8 Alternatives to Pricey Retirement Locales

Even with their retirement nest eggs diminished by the tough economy, some baby-boomers aren’t giving up on their dreams of living in beautiful spots. Instead, they are searching for similar but cheaper alternatives.

SmartMoney calls these locales “doppelgangers” — more affordable twins with similar climate, culture, and amenities than their better-known other half.

Here are their suggested substitutes:

● Prescott, Ariz., as an alternative to Sedona, Ariz.
● St. Augustine, Fla., instead of Sarasota, Fla.
● Chattanooga, Tenn., instead of Ashville, N.C.
● Bloomington, Ind., instead of Madison, Wis.
● Caron City, Nev., instead of Boulder, Colo.
● Auburn, Ala., instead of Pinehurst, N.C.
● Bellingham, Wash., instead of Eugene, Ore.
● San Luis Obispo, Calif., instead of Santa Barbara, Calif.


Source: SmartMoney, Catey Hill (10/20/2010)