No matter the reason, when the time comes, we are all faced with the same questions.  How do we envision the next chapter of our lives?  What are our fears and what are our fantasies about retirement?  How can we make our retirement years glorious, and what will we need to make them our "Golden Years".

I've listed 5 Types of Retirement below…

1. Relaxing most of the time and life goes on pretty much the same as it always has, except we aren't working anymore.
2. We aren't working, however we now have the time to continue our personal development.
3. We become involved in a mix of things.  Maybe working part-time, spending more time with family, recreation, traveling or pursuing a health regimen and seeking a balanced life.
4. An encore or second career.  Maybe you put a lot of emphasis on continuing to work but want to venture out into a different type of career.
5. You want to leave your current employer, continue working in your field, but with less hours and extend your career indefinitely.

In conjunction with the type of retirement you envision, if your dream for your Golden Years includes relocating,  many more considerations come into play.

Beyond the financial and real estate aspects of relocation, there's another side to the equation that if ignored can easily spell disaster.

What are the emotional, psychological, and purely practical issues you must face to assure a successful relocation to the right place for you?!

It's  important to evaluate what sort of lifestyle you envision.  Often we envision our lives being the same as they are now, living with the same set of values, hobbies, and interests we currently have.

Believe it or not, it's really important at this point to dream a little bit about what you want and try to be more imaginative, and not assume that everything has to be the same or the activities that you're already involved in are going to be exactly the same.  Probably a lot of them will be, and there's nothing wrong with that, however, be imaginative about what you really want to do and how you want your life to be.

If you're married or in a partnership, communication is critical. You need to have a conversation about what each of your lifestyle considerations are.  First, each person needs to make a list.  Take your time and really envision your ideal lifestyle.   Then compare your lists.  Determine what your common considerations are and if necessary, rate the considerations by level of importance.

Whether single, married, or in a partnership, once you've envisioned your retirement lifestyle there are important relocation questions.  Questions  like,   "Will the area you're interested in be able to support the lifestyle of your dreams"?

Trying to sort this out and determine how much risk you are willing to take is pretty challenging. You need to be able to assess every aspect and create a plan that will ensure your retirement relocation will be met with a "soft landing." Not a harsh reality!

In the coming weeks, I'll be giving you some hints and pointers,  and explore how you can safeguard against moving someplace that once you get there you don't say,

Oh Boy…this doesn't fit what I wanted, get me out of here!!

I'll also be writing about specific things you must be aware of, if you're considering relocating or retiring to North Carolina or South Carolina.

About the Author

Bob  Bencivenga is a professional site locator and location anyalyst for major corporations and has been researching the growth of NC and SC to find those areas which are affordable. Visit his blog-The Carolina Report and signup free to  get blog updates by email, along with free advice on how to relocate or retire in the Carolinas, additional resources, and a lot more!  Go now to www.placesofvalue.com.  Bob does not sell real estate.

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I've created several Guides,  Special Reports, a Video Library, Interviews, over 50 Articles, and Maps to help you choose the best places for you in the Carolinas, as well as publishing my Relocation and Retirement Guide to make the process of relocating or retiring to the Carolinas an easy one for you.

Check my "Steals and Deals" section which we are constantly updating, to find out which Communities are offering special discounted weekend packages to help you be able to afford visiting their Community to see if it's right for you, and which are offering substantial price reductions on their properties.

My "Ultimate Guide To Finding The Best Places To Live In The Carolinas" has over 100 in depth reviews of places to retire or relocate to in North Carolina and South Carolina.  I personally hand picked them for affordability and great lifestyles.

It also comes with password protected access to my Private Website and a personal consultation with me to help you find your best places in the Carolinas.

If you click on the Special Interviews button at www.placesofvalue.com you be able to hear how I've helped others do just that. And while you're there, listen to my interview with Ron Manheimer who gives you the insider secrets on how to successfully retire or relocate to the Carolinas, with as little stress as possible.

I'll be interviewing Mayor Riley of Charleston, SC this week. It's going to be really exciting! Charleston was just in the "Top 5 Best Markets for Housing in 2010".

Also, don't miss my Video Library where you can first get a feel for places you might be considering before spending the time and money to make an actual visit.  As you know by now, I feel visiting the places you are considering retiring or relocating to is absolutely critical, but maybe I can save you some time and money, if you watch one of my videos first, or maybe I can help confirm this place really is one you want to visit.

Lastly, just click here for my "Relocation and Retirement Guide".

