### From Colorado to Florida to North Carolina: Our Retirement Journey Filled with Twists, Turns, and Family Connections
Retirement is typically associated with visions of relaxation, exploration, and discovering the ideal place to establish roots. But what happens when retirement transforms into a whirlwind adventure comprising three states, two real estate transactions, and a heartwarming family reunion? This narrative recounts how my wife and I maneuvered through a roller coaster of retirement choices, transitioning from Colorado to Florida to North Carolina, always prioritizing our family’s joy and closeness.
If you’re pressed for time, here’s the summary: **Our children have relocated to the Raleigh, North Carolina, region, and so have we.** The decision to live in proximity to one another in a place that promises lasting happiness has influenced our choices intricately.
Now, let’s embark on the journey that commenced with a dream and transformed into pivotal life decisions.
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### **The Villages: A Snowbird’s Paradise Realized**
Two years prior, my wife and I resided in Colorado Springs, close to our daughter and son-in-law, while our son was based in Denver. Life in Colorado was enjoyable, but our children began discussing the prospect of moving to explore new regions. Simultaneously, we discovered The Villages in Florida — a retirement oasis described as “Disney World for adults.”
After leasing a home for several months in early 2022, we became enamored with the golf cart-friendly environment, extensive recreational facilities, and social activities. My father was equally captivated and purchased a home in The Villages by May 2022. The appeal of warm winters and reduced taxes transformed Florida from a mere seasonal getaway into a genuine candidate for our future.
By November 2022, we secured our own residence in The Villages following a competitive search in the newly established Village of Richmond. Our vision was to split our time between Florida and Colorado, savoring mild weather year-round while remaining connected with family.
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### **Transition to Florida — and a Shift in Plans**
In late 2022, we began living in our Florida home full-time, as our daughter’s changing career trajectory suggested a possible move southward to be within an hour of us. The first few months in The Villages were a dream fulfilled for my wife. She adored the climate, the friendships we cultivated, and the multitude of activities available. For me, while I valued certain aspects of life in Florida, I found myself yearning for Colorado’s seasons, variety of activities, and superior amenities like gyms and healthcare.
However, by spring 2023, the family plan started to falter when my children faced challenges in securing appropriate jobs locally in Florida. Despite countless efforts and optimistic discussions, it became evident that they would not be making the move to the Sunshine State.
This led us to a dilemma. We had relocated to Florida to be near them, but with that no longer feasible and managing two homes becoming a logistical challenge, we opted to sell our residence in Colorado and settle on one permanent home. Little did we anticipate that Florida wouldn’t be our lasting home for much longer.
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### **The Quest for a New Chapter**
By summer 2023, we acknowledged that Florida presented limited opportunities for our family as a whole. My wife and I embarked on a comprehensive search to find a new place to create a fresh start. We sifted through “best places to live” lists, evaluating factors such as climate, cost of living, healthcare, and closeness to major cities. Ultimately, **Raleigh and the larger Triangle area of North Carolina — encompassing Cary, Apex, and Morrisville — emerged as the top contenders**.
In September 2023, my wife and I embarked on our first exploratory visit to Raleigh. It quickly became clear that this could be a wonderful location to call home. The moderate climate offered a perfect blend between Colorado’s refreshing seasons and Florida’s warm temperatures. Raleigh’s lively culture, superb healthcare resources, and family-friendly vibe ensured its place as our next destination.
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### **Family Move: Raleigh Receives the Green Light**
When our children visited in December 2023, I introduced them to Raleigh for their initial exploration of the area. Their response was immediate: they were enamored. With everyone onboard, the plan crystallized — both our family and our children would be transitioning to the Triangle.
In the ensuing months, we dug deeper into the region. Cary distinguished itself as our preferred town within the Triangle. With its blend of southern charm, excellent schools, thriving amenities, and reputation as one of the safest cities in the nation, it appeared to be an ideal selection.
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### **Home Buying in Cary: Navigating the North Carolina Market**
By early 2024, we were fully engaged in searching for a home in Cary, balancing the competitive real estate market with our wishlist.