ADVERTISEMENT

OT: Real Estate Question - Toms River/Brick and area

As the wife and I had pretty much decided on the Middletown DE area and have now been down to the area a number of times pricing homes- we get to learn so much more.
First, if you want any property at all- you will be in a dump of a newer home that is not near anything. Any home that is fairly new and in a nice neighborhood and close to shopping- the home prices are lower than NJ for sure and taxes much lower too but...not a damn person down there is willing to negotiate at all and all think their house deserves %0k+ over any comp in the area. And while it may still be cheaper than here- it is not cheaper for there.
Property tax- some good some bad- it is much lower but going to climb fast as younger people are buying up the cookie cutter spec homes and needing new schools.
The good thing is that at the age of 65, you get to start getting a reduction of the school tax. But, not as much as what they made it sound. Maybe $500 off.
And there is a fear of what happens a few years down the road- so many of the homes are in these new developments in the corn fields. But, what happens down the road if another builder buys up the field next to you and either builds a dump or worse yet, a better neighborhood.

And then- the contractors, we were looking at a really nice home with an unfinished basement. Wanted to get pricing on what it would take t finish- just the basics- dryway- electric, plumbing(maybe a rough in or maybe just a powder room) carpet doors. And they are all coming in at 100-200 k which is more than I would pay here in Bergen Co.

So- we are going down again this weekend. hopefully we do find what we like.

But, also thinking Pa now too but I am not familiar...Does anyone have a suggestion of a good area, reasonable, safe, nice homes, community, shopping nearby? and not out toward Ohio...:)
Give Butler, Pa a shot.

OK, shoot me. Too soon?
 
As the wife and I had pretty much decided on the Middletown DE area and have now been down to the area a number of times pricing homes- we get to learn so much more.
First, if you want any property at all- you will be in a dump of a newer home that is not near anything. Any home that is fairly new and in a nice neighborhood and close to shopping- the home prices are lower than NJ for sure and taxes much lower too but...not a damn person down there is willing to negotiate at all and all think their house deserves %0k+ over any comp in the area. And while it may still be cheaper than here- it is not cheaper for there.
Property tax- some good some bad- it is much lower but going to climb fast as younger people are buying up the cookie cutter spec homes and needing new schools.
The good thing is that at the age of 65, you get to start getting a reduction of the school tax. But, not as much as what they made it sound. Maybe $500 off.
And there is a fear of what happens a few years down the road- so many of the homes are in these new developments in the corn fields. But, what happens down the road if another builder buys up the field next to you and either builds a dump or worse yet, a better neighborhood.

And then- the contractors, we were looking at a really nice home with an unfinished basement. Wanted to get pricing on what it would take t finish- just the basics- dryway- electric, plumbing(maybe a rough in or maybe just a powder room) carpet doors. And they are all coming in at 100-200 k which is more than I would pay here in Bergen Co.

So- we are going down again this weekend. hopefully we do find what we like.

But, also thinking Pa now too but I am not familiar...Does anyone have a suggestion of a good area, reasonable, safe, nice homes, community, shopping nearby? and not out toward Ohio...:)
Any of the areas of 78 past Easton, I believe it’s in the top five growing areas in the country and there are a bunch of nice ones before Kutztown, and then from Ktown down to Reading as well, There are some really nice places.

Lancaster and Hershey also have nice homes and property
 
As the wife and I had pretty much decided on the Middletown DE area and have now been down to the area a number of times pricing homes- we get to learn so much more.
First, if you want any property at all- you will be in a dump of a newer home that is not near anything. Any home that is fairly new and in a nice neighborhood and close to shopping- the home prices are lower than NJ for sure and taxes much lower too but...not a damn person down there is willing to negotiate at all and all think their house deserves %0k+ over any comp in the area. And while it may still be cheaper than here- it is not cheaper for there.
Property tax- some good some bad- it is much lower but going to climb fast as younger people are buying up the cookie cutter spec homes and needing new schools.
The good thing is that at the age of 65, you get to start getting a reduction of the school tax. But, not as much as what they made it sound. Maybe $500 off.
And there is a fear of what happens a few years down the road- so many of the homes are in these new developments in the corn fields. But, what happens down the road if another builder buys up the field next to you and either builds a dump or worse yet, a better neighborhood.

And then- the contractors, we were looking at a really nice home with an unfinished basement. Wanted to get pricing on what it would take t finish- just the basics- dryway- electric, plumbing(maybe a rough in or maybe just a powder room) carpet doors. And they are all coming in at 100-200 k which is more than I would pay here in Bergen Co.

