I am right there with ya....except I'm still in the frozen north...:rolleyes2:

I have lived in Georgia or South Carolina most of my life. Like any state, there are cities to stay away from. If you want to be near a good size city my choices would be Charleston SC or Savannah Ga. Both are close to the beach and will have most any activities you would look for. I love both for the history of the cities and the beautiful old houses and buildings. Stay away from the city of North Charleston. Crime is really bad there. If you want to be close to or in the mountains, check out Ashville or Hickory NC or some of the smaller cities like Boone and Murphy NC.
Personally, I hate Atlanta Ga or anywhere within 30 or 40 miles of it. There are some good places outside of that radius but I'm not very familiar with them.
As far as beach towns, there are several. I lived on Hilton Head for about 4 years but it was a while ago. I liked it there but it was a pain to get to and leave as there is only one way to get there. Myrtle Beach is too much of a tourist city and crime is getting really bad. There are a few island beach towns around Charleston SC and near Brunswick Ga.
Good luck with your search.

A friend of mine moved to Murphy NC likes it a lot. Side note that's where Eric Rudolph was hiding out: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Rudolph

I'm in Chicago been here for 30+ years, been thinking to relo to Western MI to be close my inlaws who are 83 this year and live in Grand Haven. I think the snow there is worse than here but we really like that area in good weather. Anyone on here live around there?

thank you everyone for your input, thanks

Daniel Island, SC
 

Moving to Charleston, SC was the best relocation I’ve ever done. If it lands towards the top of your list reach out and I’d be willing to discuss pros and cons.

We had a home on Marco Island, FL for 25 years. It was great, but gradually got too crowded. The past few years it was like NYC south during the season. Right now I’m over on the FL East coast looking out at the ocean. Very few people on the beach even this time of year

I live not too far away to the north in Traverse City area. We’re there April thru December then January thru March in FL. Best of both worlds, Michigan weather for 9 months, FL for 3 months. Miss Michigans cold months and FL hot, humid months.

I have lived in west central GA my entire life. Very hot/humid in the summer but not too bad in the winter (lawn is already turning green). My dad and stepmom have lived in the north east GA mountain area (Clayton) for about 10 years and I love that area when we visit. Super laid back and no real hustle and bustle. Would move there myself but still a little too young to retire.

I've been everywhere and I prefer Rural middle TN. Cheap houses/land,no income taxes,southern hospitality,BBQ. The vinegar based sauces suck IMO but you can get great KC sauces online.

Where are you on the east coast? I get what you mean as I've been in Naples for 25 years now and it's just not what it once was with the massive influx over the last 5 years, especially. I'd love to find a quiet little beach town eventually.