp @aarpny @aarpalabama

Maxwell Lee and Kelly Lei were living in Florida but believed it was important for their school-age children to experience other cultures. This prompted their decision to move to Asia and selected Taipei, Taiwan due to its relative ease of accessing a visa and comparative low cost of living. Viewing the move as a practical task rather than an idealistic dream made their transition smoother. In Taipei, their children are acclimating to public school, Maxwell is rekindling his desire to become a musician, and Kelly is running a gym. Learn and laugh about Maxwell and Kelly's exciting lives in Taipei on Episode 197 of Retire There with Gilen and Gene.  Check out Maxwell's music YouTube channel, Project Maximus, and his lifestyle YouTube channel, Firewalking Journey. His website is FirewalkingJourney.com. #retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #taipeitaiwan #taipei #taiwan #anytimefitness #anytimefitnesstaipei #projectmaximus #firewalkingjourney 

Retire in Frankfort, Michigan! Mike Andersen had lived in Chicago for many years but he loved exploring small-towns. Whenever he had a chance, he would take short car-trips staying at hamlets along the way. Those excursions led him to an eighteen-month trek across the United States visiting villages. Those towns and more are featured on Mike's website, BestSmallTownsInAmerica.com. When the opportunity to move to a small-town arose, he jumped at the chance to settle in Frankfort, Michigan. For more about Frankfort, and other quaint small-towns, check out Episode 196 of Retire There with Gil and Gene. #retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers, #frankfortmichigan, #michigan, #bestsmalltownsinamerica #interlochen #interlochencenterforthearts #crystalmountain #retiretherepodcast

Retire in Valencia, Spain - EP195 Christopher Wells enjoys experiencing new cultures and meeting new people, so it was no surprise when he moved to Valencia, Spain. However, an attractive job opportunity brought him back to the US. When the chance to return to Valencia arose, he jumped on it. The city seamlessly combines old world charm with new styles and technology. Hear Christopher share his story on Episode 195 of Retire There with GIl & Gene. Christopher's website is CleverExpat.com and his blog is ValenciaAtLast.com. #retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #valencia #valenciaspain #spain #cleverexpat #valenciaatlast

Retire in Istanbul, Turkey! Lisa Morrow is a travel writer whose work has appeared in The New York Times, CNN Travel, The Guardian, and BBC Travel to name a few. She grew up in a quiet leafy suburb of Sydney, Australia but caught the travel bug at a young age. With a world to choose from, Lisa, and her husband Kim, fell in love with Istanbul, Turkey, the land of grand empires, monumental mosques, breathtaking churches, stately palaces, and where fortune tellers use live rabbits to foretell futures. Find out what attracted Lisa and Kim to Istanbul on Episode 194 of Retire There with Gil & Gene - Link in bio. Lisa's website is https://www.insideoutinistanbul.com/. She has authored a guide book titled Istanbul 50 Unsung Places and her memoir is Istanbul Dreams: Waiting for the Tulips to Bloom. Go to Amazon for a list of all of Lisa Morrow's books on Turkey. Lisa also created and produced an audio self-guided walking tour called Stepping Back Though Chalcedon: Kadikoy Walk. #retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers#turkey #istanbul #istanbulturkey #insideoutinistanbul #visitistanbul #travelinistanbul #solotravel #solotravelturkey #solotraveltipsturkey #istanbullife #MalaysiaAirlines @malaysiaairlines #go_istanbul @go_istanbul 

Retire in Portsmouth, New Hampshire - EP 193 When Cathy Donnally moved from New Jersey to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, it was primarily to be near her son and his family. She was thrilled to learn that Portsmouth had small town charm and big city amenities. She was further surprised that dance lessons taken for her son's wedding would lead to ballroom dance competitions around the world. Learn more about how Cathy's move to a classic New England coastal city led to the world of ballroom dancing on Episode 193 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. #retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #portsmouth #portsmouthnh #portsmouthnewhampshire #newhampshire #rockinghamcounty #17magazine #ballroomdancing #competitiveballroomdancing