So- we are going down again this weekend. hopefully we do find what we like.

But, also thinking Pa now too but I am not familiar...Does anyone have a suggestion of a good area, reasonable, safe, nice homes, community, shopping nearby? and not out toward Ohio...:)
Have a look at Pike County, and you are still close to NJ. Don't have any towns, except new a guy in Milford who killed himself years ago.

Not bad prices for good sized homes;






Stroudsburg area looks OK too, property taxes a bit high.
 
Have a look at Pike County, and you are still close to NJ. Don't have any towns, except new a guy in Milford who killed himself years ago.

Not bad prices for good sized homes;






Stroudsburg area looks OK too, property taxes a bit high.
both of you guys should move to Florida with the rest of us :)
 
As the wife and I had pretty much decided on the Middletown DE area and have now been down to the area a number of times pricing homes- we get to learn so much more.
First, if you want any property at all- you will be in a dump of a newer home that is not near anything. Any home that is fairly new and in a nice neighborhood and close to shopping- the home prices are lower than NJ for sure and taxes much lower too but...not a damn person down there is willing to negotiate at all and all think their house deserves %0k+ over any comp in the area. And while it may still be cheaper than here- it is not cheaper for there.
Property tax- some good some bad- it is much lower but going to climb fast as younger people are buying up the cookie cutter spec homes and needing new schools.
The good thing is that at the age of 65, you get to start getting a reduction of the school tax. But, not as much as what they made it sound. Maybe $500 off.
And there is a fear of what happens a few years down the road- so many of the homes are in these new developments in the corn fields. But, what happens down the road if another builder buys up the field next to you and either builds a dump or worse yet, a better neighborhood.

And then- the contractors, we were looking at a really nice home with an unfinished basement. Wanted to get pricing on what it would take t finish- just the basics- dryway- electric, plumbing(maybe a rough in or maybe just a powder room) carpet doors. And they are all coming in at 100-200 k which is more than I would pay here in Bergen Co.

So- we are going down again this weekend. hopefully we do find what we like.

But, also thinking Pa now too but I am not familiar...Does anyone have a suggestion of a good area, reasonable, safe, nice homes, community, shopping nearby? and not out toward Ohio...:)
You should go online or to town hall and review a copy of their zoning map. This will give you a sense of what may/will be built in the future. You can also ask about what approvals are in the hopper so you can figure out a timeline for development as well. Learn about the town and area, not just your potential house and neighborhood.
 
It's clear the conservative, cost-conscious, plan-before-you-leap approach hasn't worked. Plus, it's snooze city.

Time to liven the thread up by snagging one of those $1 houses in Italy and reporting back about how it goes.
 
  • Like
Reactions: fsg2
I don't think Florida would have been discovered if it wasn't for Northeasterners retiring there.
nope, our HS went down every year to play baseball during break (well a select few of us did) so we knew! lol
 
  • Like
Reactions: fsg2
The advent of AC really made it blow up but Northerners definitely made a habit of retiring there

8.5 years until we make the move - counting down the days
I want to retire full time right now but need my youngest to finish HS. The day we drop him off to college is the last day I work and I'm on my way down full time. My wife and I are thinking about doing a 6 mos cruise around the world. when you say you are counting the days; you have NO idea hahahahaha
 
I want to retire full time right now but need my youngest to finish HS. The day we drop him off to college is the last day I work and I'm on my way down full time. My wife and I are thinking about doing a 6 mos cruise around the world. when you say you are counting the days; you have NO idea hahahahaha
Thats the move!
My wife will be fully vested w pension by then so she’ll be done working

I’ll likeky keep working for a few years until I get sick of the travel and bs

Either way, the move down south is definitely the way to go, only from the weather/taxes/stress/people standpoint, but it is so much more relaxed and laid-back in every conceivable way

As the old saying goes, “nobody retires up north“
 
  • Like
Reactions: RUTGERS95
Thats the move!
My wife will be fully vested w pension by then so she’ll be done working

I’ll likeky keep working for a few years until I get sick of the travel and bs

Either way, the move down south is definitely the way to go, only from the weather/taxes/stress/people standpoint, but it is so much more relaxed and laid-back in every conceivable way

As the old saying goes, “nobody retires up north“
pension? oh man I wish I had one of those ha

I'm heading down tomorrow and coming back next weekend. Looking forward to it, just love it down there. Next week I'm looking at ranges to belong to amongst other things. Merica!
 
pension? oh man I wish I had one of those ha

I'm heading down tomorrow and coming back next weekend. Looking forward to it, just love it down there. Next week I'm looking at ranges to belong to amongst other things. Merica!
Honestly man, as much as it’ll pay off down the line I would 1000% forgo the pension if my wife would agree to move down right now

I know it wouldn’t bea smart financial move, especially long-term, but I don’t know how much more of this shit I can take up here

Between the people, the stress, the shitty weather, insane prices, etc., I’ve never been more ready to move down south than I am right now !!
 
