planning for retirement Archives

More than Just Music: Spotlight on the Muscle Shoals Lakes

Posted on November 8, 2019November 6, 2019 Camille Smith

Photos courtesy of The Bluegrass Situation and Instagram.

Just along the Tennessee River in Colbert County rests a historic, charming area called Muscle Shoals. Even if you’ve never been there, you’ve certainly heard of it. There’s that lyric in the song “Sweet Home Alabama” – “Muscle Shoals has got the Swampers, and they’ve been known to pick a song or two” – referring to the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, a legendary recording studio house band in the 1960s and 70s. You may have also heard of FAME Recording Studios or the birthplace of Helen Keller in nearby Tuscumbia.

Regardless of what you know about it, there’s a wealth of historical sites and activities to love about Muscle Shoals. Beyond those famous notes, this legendary area is bordered by three major lakes: Wilson Lake, Wheeler Lake, and Pickwick Lake. The Tennessee River feeds each lake, giving you both the excitement of the famous town and the serenity of local lake life. If you’re already interested, you can browse listings on each of these lakes on our website. Whether you choose to vacation or live full time on one of these lakes, you’re sure to find plenty of exciting compliments to lake life that Muscle Shoals has to offer.

What Makes it Interesting

Rick Hall, right, with R&B singer Etta James and musicians Marvell Thomas and David Hood during a 1967 rehearsal at Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. — *Photo courtesy of* *DailyYonder*.

Because of its crucial waterside location along the Tennessee River, the Shoals area was originally a significant location for Native Americans, particularly the Cherokee tribe, for thousands of years. This proximity to a body of water later made Muscle Shoals a site for the Tennessee Valley Authority’s construction of several dams under Franklin D. Roosevelt. In 1966, the U.S. government declared Wilson Dam, located in the Shoals area, a National Historic Landmark. However, this area’s intrigue doesn’t end with the nearby river. Muscle Shoals also happens to have a legendary place in music history. Home to the iconic “Muscle Shoals sound,” Rick Hall’s FAME Studios went from being a studio in an old warehouse to a destination for musicians and songwriters to record their hits. Songs like those by Percy Sledge “When a Man Loves a Woman” and “Tell Mama” by Etta James are just some among so many that were recorded here.

What to Do There

Crowd watching W.C. Handy Music Festival at Florence, Alabama — *Photo courtesy of* *WNIN*.

If you’re interested in all the fascinating music history of Muscle Shoals, try booking a tour at FAME Recording Studios and see the sound booths where famous artists like Aretha Franklin recorded. After your tour, you may want to stop by Stanfield’s Steakhouse for some delicious steak, hush puppies, and popcorn shrimp. If you enjoy golfing as a pastime, we recommend checking out the Robert Trent Jones golf trail, which attracts golfers from across the country each year. Want to explore some of the neighboring towns while you’re out and about? Drive about 20 minutes to find the sister city of Florence, Alabama— an up-and-coming city with a bustling downtown scene. Each year, they host the W.C. Handy music festival, and you can go visit the lion mascots at the University of North Alabama’s campus. On the way over, you can also drive by the Rosenbaum House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Life on the Lake

Group of people kayaking on Wheeler Lake — *Photo courtesy of* *The News Courier*.

One of the most exciting parts about life in Muscle Shoals is the bodies of water that surround it. The Shoals area is bordered by three major lakes—Wilson Lake, Wheeler Lake, and Pickwick Lake. If you’re looking to buy a lake house in the area, you can look forward to mild winters where temperatures rarely get below 50 degrees as well as warm 90 degree summers, perfect for taking the boat and water skis out for a spin. This time of year, you’ll get that crisp, fall air that’s perfect for hosting guests around your outdoor fire pits. Further, if you enjoy fishing on the lake and you’re looking to reel in a largemouth bass or catfish, you’re in luck. Wilson and Pickwick lakes are well-known popular fishing destinations thanks to the combination of a natural river and man-made dams. Whether it’s fishing, jet skiing, swimming, kayaking, or just sitting on your dock admiring the sun’s reflection on the water, there’s a place for your chosen activity on a lake in Muscle Shoals.

A fusion of interesting history and a relaxing lake life, you truly can have it all in Muscle Shoals. Take a browse to find your dream lake house today in this Northern Alabama gem of a town.

2019 Best Retirement Lakes

Posted on October 23, 2019April 15, 2020 Mark Griggs

retired couple toasting on the dock on one of America's best retirement lakes

The “golden years” of retirement are often characterized by leisure activities like golfing, fishing and gardening; spending time with family, and enjoying the little things in life like sunsets and relaxing in a hammock.

Now think about what it would be like to live on a lake. All the same leisure activities come to mind, right? Lake homeowners enjoy all those activities along with natural beauty, boating and fishing, and special time with their children and grandchildren. Lake living and retirement go hand-in-hand.

LakeHomes.com covers more than 3,000 lakes across the country, ranging from small community lakes to the Great Lakes. Each lake has its own personality and lifestyle. Knowing where to start your search for the perfect retirement lake can be intimidating, so we created this guide to assist in the decision making process.

Using the 2019 SmartAsset Best Places to Retire and cross referencing our own Lake Real Estate Market Report, we devised the list criteria. To determine the winners of the 2019 Best Retirement Lake Award, the LakeHomes.com media team analyzed dozens of lake real estate markets across the United States.
In order to be eligible for award consideration, markets had to have a minimum total market listing value of $10 million as of Feb. 1, 2019.

Welcome to our inaugural list of the Best Retirement Lakes in America!

Lake Granbury, Texas

Located within the town of Granbury, Texas, Lake Granbury is a 2019 Best Retirement Lake.

