Rent for a while in the Caribbean before you commit! But... great job. We tell our kids that they will know how much we love them because we are not leaving them a gigantor house full of stuff. We moved into a Big House in Maine when they were little. I thought you were gonna carry me out of that house in a pine box. By the time the pandemic rolled around and the never ever ending work of living in the Maine woods, I was Done. The house had served our family and we downsized and left. We were in OH for a hot minute and came back to the east coast. The school system my kids need does not have housing I can afford without the two of us turning ourselves inside out. So we pay usurious rent, but hey... cheaper than in patient mental health care.
When they are done here? So are we. We are gonna head to a condo like you described. We'll probably rent first and decide if we are buying again. Not being the Chief Maintenance Officer is AMAZING.
The rent-first then buy is ideal. It didn't work for me as the condo options are VERY limited and I wanted (very much) to stay in my town. Plus, the "right one" magically appeared.
Schools really do drive living choices, don't they? But as you said, better for mental health in the long run. :)
More people can afford it than you realize if they're willing to give up other things in their life. That's the point of much of my substack…I'm money poor and house rich… so i'm selling my home and investing that money, and then I'm going to you see interest to travel on with my social security. I can find a really nice apartment in a place like Portugal outside of the main cities for under $800/mo. And if you just want to travel, there's options like house sitting and volunteering. There's a lot of places where it's a lot cheaper to live than it is here. 😉
Interesting. My husband is VERY fiscally conservative. I would probably try different angles that would make him uncomfortable. I love to travel but I also love the idea of living someplace I don’t want to leave!
I would start subscribing, to people I like myself who are actively doing slow travel or preparing to. You'll start to see numbers that might actually appeal to your husband. There are also great groups on facebook that focus on specific topics around slow travel or specific areas as expats or tourists. You'll start to learn a lot of the ways that people travel on lower budgets, and how to vet a place if you're considering a longer stay.
So we're pretty close. I'm gonna probably jump off to Portugal but after that I'm not sure. My youngest daughter is in England so I'll probably go there. And then probably back into europe somewhere. After that, I might go to somewhere in Asia... but I'm also staying open to going to work with NGOs on if there's a disaster. And that could be anywhere in the world.
Well, not only are we close, but our travels could overlap. My son and fam live in London; one of the reasons I look forward to fewer house responsibilities is to spend more time with 3 quickly growing grandchildren.
When my wife and I moved to Asheville 12 years ago, we bought the perfect last home for us. 1700 sq feet, one level, no steps to enter the house or anywhere else.
Hi Jane, congratulations on the new choice of housing and renting in the winter away from the cold is a wonderful idea. I'd love to get to a point where I could exercise that option, too. Building toward it now. And thanks for the thorough mention of the Kill the Patriarchy slam. I'm looking forward to see you perform your wonderful story, and very lovely to see that you've mentioned your co-storytellers...xo
Thanks! Well, like many things there have been some plot twists I’ll be sharing soon. But yes everything worked out, just not as expected. Appreciate your comment.
Just recently moved to Kingston but was in Hudson for the preceding few years. My favorite Hudson pastime is walking around admiring the stunning architecture. Your home is gorgeous.
We downsized to a condo, last fall. Still on a learning curve. However, the absolute relief for my husband to no longer have the yard work, house maintenance & snow removal hanging over his is worth me trying to figure out where to store backup paper toweling!
I love it Jane, when you introduced the universe and synchronicity--or was it serendipity? At any rate, I have followed those guideposts all my life. They're never wrong. Enjoy your new life. Blue 💙
Wow..we are living the same life experience at the same time. Just received an offer on my 80yr old falling apart colonial in NJ. I'm heading up towards you to whatever I can find that will provide me with: 1. a like-minded community and 2. Trees. Commuted to Lenox, MA for over 25 years and the whole trip is pure joy. Looking for a house at the Jersey Shore? Find me! Namaste.
Home is not a place... it's a feeling." — Cecelia Ahern
I agree. Everyone packs up their magic right along with the fishes.
Rent for a while in the Caribbean before you commit! But... great job. We tell our kids that they will know how much we love them because we are not leaving them a gigantor house full of stuff. We moved into a Big House in Maine when they were little. I thought you were gonna carry me out of that house in a pine box. By the time the pandemic rolled around and the never ever ending work of living in the Maine woods, I was Done. The house had served our family and we downsized and left. We were in OH for a hot minute and came back to the east coast. The school system my kids need does not have housing I can afford without the two of us turning ourselves inside out. So we pay usurious rent, but hey... cheaper than in patient mental health care.
When they are done here? So are we. We are gonna head to a condo like you described. We'll probably rent first and decide if we are buying again. Not being the Chief Maintenance Officer is AMAZING.
The rent-first then buy is ideal. It didn't work for me as the condo options are VERY limited and I wanted (very much) to stay in my town. Plus, the "right one" magically appeared.
Schools really do drive living choices, don't they? But as you said, better for mental health in the long run. :)
How marvelous. Yay you!
Thanks, Stella - it’s been a great run.
Well. Not many people can afford any of this, tbh…
Yes, I've been very fortunate.