  • Like
Reactions: RUTGERS95
Honestly man, as much as it’ll pay off down the line I would 1000% forgo the pension if my wife would agree to move down right now

I know it wouldn’t bea smart financial move, especially long-term, but I don’t know how much more of this shit I can take up here

Between the people, the stress, the shitty weather, insane prices, etc., I’ve never been more ready to move down south than I am right now !!
Are prices in Florida comparable or cheaper down in Florida? I have no idea as I've only gone to plays like Disney while there. I'm talking groceries, insurance, etc.
 
Thats the move!
My wife will be fully vested w pension by then so she’ll be done working

I’ll likeky keep working for a few years until I get sick of the travel and bs

Either way, the move down south is definitely the way to go, only from the weather/taxes/stress/people standpoint, but it is so much more relaxed and laid-back in every conceivable way

As the old saying goes, “nobody retires up north“
My Dad lived to 92 and my Mom is still around at 91+ and they always said it was because of the bolded.

But living in a beautiful gated community in Naples probably didn’t hurt.
 
My Dad lived to 92 and my Mom is still around at 91+ and they always said it was because of the bolded.

But living in a beautiful gated community in Naples probably didn’t hurt.
gated communities are nice!
 
My Dad lived to 92 and my Mom is still around at 91+ and they always said it was because of the bolded.

But living in a beautiful gated community in Naples probably didn’t hurt.
My parents are both 91 and have lived in NJ their entire life. Smoked 5 packs of cigarettes a day between the 2 of them. Dad quit in his 40's mom in her late 50's early 60's.

I think if they were in Florida there is no way they would have made it this long.
 
My parents are both 91 and have lived in NJ their entire life. Smoked 5 packs of cigarettes a day between the 2 of them. Dad quit in his 40's mom in her late 50's early 60's.

I think if they were in Florida there is no way they would have made it this long.
Everyone has their personal elixir for longevity. Close friend advises me I must try transcendental meditation to reduce stress, tried it and it stresses me out.

This guy, right here in NJ has it all figured out. Luck and genetics plays a huge part. This 110 year old man, who lives independently and still drives, has never exercised. I think being a firefighter is the key! See you in about 50 years @e5fdny !

 
Everyone has their personal elixir for longevity. Close friend advises me I must try transcendental meditation to reduce stress, tried it and it stresses me out.

This guy, right here in NJ has it all figured out. Luck and genetics plays a huge part. This 110 year old man, who lives independently and still drives, has never exercised. I think being a firefighter is the key! See you in about 50 years @e5fdny !

I agree luck and genetics are huge factors. I always felt my dad was going to die in some industrial or related accidents because of the stuff that happened to him while we were growing up. He survived so many accidents or careless stuff where you would read of other people dying from the same stuff it amazed me.

If you are lucky NJ has access to great medical care. From the anecdotal family stuff I have seen in Florida compared to the care my parents have received in NJ/NY the States do not compare.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Knight Shift
I agree luck and genetics are huge factors. I always felt my dad was going to die in some industrial or related accidents because of the stuff that happened to him while we were growing up. He survived so many accidents or careless stuff where you would read of other people dying from the same stuff it amazed me.

If you are lucky NJ has access to great medical care. From the anecdotal family stuff I have seen in Florida compared to the care my parents have received in NJ/NY the States do not compare.
Medical care in the tri-state area is second the nun, but I’ll take my chances living in the warm weather and having to fly up if necessary to get taken care of
 
My parents are both 91 and have lived in NJ their entire life. Smoked 5 packs of cigarettes a day between the 2 of them. Dad quit in his 40's mom in her late 50's early 60's.

I think if they were in Florida there is no way they would have made it this long.
What do you think the main difference would’ve been if they would’ve moved?
 
And west/gulf coast too.

IMO the east coast has too many of “us” down there. And “we” can be a problem. LOL
Keep the West Coast on the hush, it’s still relatively quiet compared to the East Coast, and the people tend to be a bit nicer IMO
 
My Dad lived to 92 and my Mom is still around at 91+ and they always said it was because of the bolded.