About the Author

Bob  Bencivenga is a professional site locator and location anyalyst for major corporations and has been researching the growth of NC and SC to find those areas which are affordable. Visit his blog-The Carolina Report and signup free to  get blog updates by email, along with free advice on how to relocate or retire in the Carolinas, additional resources, and a lot more!  Go now to www.placesofvalue.com.  Bob does not sell real estate.

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Fayetteville, North Carolina is just one of those areas. Located in the Piedmont area of North Carolina, it is North Carolina’s 6^th largest city with a population of approximately 174,000.

With seven museums, three colleges and a historic downtown, Fayetteville, NC is an area that offers residents a variety of activities and educational outlets.

Located next to both Fort Bragg and Pope Air force Base, there is definitely a military presence. In 2005 Congress mandated that due to the BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) effort Fort Bragg would gain several new commands.

Additionally, the Army will be closing down commands in Atlanta, GA and move them to Fort Bragg as well. This move is expected to relocate military personnel and businesses that will move to support the commands.  Both of these changes will result in a projected increase of 10,000 jobs.

If the Fayetteville area is on your list of one of the Best Places to relocate or retire to in North Carolina be sure to visit a community called Anderson Creek Club located just outside the city in Spring Lake, NC.

Located on a magnificent Davis Love III golf course, Anderson Creek Club offers residents unparalleled beauty as it winds around the sand hills of Anderson Creek.

Fayetteville NC is positioned minutes to the beautiful North Carolina ocean beaches, scenic mountains of Asheville and all the best of surrounding towns and cities  like Pinehurt, NC and the Research Triangle of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill NC.

Be sure to check out Anderson Creek Club and consider Fayetteville, North Carolina for your list of the Best Places To Live in North Carolina.

About the Author

Bob  Bencivenga is a professional site locator and location anyalyst for major corporations and has been researching the growth of NC and SC to find those areas which are affordable. Visit his blog-The Carolina Report and signup free to  get blog updates by email, along with free advice on how to relocate or retire in the Carolinas, additional resources, and a lot more!  Go now to www.placesofvalue.com.  Bob does not sell real estate.

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The nationwide median new home price fell to just around$200,000. This is the lowest they've been since December 2003! This is about 10% lower than last year.

Fortune magazine just released its "2010 Housing Outlook". Based on Moody's Economy, they're predicting further decreases in prices on average of 5-10% this year, and more like 20- 30% in places like Phoenix,  Las Vegas, and Miami!

With foreclosures and unemployment at record highs, this doesn't surprise me.

However, compared to the rest of the country, if you're relocating or retiring to North Carolina or South Carolina, there are some bright spots you'll want to know about!

• Charlotte NC's 2009 median housing price is $185,880. It's expected to decrease by 2.3% in 2010, and increase by 1.4% in 2011.
• Columbia SC has a median housing price of$135,980.  It's expected to decrease by 2.66% in 2010, and increase by 2% in 2011.
• Greensboro NC has a median housing price of $135,920. It's expected to decrease by 2.8% in 2010, and increase by 1% in 2011.
• Greenville SC has a median housing price of $140,430.  It's expected to decrease by 4.10% in 2010, and increase by 1.26% in 2011.
• Raleigh NC has a median housing price of $215,510.  It's  expected to decrease by 4.38% in 2010, and increase by 1.9% in 2011.

Based on what's going on in the rest of the country, that's pretty good!

About the Author

Bob  Bencivenga is a professional site locator and location anyalyst for major corporations and has been researching the growth of NC and SC to find those areas which are affordable. Visit his blog-The Carolina Report and signup free to  get blog updates by email, along with free advice on how to relocate or retire in the Carolinas, additional resources, and a lot more!  Go now to www.placesofvalue.com.  Bob does not sell real estate.

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How can these be the Best Places for everyone? No one ever asked me, “What’s important to me in considering a town for my Best Place?” The real question is, “What would make a town your Best Place”?

It must be different for everyone, based on what's important to them, so I want you to sit down and make a list of what an area "must have" to make it on your list of Best Places to consider in the Carolinas.

It shouldn't be based on hearsay from your relatives, friends, co-workers, or neighbors.

When I started looking at the best places to live in North Carolina and South Carolina, for the relocation of my family, I realized I still didn’t know what a “Best Place” meant to me. So, I put together a list of the most important questions to ask when evaluating best places to live in the Carolinas.

I came up with “45 Lifestyle Qualities” to consider when picking your own Best Place.

In starting off this New Year, I'm sharing them with you, so you can start looking for your own best place in the Carolinas from the beginning, and that's by first knowing, "What's Important To You"!