More people can afford it than you realize if they're willing to give up other things in their life. That's the point of much of my substack…I'm money poor and house rich… so i'm selling my home and investing that money, and then I'm going to you see interest to travel on with my social security. I can find a really nice apartment in a place like Portugal outside of the main cities for under $800/mo. And if you just want to travel, there's options like house sitting and volunteering. There's a lot of places where it's a lot cheaper to live than it is here. 😉
Yes and I see more and more older writers on Substack doing just that!!
Interesting. My husband is VERY fiscally conservative. I would probably try different angles that would make him uncomfortable. I love to travel but I also love the idea of living someplace I don’t want to leave!
I would start subscribing, to people I like myself who are actively doing slow travel or preparing to. You'll start to see numbers that might actually appeal to your husband. There are also great groups on facebook that focus on specific topics around slow travel or specific areas as expats or tourists. You'll start to learn a lot of the ways that people travel on lower budgets, and how to vet a place if you're considering a longer stay.
That’s a good idea- however, I’m single which def has its pluses (and minuses, like organizing and executing a move).
That’s a big reason I didn’t take on a Nevis project And move to manageable quarters all at once.
I was replying to @Martha above who was talking about her fiscally conservative husband ❤️
Where are you near the catskills? I'm in Kingston, and i'3m getting ready to jump ship!
I’m in Hudson. There are a number of us Substackers in the area. Where are you thinking of going?
If you ever want to do a get together with other substackers, send me a p m.
I’ll be in touch!
So we're pretty close. I'm gonna probably jump off to Portugal but after that I'm not sure. My youngest daughter is in England so I'll probably go there. And then probably back into europe somewhere. After that, I might go to somewhere in Asia... but I'm also staying open to going to work with NGOs on if there's a disaster. And that could be anywhere in the world.
Well, not only are we close, but our travels could overlap. My son and fam live in London; one of the reasons I look forward to fewer house responsibilities is to spend more time with 3 quickly growing grandchildren.
I dunno, friend. Caribbean condo sounds pretty wonderful :) And what a gorgeous house you live in!
i know - I'll get resettled and figure out a way for both!
Loved this Jane— strong, optimistic and from the heart. Yay for you!!! ❤️
Thanks. You’ve seen this up close and personal!:)
Best of luck in your new home!
When my wife and I moved to Asheville 12 years ago, we bought the perfect last home for us. 1700 sq feet, one level, no steps to enter the house or anywhere else.
Thanks! The no steps thing is huge. I’m so ready to streamline. Was Asheville a new community for you?
We had a vacation condo that we traded on for a permanent house.
Hi Jane, congratulations on the new choice of housing and renting in the winter away from the cold is a wonderful idea. I'd love to get to a point where I could exercise that option, too. Building toward it now. And thanks for the thorough mention of the Kill the Patriarchy slam. I'm looking forward to see you perform your wonderful story, and very lovely to see that you've mentioned your co-storytellers...xo
Thanks Nan - the Slam feels like a new muscle to flex. I’m really excited - a better feeling than terrified.
Yay!!!
Thanks for sharing your story! I’m glad everything worked out. 💪
Thanks! Well, like many things there have been some plot twists I’ll be sharing soon. But yes everything worked out, just not as expected. Appreciate your comment.
I love your energy and determination . You will figure it out and it will be great chapter!
I knew that beautiful doorway looked familiar: we are neighbors!
How wonderful!!! Hudson NY, I presume?
Just recently moved to Kingston but was in Hudson for the preceding few years. My favorite Hudson pastime is walking around admiring the stunning architecture. Your home is gorgeous.
I enjoyed the article.
Thank you, Mark. It means a lot to hear that!
I am thrilled for you! Hope there are smooth roads ahead for you!
Thanks Monica! Appreciate the well wishes. We’re all on our journeys of adventure.
We downsized to a condo, last fall. Still on a learning curve. However, the absolute relief for my husband to no longer have the yard work, house maintenance & snow removal hanging over his is worth me trying to figure out where to store backup paper toweling!
Enjoy! 🩷
Yes, exactly!!! I’m with your husband on this one. Totally done with that stuff!
It’s a lot. We both are still working, sort of. I’ve been on medical leave for 13 months, but hoping I’m able to return in September.
It’s interesting how much our relationship has improved, simply because he no longer has all that worry!!
I love it Jane, when you introduced the universe and synchronicity--or was it serendipity? At any rate, I have followed those guideposts all my life. They're never wrong. Enjoy your new life. Blue 💙
No it was synchronicity with a dash of serendipity. I’ve found they are often complementary.
Thanks for the well wishes!
Wow..we are living the same life experience at the same time. Just received an offer on my 80yr old falling apart colonial in NJ. I'm heading up towards you to whatever I can find that will provide me with: 1. a like-minded community and 2. Trees. Commuted to Lenox, MA for over 25 years and the whole trip is pure joy. Looking for a house at the Jersey Shore? Find me! Namaste.
No thanks. But congrats on your move. I think there’s something in the water to hear ddd as us and it’s good to see.