But living in a beautiful gated community in Naples probably didn’t hurt.
Love Naples
Will likely be somewhere down there within the next decade

I’ve not many people who have moved to warmer weather climates, and I’m prolong their lives, it’s a different quality of life, not only from a stress and weather standpoint, but many other things as well
 
Are prices in Florida comparable or cheaper down in Florida? I have no idea as I've only gone to plays like Disney while there. I'm talking groceries, insurance, etc.
Not really anymore, after Covid things real estate wise really blew up

Flood insurance is a big thing down there, and a lot of times stable get you on that, and also the fees from gated communities can be excessive and are only going up

Groceries have always been a bit more expensive down there as well
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rhuarc
Medical care in the tri-state area is second the nun, but I’ll take my chances living in the warm weather and having to fly up if necessary to get taken care of
Agreed about tri state area. But you don't need to fly up. Many of the larger institutions have offices and full surgical/treatment outposts, down there. Including the Cleveland Clinic, Mayo, HSS, Weill Cornell, NYU, and Mt Sinai. Many MSK affiliated doctors have private practice locations on both the east and west coast.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RU205
Everyone has their personal elixir for longevity. Close friend advises me I must try transcendental meditation to reduce stress, tried it and it stresses me out.

This guy, right here in NJ has it all figured out. Luck and genetics plays a huge part. This 110 year old man, who lives independently and still drives, has never exercised. I think being a firefighter is the key! See you in about 50 years @e5fdny !

I truly think it's combo of genetics with some environmen mixed in but almost no stress. Stress is truly the fabricated cancer of the body. my grandfather passed away at 100 earlier this year. He lived the life according to the saying;
'“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow! What a ride! '”

He lived through WW2 with Patton, Korea and was an advisor in Vietnam before working for GE on the A10 s. He drank a lot after ww2 only quitting in the 70s as a recovering alcoholic. He ate well, fished (taught me to ice fish on Mallet's Bay) and led a comfortable life with little stress. Ironically, he suffered a fall and didn't recover from the broken hip at his age but to think of all he survived prior to that.

My French grandmother (they met when Patton rolled through) was the same. Survived Nazi occupation and fought as a guerrilla (have a awesome pic of her in pants and a beret carrying a sten gun in the Ardeche area from 44). She lived to 95 and while not as hard living as my grandfather, still pushed it when younger I'm told. She too had FAR less stress after 60s tending her lavender fields, gardening, and occasionally shooting boar with her shotgun (yup, you read that). True story, we were hiking through some of our lands in the South of France when I was in my late teens and she was showing me the Roman fort, caves all kinds of things but would not let me carry the gun and emphatic, she'd done more with a trigger than I could imagine. I didn't argue but odd to see a 5.5 frail looking old woman not only out hiking me but carrying for protection God what a generation!

the only constant I see is the stress as genetics certainly help but no two people are the same. so I think it's genetics sure but really stress and environment play a large part.
 
Agreed about tri state area. But you don't need to fly up. Many of the larger institutions have offices and full surgical/treatment outposts, down there. Including the Cleveland Clinic, Mayo, HSS, Weill Cornell, NYU, and Mt Sinai. Many MSK affiliated doctors have private practice locations on both the east and west coast.
That’s a good point, it all comes down to your comfort level on the level of care

I’ve always gone to NYU for my genetics situation, but if there was something comparable down there, I would not hesitate to do that as opposed to flying up
 
My parents are both 91 and have lived in NJ their entire life. Smoked 5 packs of cigarettes a day between the 2 of them. Dad quit in his 40's mom in her late 50's early 60's.

I think if they were in Florida there is no way they would have made it this long.
Big one right there.
Everyone has their personal elixir for longevity. Close friend advises me I must try transcendental meditation to reduce stress, tried it and it stresses me out.

This guy, right here in NJ has it all figured out. Luck and genetics plays a huge part. This 110 year old man, who lives independently and still drives, has never exercised. I think being a firefighter is the key! See you in about 50 years @e5fdny !

Imagine getting to "play" your whole working life while getting paid. Stress yes, but lots of fun too.

I've mentioned to this to my fraternity brothers...we didn't have a party every night in school, nor do I have a fire every time I go to work.

But the guys and being together...the firehouse is the locker room, sideline and the bench and the fire is the field of play.