Retire in San Antonio Tlayacapan, Lake Chapala, Mexico - EP 192 When we first interviewed writer Janet Blaser about living in Mazatlan, Mexico in June of 2021, we were convinced she had found her forever place. There, she had a large apartment a stone's throw from the beach for under $500 per month. Needless to say, we were surprised to learn that Janet had moved to San Antonio Tlayacapan, a small Mexican town on Lake Chapala. It turns out that Mazatlan is not the sleepy little city it once was when Janet first moved there. Hear what triggered Janet's move on Episode 192 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.  Check out Janet's website: https://janetblaser.com/ Why We Left An Anthology of American Women Expats: Collected Essays of 27 Women Happily Living in Mexico is her book To learn about moving to Mexico, contact Janet at GoingExpatGuides@gmail.com Working on your memoir? Writing a novel? Want a fresh set of eyes? With 30+ years of journalism experience, Janet is now available for Content & Copy Editing, Proofreading Reader Services at thejanetblaser@gmail.com  #retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #ajijic #mexico #ajijicmexico #lakechapala #movetomexico #simplelife #expatlife #expatsmexico #thejanetblaser 

Retire in Dublin, Ireland & Celebration, Florida - EP 191 Powerhouse Gail Clifford is a doctor, podcaster, writer, blogger, coach, foster parent, tremendous Disney fan … the list goes on. Naturally, she's not one to retire, or stay at one venue too long. But she loves life, down time and having fun. Her chosen long-term destination homes are in Dublin, Ireland, Celebration, Florida and Guanacaste, Costa Rica. She spends 9 months in Celebration (sort of), summers in Dublin, and having a condo built in Costa Rica. If all that isn't dizzying enough, Gail's job as a physician is in Goodyear, Arizon - she commutes from Florida to Arizona regularly. Check out Episode 191 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. Gail's podcast is Single Mom MD and websites are www.SingleMomMD.org and  AbleTravelPhoto.com.  Gail's best selling children's book, co-written by her daughter Jackie Mullen, is Mommy Magic: Anatomy and Sex Ed for Pre-Schoolers. She also wrote a chapter on combatting physician depression and suicide for the best selling book, The Experts Cure: How Entrepreneurs are Changing the World. #retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #Dublin #DublinIreland #Ireland #RepublicOfIreland #dublin.explore @dublin.explore #celebrationflorida #celebrationfl #celebration #florida #disney #singlemommd #mommymagic 

EP 190 Retire in Rosarito, Mexico! How would you like to live on the ocean and enjoy the near perfect weather of San Diego, California? Most of us would, but not many of us could afford its beachfront living. Jym and Renee Varnadore found a way to live such a lifestyle on a budget. The couple moved to Playas de Rosarito, Mexico, a small city located on the ocean only 10 miles south of the US/Mexico border. Due to its proximity to San Diego, Rosarito enjoys a similar climate. And get this, the couple purchased an oceanfront condo in Rosarito for a fraction of what they would have paid in San Diego. Find out more about the Varnadore's budget conscious move to paradise on Episode 190 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. Check out The Guardian article about Jym and Renee at  https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/11/americans-retire-mexico-affordability-peace. Renee's astrology Facebook group is Soul Portal Journeys Sisterhood. #retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #playasderosarito #playasderosaritomexico #rosarito #rosaritomexico #rosaritobeach #mexico #themovetomexicobible #bajacalifornia #rosaritounderwaterpark #tijuana #tijuanamexico #soulportaljourneyssisterhood 

Retire in Traverse City, Michigan! Fred Anderson has lived most of his life in Michigan. He considers himself vintage, not old. When retirement rolled around, Fred and his wife decided to move from Lansing, Michigan to Traverse City, Michigan. Sadly, Fred's wife passed while the couple was preparing their Lansing home sale. Fred carried on, moved to Traverse City and has kept himself busy with the area's numerous shops, cultural centers and natural surroundings. The small city includes two independent bookstores, two movie theaters, numerous eateries, a great library, an opera house, and three whisky distillery tasting rooms. And there are over 50 wineries nearby and the amazing Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Hear Fred thriving in Traverse City on Episode 189 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. #retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #traverse #traversecity #traversecitymichigan #michigan #traversecitytourism #sleepingbeardunes #sleepingbear #sleepingbeardunesnationallakeshore #visitnorthmichigan #michigantrails #aarp @retirethere_ email: gg@retirethere.com https://www.retirethere.com

