[hattend]

if you like to make an annual blood donation to the state's legendary billions of mosquitoes, which it does nothing about

Ha! Alaskan mosquitos are the mother of all parasites. That's why I am avoiding the "mosquito coast" regions.

[Balata]

Interesting comments on your thread. Obviously some people won't be happy no matter where they live and other people will be happy wherever they live. With that in mind, let me add to the discussion on Colorado. Many areas of Colorado are rated very high for retirement. An area of the state considered a diamond in the rough by some is the Spanish Peaks area. The Spanish Peaks were recently designated a wilderness area. The view is spectacular, the cost of living is low, it is located in the Southern part of the state with easy access to the front range in winter and summer. It is close enough to the metropolatain area for health care, cultural events, professional sporting events, but far enough to have the serenity of the mountains. Check out the towns of LaVeta and Cuchara in this area. Good luck on your search.