Any athlete will tell you some of the best times were in the former compared to the latter. If you've ever coached (and as the boss, that’s what I am now), some of the best conversations you'll ever overhear are the ones in those spots.
I agree luck and genetics are huge factors. I always felt my dad was going to die in some industrial or related accidents because of the stuff that happened to him while we were growing up. He survived so many accidents or careless stuff where you would read of other people dying from the same stuff it amazed me.

If you are lucky NJ has access to great medical care. From the anecdotal family stuff I have seen in Florida compared to the care my parents have received in NJ/NY the States do not compare.
See below...
Agreed about tri state area. But you don't need to fly up. Many of the larger institutions have offices and full surgical/treatment outposts, down there. Including the Cleveland Clinic, Mayo, HSS, Weill Cornell, NYU, and Mt Sinai. Many MSK affiliated doctors have private practice locations on both the east and west coast.
My Mom and Dad while relatively healthy the whole time they were down there did have some good places to go when needed.
I truly think it's combo of genetics with some environment mixed in but almost no stress. Stress is truly the fabricated cancer of the body. my grandfather passed away at 100 earlier this year. He lived the life according to the saying;
'“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow! What a ride! '”

He lived through WW2 with Patton, Korea and was an advisor in Vietnam before working for GE on the A10 s. He drank a lot after ww2 only quitting in the 70s as a recovering alcoholic. He ate well, fished (taught me to ice fish on Mallet's Bay) and led a comfortable life with little stress. Ironically, he suffered a fall and didn't recover from the broken hip at his age but to think of all he survived prior to that.

My French grandmother (they met when Patton rolled through) was the same. Survived Nazi occupation and fought as a guerrilla (have a awesome pic of her in pants and a beret carrying a sten gun in the Ardeche area from 44). She lived to 95 and while not as hard living as my grandfather, still pushed it when younger I'm told. She too had FAR less stress after 60s tending her lavender fields, gardening, and occasionally shooting boar with her shotgun (yup, you read that). True story, we were hiking through some of our lands in the South of France when I was in my late teens and she was showing me the Roman fort, caves all kinds of things but would not let me carry the gun and emphatic, she'd done more with a trigger than I could imagine. I didn't argue but odd to see a 5.5 frail looking old woman not only out hiking me but carrying for protection God what a generation!

the only constant I see is the stress as genetics certainly help but no two people are the same. So, I think it's genetics sure but really stress and environment play a large part.
We used to joke with my Dad's doctor when he would get a physical and all his numbers would come back so good for someone his age.

"Doc, he has the stress level of Gandhi. LOL"

It's why for the most part I don't watch or listen to away games for Rutgers Athletics. LOL
 
Last edited:
  • Love
Reactions: RUTGERS95
Big one right there.

Imagine getting to "play" your whole adult life while getting paid.

I've mentioned to this to my fraternity brothers...we didn't have a party every night in school, nor do I have a fire every time I go to work.

But the guys and being together...the firehouse is the locker room, sideline and the bench and the fire is the field of play.

Any athlete will tell you some of the best times were in the former compared to the latter. And if you've ever coached, some of the best conversations you'll ever overhear are the ones in those spots.

See below...

My Mom and Dad while relatively healthy the whole time they were down there did have so good places to go when needed.

We used to joke with my Dad's doctor when he would get a physical and all his numbers would come back to so good for someone his age.

"Doc, he has the stress level of Gandhi. LOL"

It's why for the most part I don't watch or listen to away game for Rutgers Athletics. LOL
I always think firefighters have one of the best jobs due to the camaraderie, every time I’m with my Italian buddies in that I grew up with in the neighborhood and don’t see that much anymore, they are some of the greatest times ever

I imagine being together with the guys in the firehouse a couple nights a week must be pretty awesome, and no amount of money could replace that
 
My parents are both 91 and have lived in NJ their entire life. Smoked 5 packs of cigarettes a day between the 2 of them. Dad quit in his 40's mom in her late 50's early 60's.

I think if they were in Florida there is no way they would have made it this long.
My father passed when he was 97 and my mom still going at 93 probably till 99. They would have died earlier if they didn’t have their great grand kids around. She helped raise them before they went to day care. They added 7-10 years to their life.
 
Last edited:
I agree luck and genetics are huge factors. I always felt my dad was going to die in some industrial or related accidents because of the stuff that happened to him while we were growing up. He survived so many accidents or careless stuff where you would read of other people dying from the same stuff it amazed me.