Selena Medlen, an attorney, and Jason Luban, an acupuncturist, had successful careers in Oakland, California, but they were stressed out. After taking a trip to Spain, they fell in love with Ronda, a small mountain top city in the southern part of the country. The next thing you know, Jason was selling his practice, Selena was quitting her job and the couple was moving to Ronda for a change of pace. These Gen Xers intended to stay a year and then reevaluate their situation. It has been over 5 years, not only did they not leave, they recently purchased an apartment! Learn what's keeping Selena and Jason in Ronda, Spain on Episode 188 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.Jason Luban's website: https://www.sellingapractice.comWhat It's Like To Be...What's it like to be a Cattle Rancher? FBI Special Agent? Professional Santa? Find out!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the Show.

Imagine being a college student for the rest of your life. Enjoying a college town with lifelong learning while living on campus, what could be better? No exams! Former university president Jessica Kozloff and her husband Steve Kozloff, a former physician, chose this lifestyle and couldn't be giddier. The active couple retired to Mirabella at ASU, on the campus of Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. Residents don't just live on campus, they are interwoven into the fabric of university life. They take part in numerous activities including taking classes, mentoring students, playing in the university band, volunteering on campus, and serving as adjunct faculty. Learn more about living on ASU's campus on Episode 187 of Retire There with Gil & Gene!Curious about living on a college campus? Check out https://retirement.org/mirabella-asuSupport the Show.

Ed, an American guy, and Tomo, a Japanese gal, were living and working in Tokyo when they thought about retiring somewhere less expensive and more relaxing. They soon developed a fondness for Thailand after visiting a few of its locations. The couple agreed that the island of Koh Samui seemed like their dream location and they quit their jobs and moved there. Koh Samui was not a nightmare for the pair but it was far from paradise. After a year and a half, Ed and Tomo left the island and moved to Khanom, a beach town on the mainland of Thailand and appear to be loving it. Learn more about their relocations on Episode 186 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.Ed and Tomo's educational and entertaining YouTube channel about living in Thailand is at https://www.youtube.com/@edandtomo. 

Can a couple of longtime Brooklynites survive the peace and quiet of a 17 acre property in Upstate New York's Hudson Valley? It took a little time for Lisa Preudhomme and Servulus Billy, who moved from Brooklyn to Holmes, New York, but they eventually fell in love with the beauty and serenity of country living. The couple aren't always alone on their property - their estate contains three homes, two of which are rented out as Airbnbs. For more about this relocation to greener pastures, check out Episode 185 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.Lisa and Servulus' estate is known as Westerhall Gardens and the two Airbnbs are The Dahlia Villa and Hibiscus House.I Hate TalkingA podcast about talking, etymology, frustrating topics, current events, and more.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Lori Cronwell is a writer, travel and lifestyle blogger, small home advocate and designer, slow travel aficionado, and the recent owner of a home in the French countryside. As a part-time expat and digital nomad, Lori divides her time between Portland, Oregon; Loire Atlantique, France; and traveling the world. Check out Lori's life in this region of France on Episode 184 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. Read about Lori's life in France, downsizing, small space living, and slow travel on her blog, Bringing Europe Home. Her Portland Airbnb is Luxury Richmond Rose Cottage Division & Hawthorne. 

From 2020 to 2023, Boston area residents Kathy and Tom traveled the U.S. extensively enjoying the sites while also keeping their eyes open for potential retirement locations. A number of “B” towns caught their attention, including Boulder, Bozeman, Bend, and Boise. The small city of Boise, Idaho won out as it seemed to possess just the right amount of culture and wilderness. Find out more about Kathy and Tom's new life in the “City of Trees” on Episode 183 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. 

Oklahoma native Ryan Crain had just spent an exhilarating year traveling the world when he found himself back in Oklahoma during the pandemic. He wanted to take a stab at living in another country but most of the borders were closed. Although it was far from his first choice, Mexico was allowing foreigners in. After visiting a few Mexican locales, he and partner Kayla MacArthur landed in Sayulita, a bohemian beach town on Mexico's west coast. Since moving there almost three years ago the couple has fallen hard for the town and for the Mexican people. To learn more about an unexpected road to surfing paradise, tune in to Episode 182 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. Ryan and Kayla's book is Gravel Roads: One man's quest around the world to heal, and to live a life with no regrets. Learn more at https://www.ryancrain-author.com/. Travel Love LegacyA podcast where we elevate the voices of Black & Brown Family TravelersListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Living in the Silicon Valley, Bill Ross and his family were fed up with the state's high cost of living, crime, and politics. Wanting to leave the west coast, they searched for a place without the major problems of California but with a friendly community. They found all that plus a quintessential “Main Street” in Boerne, Texas, a town located about 30 minutes north of San Antonio in Texas hill country. Find out why the Rosses chose the Lone Star State on Episode 181 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.Bill's website is https://www.hillcountryhomesteads.com/. 