Click here for your copy of my "45 Lifestyle Qualities".

Knowing everyone interested in retiring or relocating to North Carolina or South Carolina could benefit, last year, for the first time, I shared the answers to the most common questions asked in the 2008 Annual Carolina Report.

As the Holidays approach, and we begin the New Year, I would like you to have the Free 2009 Annual Carolina Report. I hope you enjoy the report as much as I have enjoyed answering your questions and being able to assist you through out the year.

In 2010, I will be visiting many cities and towns  in North Carolina and South Carolina to make sure you know about them first!  I'll continue to post Video's to our Video Library, add more Special Interviews and we'll be writing lots of Great Articles about the topics you need to know about.

Please be sure to continue to write "Ask Bob" (me) with your questions and take a moment to Comment in this blog just by clicking the Comment Button below and share your Best Places in North Carolina and South Carolina with all of us!

2010 promises to be a Great Year to find your Best Places to Retire or Relocate to in North Carolina or South Carolina!

ENJOY THE HOLIDAY SEASON!

See you next year!

2009 Annual Carolina Report- Part One

2009 Annual Carolina Report - Part Two

About the Author

Bob  Bencivenga is a professional site locator and location anyalyst for major corporations and has been researching the growth of NC and SC to find those areas which are affordable. Visit his blog-The Carolina Report and signup free to  get blog updates by email, along with free advice on how to relocate or retire in the Carolinas, additional resources, and a lot more!  Go now to www.placesofvalue.com.  Bob does not sell real estate.

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Texas is number 2; Tennessee and South Carolina are 5 and 6; and Georgia is number 8.

Why does North Carolina keep rating so high, and where are companies expanding in the State providing jobs and growth?!

The favorable business climate in North Carolina is uniquely tied to its University system. The University of North Carolina has 16 campuses through out the State which focuses on training workers needed at new businesses, and the local government supports their needs.

Siemens Energy expanded its existing plant in Charlotte by 60,000 square feet! Over the next 5 yeas, the company will invest $50 million dollars and create 226 new jobs. They're willing to do so because of the favorable business climate in North Carolina.

The college system focused on training new engineers and managers, while the local trade schools trained machinists and welders.

Cree, a developer and manufacturer of lighting products added 275 jobs at its Durham facility. It choose Durham because of its highly trained local work force and its strong scientific and technology culture.

Cree draws this talent from the public universities and community colleges in North Carolina!

Another example of how the institutions of higher learning support business growth and the creation of jobs is demonstrated by Deutsche Bank's decision to invest almost $7 million dollars in a new technology center in Cary, and create approximately 320 jobs over the next 5 years.

The economic development director at North Carolina's State University in Raleigh co-hosted top decision makers from Deutsche Bank, and made them feel comfortable that the proper support and business climate existed in the area.

There's definitely a strong link between a supportive system of higher education, trade schools, and community colleges, and businesses deciding to locate new facilities or expand existing ones in an area, which results in huge capital investments in the area and the creation of new jobs.

Whether you're interested in relocating to North Carolina, or working part of the time during your retirement, North Carolina provides a fertile place for growth and expansion.

North Carolina continues to do an incredible job of bringing businesses and training together in an exceptional business environment making it a wise investment for the future.

About the Author

Bob  Bencivenga is a professional site locator and location anyalyst for major corporations and been researching the growth of NC and SC to find those areas which are affordable. Visit his blog-The Carolina Report and signup free to  get blog updates by email, along with free advice on how to relocate or retire in the Carolinas, additional resources, and a lot more!  Go now to www.placesofvalue.com.  Bob does not sell real estate.

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So here we go… (drum roll please)…

The winner of our $50 American Express Gift Card is Ron from Portsmouth, Rhode Island.

Ron ordered 3 of our Special Reports on the Best Places To Live In North Carolina.  Places I hand picked for affordability, lifestyle, and value.

The winner of our $150 American Express Gift Card is Carmen from New Castle, Washington.

Carmen ordered The Ultimate Guide Package which has detailed reviews of over 100 places in North Carolina and South Carolina to relocate or retire to, the North Carolina Communities Directory and the  South Carolina Communities Directory as well as a special Bonus Section.

And as part of The  Ultimate Guide Package, Carmen also gets a Personal Consultation with me to assist in deciding what's important when picking the Best Places To Live in North Carolina or South Carolina, and which places have those qualities.

When we're making a decision as big as where will my Best Place be to retire or relocate to in North Carolina or South Carolina, good information and expert advice is worth it's weight in gold (and that's worth a lot today)!