If you are lucky NJ has access to great medical care. From the anecdotal family stuff I have seen in Florida compared to the care my parents have received in NJ/NY the States do not compare.
I fell from a second story at a fire in the early 1990s and was nearly impaled by a metal pole when I landed (I'm a jolly vollie, not paid like e5fdny, and we see 1/10th (perhaps 1/100th) of the action they get in NYC), and luckily dodged cancer 10 years ago that was discovered purely due a strange series of events that would never repeat. Maybe someone out there wanted me to be around longer.
Big one right there.

Imagine getting to "play" your whole working life while getting paid. Stress yes, but lots of fun too.

I've mentioned to this to my fraternity brothers...we didn't have a party every night in school, nor do I have a fire every time I go to work.

But the guys and being together...the firehouse is the locker room, sideline and the bench and the fire is the field of play.

Any athlete will tell you some of the best times were in the former compared to the latter. If you've ever coached (and as the boss, that’s what I am now), some of the best conversations you'll ever overhear are the ones in those spots.

See below...

My Mom and Dad while relatively healthy the whole time they were down there did have so good places to go when needed.

We used to joke with my Dad's doctor when he would get a physical and all his numbers would come back so good for someone his age.

"Doc, he has the stress level of Gandhi. LOL"

It's why for the most part I don't watch or listen to away games for Rutgers Athletics. LOL
Yeah, the camaraderie is the one thing that keeps me doing it as a volunteer. Literally have an almost unlimited number of brothers I can call and in an instant they would be there to help me. I experienced that wonderful brotherhood about 10 years ago on this board by some FDNY guy who has a giant heart and a kind disposition. The volunteer aspect is not nearly as intense or active as what the city departments see, which is good and bad, because having a lot of reps is important when you get something that is real. Could be why I fell from the second story at that fire back in the 1990s, or it's more likely that I was just tired and slipped on an icy ladder in an ice storm. Lucky for me, there was a metal awning that I bounced off of and broke my fall. If I'm a cat, I have 7 lives left to go.

Camaraderie in life, whether it is work, a good group of friends, the church, family, etc is so important. If the blue zones they study are truly good data, that is a huge part of why in some areas, a lot of people live well into their 90s.
 
Not really anymore, after Covid things real estate wise really blew up

Flood insurance is a big thing down there, and a lot of times stable get you on that, and also the fees from gated communities can be excessive and are only going up

Groceries have always been a bit more expensive down there as well
Thanks for answering. People act like Florida is some great financial utopia to move to and I always wondered if that was valid.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Knight Shift
Thanks for answering. People act like Florida is some great financial utopia to move to and I always wondered if that was valid.
There’s definitely some financial advantages
Gas, property taxes & auto insurance are cheaper, and you get much more for your money, house and land wise, down there

Also, no state income tax (my coworker and I will make roughly the same amount of money but had about a $15,000 take home difference last year, as she lives in Tampa and I live in New Jersey), plus they don’t tax your Social Security and pension down there

But big ticket wise (primarily regarding the house), there’s not much of a difference, price wise, as Covid (and the influx of northern nurse getting the hell out of here) pretty much eliminated that
 
I truly think it's combo of genetics with some environmen mixed in but almost no stress. Stress is truly the fabricated cancer of the body. my grandfather passed away at 100 earlier this year. He lived the life according to the saying;
'“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow! What a ride! '”

He lived through WW2 with Patton, Korea and was an advisor in Vietnam before working for GE on the A10 s. He drank a lot after ww2 only quitting in the 70s as a recovering alcoholic. He ate well, fished (taught me to ice fish on Mallet's Bay) and led a comfortable life with little stress. Ironically, he suffered a fall and didn't recover from the broken hip at his age but to think of all he survived prior to that.

My French grandmother (they met when Patton rolled through) was the same. Survived Nazi occupation and fought as a guerrilla (have a awesome pic of her in pants and a beret carrying a sten gun in the Ardeche area from 44). She lived to 95 and while not as hard living as my grandfather, still pushed it when younger I'm told. She too had FAR less stress after 60s tending her lavender fields, gardening, and occasionally shooting boar with her shotgun (yup, you read that). True story, we were hiking through some of our lands in the South of France when I was in my late teens and she was showing me the Roman fort, caves all kinds of things but would not let me carry the gun and emphatic, she'd done more with a trigger than I could imagine. I didn't argue but odd to see a 5.5 frail looking old woman not only out hiking me but carrying for protection God what a generation!

the only constant I see is the stress as genetics certainly help but no two people are the same. so I think it's genetics sure but really stress and environment play a large part.
Ha, that life strategy saying is awesome.

Hats off to your grandparents!
 
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT