An almost primitive connection draws people to water_to the lakes, rivers and oceans. Maybe part of that reason is that, biologically speaking, human beings are about 70 percent water. Aesthetically speaking, however, who can resist the calming effect of watching the gentle ripples lap at the shore. The power of water to wash away concerns [...]

Summer is winding down, the cooler air is coming in, and soon there will be the burdens of tax bills, old man winter keeping you inside and another year gone by wondering when you’ll be able to escape it all and head south for that ideal retirement or second home spot.
If you’ve never been to [...]

Chances are you haven’t considered Delaware as a retirement destination—but, maybe you should. U.S. News and World Report recently named Delaware as one of the ten most affordable places to retire on the water. And, it’s closer than you think. When compared to southern retirement hot spots, Delaware is a relatively short drive from the [...]

I do not consider myself the adventurous type. Quite honestly, going to the movies qualifies as a risky venture for me. So how in heaven’s name could I ever have found myself in three different countries in three consecutive days and poised to walk across mountain, meseta (plateau in Spain) and countryside to a destination [...]

Visions of sun-drenched white-sand beaches permeate thoughts of Florida. Millions flock to Florida each year for vacation or retirement. So many, in fact, that it has changed the perception of Florida into a concrete jungle with congested freeways and beaches. However, you can still experience the Florida of yesteryear in Florida’s “Nature Coast.”
In 1867, World [...]

With its ribbons of sandy beaches, swaying coconut palms, translucent warm waters, and coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, Saint Lucia (pronounced LOO-sha) is a quintessential Caribbean paradise. It has evolved over the years into one of the region’s most popular vacation destinations—particularly for romantics enticed by the island’s striking natural beauty, splendid resorts and [...]

What could be more enjoyable than spending a cold winter evening planning and then looking forward to a spring road trip along some of the scenic highways of America? Gas prices are down, hotel prices are lower than ever, and everyone needs a break from the rigors of winter. Just pack the car and head [...]

With over 1,200 miles of sand beaches, year-round activities and one of the lowest tax burdens in the country, it’s easy to see why Florida consistently ranks in the top three states in which to retire. Winters are mild, with average high temperatures ranging from 66oF in the northern region to a balmy 76oF in [...]

The areas in and around eastern Tennessee have some of the most beautiful scenery in all of the United States, with mountains to both the east and the west. Four distinctive seasons and a mild year-round climate make the area ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Things to See and Do
Eastern Tennessee is home to the nation’s most [...]

Dream… Explore… Discover…
Ideal Living magazine invites you to discover our readers’ top places to retire.
In consideration of the 77 million baby boomers who will retire in the next 20 years, Ideal Living magazine has compiled our list of Top Places to Retire based on reader surveys. From the coast to the mountains, and the low [...]

130 Willow Creek Boulevard • Sweetwater, TN 37874 • 866.809.0770 • willowcreektn.com

Welcoming front porches. Spacious sidewalks. Fun and friendly neighborhood gatherings. This is a place you can truly feel at home.
Nestled on over 90 acres, Willow Creek has been carefully planned to create a tranquil and friendly living environment. Near the Great Smoky Mountains and [...]

P.O. Box 6400 • Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469 • 877.486.2683 • www.WaterwayCoveNC.com

If you’re looking for a place to retire where you can enjoy the best of all worlds, look no further than Waterway Cove, a coastal community in beautiful, unspoiled Ocean Isle Beach, NC. Waterway Cove will feature 205 single family homes in a [...]

1000 Olde Waterford Way • Leland, NC 28451 • 800.383.7535 • www.waterfordlifestyle.com

Why wait for everything when the best of everything is waiting for you at Waterford of the Carolinas?
New communities promise great things, but most won’t deliver for years. At Waterford, the best of everything is already in place. Why wait to enjoy the elegant [...]

PO Box 12553 • New Bern, NC 28562 • 252.514.2007 • www.swiftcreekplantation.com

Swift Creek Plantation is located just outside the city of New Bern, NC. Natural elements dictate design, and 21st century bustle seems far away. An area rich in history, New Bern celebrates its 300th anniversary this year, and Swift Creek Plantation’s history dates back [...]

4006 St. James Drive • Southport, NC 28461 • 800.245.3871 • www.GoStJames.com

With its private oceanfront beach club, 81 holes of signature golf and Intracoastal Waterway marina, St. James Plantation personifies the relaxed coastal Carolina lifestyle.
Located near the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Fear River and ICW, the property is blessed with tidal creeks and [...]