Eleven years ago we had realized we could never afford to retire and continue to live in California. We moved to Iowa. LOW cost of housing, lower cost of everything. We arrived almost penniless, but have recovered financially so well that we no longer quake at the thought of retirement. I am near 70, but now I don't fear the next decade like I did in CA> We love our old home, and can handle the upkeep, plus the monthly expenses, on retirement income, AND we save money every month. Give the Cedar Rapids area a look. We've never regretted it.