Bigworld, Your new place seems like a great choice, and the 3 acres allow for plenty of 'elbow room' :o) And being fairly rural will spare you the many urban problems, traffic, etc. Plus your real estate taxes are ultra low. N. Carolina does have a 4.75% income tax rate, but they don't tax Social Security benefits. Here in PA the income tax rate is a little less (3.07%), but we are one of only six states with an inheritance tax, so that's a bummer.
Real estate seems like the best way to keep up with inflation. There are expenses and maintenance hassles, but you have to live somewhere. Fwiw, I skipped the 'big house' stage and went right to a condo (for 32 years), but a house would have been a better investment. But the condo is still up 4-5 fold since 1992, so can't complain too much.
Check out the view from this place in San Luis Obispo Calif. Kind of pricey out there, but those warm sunny winters would be great for the retirement years -
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