Saturday, March 22, 2014

We bought it!

After spending two winters in our park model rental in Tucson, we decided to make an offer to our landlords. The place had been for sale for over two years. We got a very good deal. They were asking $22,500 for a place they paid $40,000 for seven years ago. We got it for $18,500 including a year of space rental. The space is $4700 a year - a small savings over renting for three months in high season - but much cheaper for longer stays.

Now, instead of getting ready to pack everything we brought down in December for our upcoming departure, we're deciding what we'll leave here: water aerobics equipment, sun visors, canned goods, bird feeder. And what changes we'd like to make: window coverings, Arizona room lamps, recliners, table and comfortable chairs for the deck. What we'll bring down next year: more plates and silverware and towels, framed pictures - and Larisa, our cat! We live in the no-pet section of this large park, but cats are known to live indoors. 

Here's how I described our winter residence recently to a blogging friend:

"We found the Voyager RV Resort two years ago. We were at our timeshare in Sedona and an old friend and her husband, who were already staying at the Voyager, invited us to come and look at the place on our way back to the Tucson airport. We did. They gave us 'the tour' and I said, 'Art, I want to spend time here next winter.'

The winter population of the Voyager is about 2,500. There is a myriad of activities - discussion groups, physical activities (dancing, biking, hiking, pickleball, tennis, swimming, golf, you name it), a book group, two writing groups, crafts (quilting, silversmithing, leatherwork, lapidary, etc), music (bands, choruses, handbells, ukulele, etc), shows, field trips, spiritual studies, games (bridge, dominoes, mahjongg, poker, etc).  Ages 55 to over 90.

I like to be busy so I do multiple activities. Sometimes Art goes with me. But many people are quieter. A friend in water aerobics told me this morning, 'I do this and read, plus bike and hike. That's it.' So whatever you want to do, you can.

The community is strong and very friendly. We wave to everyone as we walk or bike or drive down the street.

We have been here nearly three months. We have had two days of rain, three days of wind and about three days of clouds. Otherwise it has been sunny. Daytime temps range from 50s to 80s, depending on the year (this year has been quite warm, last year was colder than average). It's the sun I'm after, so that's fine.

People live in RVs or park models (trailers) or houses. Some people own their residences and others rent, either from the resort or from a private owner. Our landlords used to live in our park model, but they bought a larger manufactured home on the other side of the resort. Our place is 13 x 34 with an Arizona room and laundry shed, so we live in about 650 square feet.

This place is full of life and energy. A great community of seniors from all over North America." We feel very much part of the community. We got a lot of support in January when Art had a cardiac arrest. Here's what I wrote in the March newsletter:

"A very large 'Thank you' to all the people who helped my husband Art when he experienced a cardiac arrest on the pickleball court on Saturday, January 25th. To the person who called 911, the men who lowered Art to the ground, the man who used the AED to revive him, and those who stayed with him until the EMTS arrived. To those who asked about him, visited him in the hospital, and greeted him on his return, and to the many who supported me. We are grateful to be part of this community."

We leave on Monday for six days in Sedona and then a four-day drive home. It will be very good to be back in Washington. But in the winter, there will be no seasonal affective disorder for me, no arthritis for Art. And he won't fall on icy stairs (two broken ribs) or a slippery driveway (torn rotator cuff). A good deal all around!









21 comments:

#1Nana said...

Congratulations! Owning your own place will make the move every winter easier. You are fortunate to have found a place that fits your lifestyle so well. We're going to go somewhere next winter, but don't have a clue yet where. I enjoyed Florida, except for the traffic. Don't know if I'm adventurous enough for Belize or Costa Rica.

Janette said...

Excellent!
Your adventures there make me want to look to see if there is something for us down there.
Enjoy Tucson- snowbird!

Deb Shucka said...

So happy for you!

DJan said...

I am so happy for you, too! This is just wonderful, and when I think of the serendipity that brought you into this community, it just amazes me. You must be doing something right, Linda. I'm thrilled that you have found this. :-)

Travels with Emma said...

Congrats!!

Out on the prairie said...

very nice

b+ (Retire In Style Blog) said...

Now I wish we had walked back and taken a look at your place! I love the porch and all the counter space in the kitchen. I am smiling for you! You are going to enjoy this 2nd home so very much. :)

Barbara

Deere Driver said...

What a great way to deal with Washington winters! Way to go!

Arkansas Patti said...

What a wonderful idea. You really enjoy and take advantage of all it has to offer. Plus, moving back and forth will be a breeze in the future. Smart move. Enjoy.

Saku said...

Congratulations! The lifestyle sounds wonderful, as does the weather.

Safe travels!

Sally Wessely said...

I am so happy for you. I think this is a very smart move for you. You really got a great deal. Going back and forth will be much easier, as will the planning. Now you know where you will be and what to expect. Truly, I couldn't be happier for you.

Tom said...

It looks nice and warm, in every sense of those words.

Anonymous said...

This sounds wonderful. So glad you were able to find this place, and at such a reasonable price, too.

Olga said...

Congratulations. That is the way to go.

Dee said...

Dear Linda, how content you must be having made this decision and acted on it. Having your own RV home there will make the moving back and forth each year so much simpler and so the whole experience will be even better. And it seems to me from reading your posts while you've been in Arizona that you have had an exceptional time. Even Art's cardiac arrest had some good things connected with it. For me, the most important thing is to learn from the hard and difficult things that happen in our lives. Peace.

Friko said...

It sounds great. To have seasonally adjusted homes in various part of the country, what could be better for retirees.

Enjoy yourselves, wherever you are.

Bob Lowry said...

I am not sure, but owning your home may move you and Art out of the snowbird category and into official part time Arizonian status!

Congratulations. I am very impressed with the amazing range of activities and facilities available at the resort.

Perpetua said...

Enjoy! As a second-home owner myself I think you've made an excellent decision, as the park obviously suits you both wonderfully. Your community there is about 4 times bigger than any of the places we spend time in, so no wonder there are so many activities on offer.

Grandmother Mary said...

Well done! You know you enjoy it so why not buy it? Something to look forward to.

Nancy/BLissed-Out Grandma said...

Clearly a good choice! As others have said, your chosen winter community has an astonishing variety of activities along with sunshine and lots of nice, happy people. And you both love it. May you enjoy it for years and years to come.

Unknown said...

Congratulations to the new owners! I am happy for you as well. You are so blessed to have found the house that was meant for you. May it provide you shelter from the outside world for a long, long time.

Deron Tucker