Congrats to Ron and Carmen and THANK YOU!

About the Author

Bob  Bencivenga is a professional site locator and location anyalyst for major corporations and been researching the growth of NC and SC to find those areas which are affordable. Visit his blog-The Carolina Report and signup free to  get blog updates by email, along with free advice on how to relocate or retire in the Carolinas, additional resources, and a lot more!  Go now to www.placesofvalue.com.  Bob does not sell real estate.

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Business Week had 2 studies done:

The first was The 40 Strongest U.S. Metropolitan Economies.

They were trying to identify the metropolitan areas across the country that have managed to stay out of the recession's path and are possibly poised for a recovery.

It was based on job growth, employment, economic growth, and housing prices.

In the Carolinas, we find

• Columbia, South Carolina at #14 and;
• Raleigh/Cary, North Carolina at #30

Next week, I'll tell you why everyone is talking about Columbia!

The second study Business Week had done was, The 10 Strongest U.S. Housing Markets.

In this study, they identified some smaller metropolitan areas where things were a bit safer based on the fact they never experienced the rampant appreciation that peaked in 2005, and therefore never experienced the bursting of the bubble.

So today they're still experiencing appreciation, even if it's only modest.

Factors such as the percentage of homes in the market that appreciated, and the percentage of increase in the median home price, were taken into account.

College towns and military towns did pretty well, based on the fact that jobs in those areas have been fairly reliable during this period. I can only believe it reveals a good strategy for those of us needing to work during retirement. Consider Small Towns and College Towns!

I have written about both relocating to College Towns in North Carolina and South Carolina, as well as relocating to quaint Small Towns, in previous Blog Posts and in the numerous Articles available on this site.

In the Carolinas,

• Spartanburg, South Carolina was #2
• Fayetteville, North Carolina was #5
• Burlington, North Carolina was #9
• Jacksonville, North Carolina was #12
• Durham, North Carolina was #20
• Greenville, South Carolina was #24
• Greensboro, North Carolina was #26
• Sumter, South Carolina was #30

As far as I'm concerned, that's outstanding!

Read about other Best Places to Retire or Relocate to in North Carolina or South Carolina by clicking on Best Places NC or Best Places SC.

About the Author

Bob  Bencivenga is a professional site locator and location anyalyst for major corporations and been researching the growth of NC and SC to find those areas which are affordable. Visit his blog-The Carolina Report and signup free to  get blog updates by email, along with free advice on how to relocate or retire in the Carolinas, additional resources, and a lot more!  Go now to www.placesofvalue.com.  Bob does not sell real estate.

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So I consulted with the experts at VanLines.comto get their advice.

Here are the 5 mistakes you should avoid:

1. Getting a quote over the phone: You can't get an accurate estimate over the phone. People often forget things to include in the estimate, which means your estimate won't be accurate. And the moving company really can't get a good idea of what needs to be moved.

Make them come for an in-home estimate. If they don't, look for other movers. (The only exception might be a small, local move.)

2. Not getting moving quotes from several moving companies:  The only way to see what's fair in a moving quote is to talk to several movers about estimates, and only after they've seen your stuff in person.

3. Not asking about charges not in your base rate: Some movers might have cheap base rates, but add on a bunch of additional costs like packing materials. Ask about extra charges, and remember that the materials the movers provide you can be quite expensive.

Make sure that extra charges are spelled out in your written estimate.

4. Choosing a mover that lowballs: After talking to several movers, you'll have a better idea of the going rate. So if you get an estimate that's way lower than the others, beware – it's probably just a tactic to win your business and jack up the costs later.

5. Selecting an unlicensed moving company: Moving companies must be licensed.

If you're moving between states, the federal government has jurisdiction.  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration of the Department of Transportation. Go to protectyourmove.gov to see if your moving company is licensed, and see how many complaints it has.

If you're making a move in-state, your state government regulates your movers. If you're looking for South Carolina moving companies, check to ensure they're licensed with the State of South Carolina Secretary of State. If you're looking for North Carolina movers, this is a list of movers that can operate in North Carolina.

For more great information about how to make your move sanely and safely, go to Van Lines.com who we thank for giving us these great insights!

About the Author

Bob  Bencivenga is a professional site locator and location anyalyst for major corporations and been researching the growth of NC and SC to find those areas which are affordable. Visit his blog-The Carolina Report and signup free to  get blog updates by email, along with free advice on how to relocate or retire in the Carolinas, additional resources, and a lot more!  Go now to www.placesofvalue.com.  Bob does not sell real estate.

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