In a few weeks I will turn 65. Unbelievable! Retire? No way! I'm loving my real estate practice and plan to continue on for years to come. But for many Boomers the reality of retirement is looming large. After years of grinding out the mortgage and getting the kids through school, couples are looking forward to some very large lifestyle changes. Questions arise: where to live? what to do? how to afford? This New Year, 2010, will present many opportunities, possible new directions, great times ahead!
Some retirees will no doubt choose to stay put, having paid off the family home and developed local lifetime friendships. On the other hand, some will sell everything and purchase a home in a foreign land (check out the Living Abroad Guides published by my wife's company at http://www.moon.com/). I suspect quite a few folks will be ready to cash in their urban equity for a more relaxed, quiet and comfortable country lifestyle. Enough with mowing the lawn. Time to grow a few tomatoes instead.
Potential retirees in northern California who are seeking the country life may wish to consider the Manton area which hosts such "old time" events as the volunteer fire department barbecue in the summer and the annual apple festival in the fall. Current residents of Manton take a certain glee when telling people where they live, because most folks out there in the "real world" have no idea where Manton is. How cool is it to live in a yet undiscovered spot? Yet it's not that remote. You can be driving on the I-5 in 45 minutes or board a commercial aircraft in less than an hour. But who would want to leave a place with numerous wineries, a wild horse sanctuary, and a dramatic view of a snow-covered volcano? Want to camp with the grandkids in an uncrowded national park? It's only 45 minutes to the fabulous Manzanita Lake Campground in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Pulling up stakes after many years in the same place is a daunting task for the future retiree.
Perhaps the best way to scope out a potential new home is to actually go there and spend some time. In a rural area with no hotels or motels, this can be a challenging proposition. The solution: http://www.vrbo.com/, vacation rental by owner. The are currently four listings in the Manton area and several more in the Lassen vicinity. I would recommend vrbo #14909 at Shasta Daisy Vineyards. Your hosts Carroll and Lorna Knedler are as gracious as you will find anywhere and have great knowledge of the area history, flora and fauna. Don't miss the dozens of hummingbirds on the tasting room deck! If a bed and breakfast is more to your liking, the Weston House (http://www.westonhouse.com/) in Shingletown has an incredible view overlooking the entire Manton area.
For guided tours of the Manton wineries, contact Donna at Ringtail Vineyards (http://www.ringtailvineyards.net/). If you are ready to view properties for sale or get the insider info on the various features of Manton, I would be delighted to give you a personal tour. Make your appointment in advance by e-mail: mantonland@frontiernet.net. Tom Knight, at your service.
It's a great time to lock up that perfect country home for your retirement years. Prices are fair once again, interest rates are at historic lows for those who might need a loan, and Manton still is the "secret" hideaway with undiscovered family wineries. How long hidden? Our award-winning wines are sure to attract attention sooner or later. An article in VIA or Sunset, and the prices will be going one way: UP! Way up. Retirees may find the perfect home in Manton. It's worth a visit!
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