For Philip and Sonya Hubbard figuring out where to retire was all about compromise. She wanted somewhere not too cold and he wanted a place not too hot. They narrowed locations down to Europe, then to France, then to Brittany. They had their hearts set on a house with an ocean view in Brittany, but the prices exceeded their range. Ultimately, they found a very nice large house inland in Brittany, in the town of Pontivy. Find out how the Hubbards'  concessions led to peace of mind and joy on Episode 180 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Surf, sand and big hair! Would you like to live in a quiet beach community with walkable access to a town with a quaint main street and another known for hosting famous music acts. Rosa and Guy Losa found their way to Bradley Beach, New Jersey, with its neighboring towns of Ocean Grove, recognized for its abundant examples of Victorian architecture, and Asbury Park, legendary for its rock ‘n roll history. All three towns are seaside resorts and the area is less than an hour to two international airports. Find out why Guy and Rose consider Bradley Beach as their dream town come true on Episode 179 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

At the age of 51, Patricia Brooks had a well paying corporate job in Richmond, Virginia but there seemed to be something missing in her life. She yearned to live in a French speaking country. As someone who was a painfully shy child and still considered herself an introvert, she surprised many, including herself, by moving to the South of France. A few years later, Patricia is living in Ceret, France and loving it. Find out more about Patricia's courageous move to France on Episode 178 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.Patricia Brooks, founder of The Courage Catalyst, is an Expat Empowerment Coach helping women move abroad confidently and sustainably. Check out Patricia's informative and funny YouTube Channel about living in France. She is also the author of two books: Live a Bold Life: Your 30-Day Mission to a Fearless Future and Growing Bold: How to Overcome Fear, Build Confidence, and Love the Life You Live.

If you are searching for a charming and historic southern city, AND, near the ocean, investigate Charleston, South Carolina. Keith Lucas, a realtor and YouTube influencer, moved from Florida to a suburb of Charleston and has become a huge advocate of both the city and its state. He is considered a valued expert on retiring in South Carolina and his YouTube channel contains over 200 videos. Will Keith convince you to move to South Carolina? Listen to Episode 177 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.Check out Keith's YouTube channel, his real estate website (or www.keithlucasteam.com) and his book, Southern Comfort: Your Ultimate Guide to Retirement in South Carolina.

City and suburban residents imagine living in the countryside and some consider purchasing a home on a large parcel of land far from a metropolis. Would you be willing to make such a move to a foreign country? Brits Beth and Jack Haslam's rural fantasy came to fruition when they purchased a 400 acre estate outside of Toulouse, France. Learn about their journey on Episode 176 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.  Be prepared to laugh and enjoy French countryside living by reading Beth Haslam's Fat Dogs and French Estates series and other titles. To keep up with Beth's rural life with animals, French people and acres of land, explore bethhaslam.com.  

Gigi Best Richardson and her husband Skip embarked on a quest to find the perfect location for relocating themselves and their African American bookstore/museum. Their criteria included a place with a rich African American history, abundant cultural institutions, and a blend of natural beauty along with a warm climate. Their search led them to St. Augustine, Florida, a city often regarded as the birthplace of African American history. St. Augustine is renowned for its cultural richness, with traces of heritage at every turn, wonderful sub-tropical temps and 43 miles of pristine beaches. Discover more about the captivating historic city of St. Augustine on Episode 175 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.When in St. Augustine, be sure to visit the Richardson's bookstore/museum, Best Richardson African Diaspora Literature and Cultural Museum.

Have you given thought to living alone later in life or joining a community of like-minded individuals? Some 50-plus individuals who are seeking this compromise are considering cohousing communities. Cohousing is defined by Wikipedia as “an intentional community of private homes clustered around shared space.” Jude Tisdall has found that a cohousing community can be much more. Jude lives in New Ground, the United Kingdom's first and only cohousing community for women aged 50-plus located in Barnet, North London, England. See what simultaneously living alone and together at New Ground is like on Episode 174 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.Check out The Guardian's descriptive article about the New Ground cohousing community, ‘We have brothers , sons, lovers - but they can't live here!' The happy home shared by 26 women.In 2024, New Ground won a World Habitat award.

When Jo-Anne Bowen looked for a home in the Pacific Northwest, her wish list included an affordable single-story home in a nice community within a short distance of an international airport, as she loves to travel. She landed in the beautiful small city of Vancouver, Washington and her home is only eight miles from Portland International Airport. Jo-Anne's motto, “spend as little as possible on the necessities so you have as much as possible for the luxuries” has served her well. Learn more about Jo-Anne's life in the Evergreen State on Episode 173 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.For more information on living in Vancouver, see Jo-Anne's 2021 Travel Awaits article, 14 Reasons I Decided To Retire In Vancouver, Washington, and check out Jo-Anne'e other Pacific Northwest articles in Travel Awaits.Travels With Jim and RitaEver think of selling everything and traveling the world? Jim & Rita are giving it a try.

Michael Andrade had visited every Spanish and Portuguese speaking country in the Americas searching for a retirement destination. The catch was his sole source of income was social security. He landed in Salvador, Brazil, a place he describes as “magical.” Michael's rent is a mere $400 per month for a one bedroom apartment in an upscale neighborhood near the beach. Check out his vibrant life in Brazil on Episode 172 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. 

Julie Diebolt Price and her husband Gordon spent much of their working years in Southern California, but longed for a change. They initially bought a cabin in Rhododendron, Oregon in the shadows of Mount Hood enjoying years of vacations there. Despite Julie's firm stance against Arizona, where she had visited her parents for three decades, fate led them to Goodyear. Surprisingly, they explored a model home in Tuscany Falls, a 50+ community, and ended up purchasing one in the very place Julie had sworn never to live … Arizona!

Brits Sallyann Phillips and her architect husband dreamed of designing and building a home on a Greek island. They started visiting the Greek island of Kos and later purchased land and began the process of planning the home. Just prior to the pouring of the cement foundation, Sallyann's husband passed. She faced a monumental decision - stay in England or start construction of the house and move to Greece. Sallyann's courageous move proved to be challenging but triumphant. Hear her full story on Episode 170 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.Sallyann Phillips' books about Kos: (1) Build or bust before Brexit: Home at last in Kos; (2) Just Be Kos: The year I moved; (3) Why Kos: A taste of Greek life; (4) Kos. An expat in the Corona years: The good the bad and the restrictions; and (5) No more thistles and Ticks: How to create a Mediterranean garden.

Beverley and Chris Wood moved from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada to Mexico, where they stayed for 9 years. After a series of unfortunate events, Beverley yearned for more stability in her life and the couple journeyed back to Vancouver, Island. This time, to the small harbor city of Nanaimo, located mid-island. It is important to note that Vancouver and Vancouver Island are very unique places. The biggest difference being Vancouver is a large cosmopolitan city on the mainland while Vancouver Island is an island full of rainforests, small cities, villages, beaches and wilderness. Follow the Wood's explorations and experiences on Episode 169 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.Beverley Wood is the author of: The Move to Canada Bible and The Move to Mexico Bible. More books by both Beverley and Chris may be found at www.whitedogcreative.com. Keep up with Beverley at www.beverleywood.com.

Are you courageous enough to move across the world to start a new life on rural land? Dani and Evan Benton relocated to Omishima Island, Japan and seem to be loving the challenge. The industrious couple purchased two akiyas (abandoned or vacant houses in rural japan) for a total of approximately $30,000. For income, they remodeled one of the homes and are renting on airbnb. They plan to earn additional income by raising honey bees and from Dani's photography business. Learn more about the Benton's enterprising move on Episode 168 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.     The couple's website is Benton Homestead. To see what they are doing in Japan, including the renovation of their akiyas, visit their YouTube channel.Check out the Benton's Airbnb page about renting their guesthouse. To help the Benton's ship their precious belongings to Japan, make a donation on their GoFundMe page. 

Have you watched the Yellowstone series and imagined roaming free on wide open land in Montana? Real estate agents Will and Angie Friedner moved to Whitefish, Montana where they enjoy living near Glacier National Park, lakes and a Rockwellesque downtown. The couple even have a YouTube channel, Living in Montana, and a book, Moving to Whitefish, Montana, where they explain what it is like to move to and live in Montana. To find out more about life in and around Whitefish, listen to Episode 167 of Retire There With Gil & Gene.Angie Friedner is a real estate agent with Glacier Sotheby's International Realty and Will Friedner is with Montana Life Realty.

Celebrate the New Year with Gil & Gene! Tune in as we reflect on the remarkable growth and transformation of the Retire There podcast throughout 2023. We share behind-the-scenes happenings, key 2023 statistics, revisit standout episodes, and offer a sneak peek into the exciting plans for 2024. If you value the Retire There podcasts, consider supporting Gil & Gene by making a $5 donation at at buymeacoffee.com/retiretherepod. Each contribution helps cover the production expenses of the show. 

Kevin Cavanaugh spent his junior year of college abroad at the University of Seville in Spain. He immersed himself in Spanish, becoming fluent in the language. This was the beginning of his love affair with the country, but little did he know that his time there would play a significant role in deciding where to retire. His language skills allowed Kevin to seamlessly move to Alcala la Real, a small town in southern Spain where few inhabitants speak English. Hear about Kevin's calculated move to his dream location on Episode 165 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

As retirement neared, Paul and Cheryl Thornton moved from Delaware to Florida, believing it would be their “forever” home. While Florida is a great location for cruise enthusiasts like Paul, he hated it - the weather was unbearable and the drive to relatives in the northeast was too long. When it came time to retire, Paul sought somewhere with a temperate climate, a reasonable driving distance to the northeast, and near a city with professional football and basketball teams. After extensive research, Paul zeroed in on the Charlotte, North Carolina area. The couple purchased a home in Mooresville, North Carolina, a town located about 30 miles from Charlotte with more reasonable home prices than the city. Hear Paul profess his love for Mooresville and cruising on Episode 164 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. Check out Paul's award winning podcast: The Joy of Cruising.Paul's four books: The Joy of Cruising: Passionate Cruisers, Fascinating Stories; Cruising Interrupted; The Joy of Cruising Again; and White Man's Disease A Memoir.

After Wendy Whitcomb Marsh's husband died at age 54, she retired and decided to leave California with her three children, two of which are autistic and the third who is physically disabled. But where to go? Wendy decided to head north to Salem, Oregon's capital city located between Portland and Eugene. Salem has been called the most Oregon part of Oregon, with its scenic vistas and vineyards, old growth forests, crystal clear streams, and plenty of room to roam. To discover more about Wendy's move to The Beaver State, listen to Episode 163 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.Wendy's adult autism consulting service is Adult Autism Assessment & Services. For more information about Wendy, including descriptions of her books on adult autism, visit WendelaWhitcombMarsh.com. Her books are also available on Amazon.

In this special episode, we chat with David Pogue about decluttering and disposing without adding to landfills. David is a six-time Emmy winner for his stories on CBS Sunday Morning, a New York Times bestselling author, a five-time TED Talk speaker, host of 20 NOVA science specials on PBS, and creator/host of the CBS News/Simon & Schuster podcast Unsung Science. He was also the New York Times weekly tech columnist from 2000 to 2013. David's New York Magazine article My Quest to Downsize Without Throwing Anything Away. A big house full of belongings – could I find them a new life? was the catalyst for this episode. David shares specific organizations he used to ecologically remove unwanted belongings. For more information on David Pogue, check out his website. His book, How to Prepare for Climate Change: A Practical Guide to Surviving the Chaos, includes a chapter on where to live. Go to David's Amazon page for a list of his many books.Here are some organizations which may aid in donating or selling your items: Facebook Marketplace: The classified-ad section of the social network that specializes in helping individuals and businesses sell items locally. Buy Nothing Project:  The organization encourages giving of consumer goods and services in preference to conventional commerce. There are many local Buy Nothing groups on Facebook.AptDeco: An online marketplace that eliminates the hassle of buying and selling furniture.Renovation Angel: America's premier recycler of luxury pre-owned kitchens and renovation items.