Retirement Requirements

"Best Places to Retire" [October 1] provides excellent insight into a retiree's needs.

I say this from experience. We have been retired for 13 years and truly enjoy where we live. Central Indiana is a thriving and exciting place to live. It has professional and amateur sports, ncaa headquarters, entertainment, the arts, great dining, and museums. But above everything else, we have outstanding healthcare. In your story, I found only one reference to "top medical care," and that was in the introduction.

Gerald A. Poore
Noblesville, Ind.

I enjoyed the issue on retirement. I believe, however, it is a different ballgame if you are a single woman. I relocated to Mississippi three years ago and am disappointed. There are things to do here but mainly for couples. I like the weather, but I'm not very happy with other aspects. Maybe you could do an article on single women retirees.

Judith Tompkins
Nesbit, Miss.

Best Places to Retire" had a section called "Readers Offer Their Own Retirement Spots." I would like to comment on Aiken, S.C. Yes, there are 4,800 horses and only 22,000 people and 48 polo fields, but there is limited public transportation. There is a bus known as the Best Friend Express, but it doesn't cover all of Aiken. I now live in Aberdeen, Wash., where for 25 cents I can get on a bus and go to the Pacific Ocean if I want to. Now, that's retirement.

Carolyn Kleinsorge
Aberdeen, Wash.

I have to agree that Irvine, Calif.—as a desirable retirement area—has wonderful weather and various activities. But retirees might be disappointed because the area has horrendous traffic, is overcrowded, and has a high cost of living.

Linda Orban
Laguna Hills, Calif.

Retirement communities have a great deal to offer, but there are pitfalls and expenses. Buyer beware is more important than most seniors think.

Bob Poris
Ocala, Fla.