This Texas treasure is located less than an hour from the Dallas-Fort Worth metro, making the lake perfectly placed. It’s far enough away to escape the stressors of city life, but close enough for weekend adventuring.
Lake Granbury is primarily known for its striped bass fishing, numerous house-boats and the award-winning Inn on Lake Granbury.

Nationally, the area surrounding Lake Granbury ranks 63rd among the country’s best overall places to retire in 2019 and offers residents a charming boutique shopping experience, a retro drive-in theater, and the historic Granbury Opera House, constructed in the late 1880s.

Lake Hickory, North Carolina

Lake Hickory covers more than 4,200 acres in Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties in North Carolina.

A real retiree jewel, Lake Hickory’s namesake, the town of Hickory, was named among the Top 10 least expensive retirement towns in the U.S. and the Top 20 safest towns in America in 2018.

The lake and surrounding community offer residents a variety of golf courses along its more than 100 miles of shoreline. Boating and fishing are popular activities. There are numerous wineries and vineyards to frequent throughout the year for the wine enthusiast.

In the Lake Hickory area, there are multiple historical centers and more than a dozen parks and nature trails. The lake’s abundance of recreational opportunities, along with its convenient distance to Charlotte, Asheville, and Winston-Salem, makes Lake Hickory an ideal place for one’s golden years of retirement.

Lake Lanier, Georgia

Lake Lanier is abuzz with tourists along its southern shores. The lake’s northern end offers residents a peaceful reprieve and a small-town environment along the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

This retirement lake features numerous Robert Trent Jones and Arnold Palmer-designed golf courses, day spas, southern-inspired cuisine, and an equestrian center at Lake Lanier Islands.

Lake Lanier’s natural attractions include picturesque waterfalls, hiking trails with a robust fishing and boating scene. There are 45 parks and recreation centers in the area around the lake, providing value for retirees regardless of where they are on the adventure and activities spectrum. Lake Lanier boasts a blissfully blended lake life lifestyle for retirees and their families.

Lake Lanier’s natural attractions include picturesque waterfalls, hiking trails, a healthy fishing and boating scene, and 45 parks and recreation centers.

With something for retirees on both ends of the adventure and activities spectrum, Lake Lanier boasts a blissfully blended lake life lifestyle.

Lake Guntersville, Alabama

As if painted into the alluring backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains, Lake Guntersville is recognized as one of the most scenic lakes in America and was recently recognized by Bassmaster magazine in the top 10 lakes on their list of 100 Best Bass Lakes.

This picturesque retirement paradise is located within the 6,000-acre Lake Guntersville State Park, home of the Eagle’s Nest Golf Course – an 18-hole premier course renovated and redesigned in collaboration with pro golfer Jerry Pate.

This Alabama lake offers nearly 40 miles of hiking trails, best-in-class fishing, sailing clubs and is part of the North Alabama Birding Trail.

Situated about 30 miles south of Huntsville, Lake Guntersville is the ideal place to enjoy modern conveniences alongside the relaxing qualities of retirement lake living.

Lake Keowee, South Carolina

Lake Keowee is known as one of the safest and cleanest lakes in the country, and as one of the best boating lakes in the Palmetto State.

The area surrounding this spectacular lake boasts moderate temperatures year-round. It’s an ideal climate for teeing-off at any one of the multiple Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses located around Lake Keowee.

The lake also offers residents a quaint collection of antique and vintage shops, beautiful waterfalls and an abundance of lakeside casual dining restaurants.

This retirement gem is conveniently located less than 10 miles from the Clemson University campus and roughly an hour’s drive from Greenville, making Lake Keowee a quiet retirement haven hidden amongst the excitement of South Carolina’s “Golden Corner.”

Tellico Lake, Tennessee

Located in Tennessee, Tellico Lake is the epitome of a retirement paradise. It checks all the boxes for retirees regardless of what they are seeking.

In addition to its renowned retirement communities, Tellico Lake is also famous for its year-round activities like boating, fishing, and skiing in the summer, and hiking, golfing and fine dining in the off-season

The lake is conveniently located just minutes from the No. 1 retirement town in Tennessee, Loudoun, and is 45 minutes from Knoxville.

Tellico Lake’s proximity to urban centers and the lake’s active adult-friendly communities make it the perfect place to enjoy all the serenity and charm of lake living without being too far from modern conveniences.

Lake of the Woods, Virginia

The Lake of the Woods area is perfect for spending one’s golden years of retirement. The 2019 Best Retirement Lake designation goes to this community for its not one, but two lakes.

Spanning 2,600 acres, the lake of the Woods master-planned lake paradise offers residents exclusive access to its on-site equestrian center, 18-hole PGA golf course, tennis courts, and two outdoor pools.

The community also invites its retirees to enjoy lying on the beaches of Lake of the Woods’ 500-acre Main Lake. Here, residents can sunbathe, sail, fish or waterski. The lake is located roughly 20 miles from historic Fredericksburg.

Keaton Lake, the smaller of the community’s water bodies, is perfect for non-gas-powered boating activities like swimming, kayaking, and canoeing.

2019 Best Retirement Lake Award Methodology

Referencing the 2019 SmartAsset Best Places to Retire list for each state, eligible markets were cross-referenced using LakeHomes.com search features to identify those markets located within a 10-mile radius of any town/city named by Smart Asset’s Best list.

These towns were determined by SmartAsset using information about accessibility to healthcare facilities, and the portion of the population that were senior citizens (age was not specified according to Smart Asset’s methodology.) Additionally, each area’s cost of living and tax burden were taken into consideration.

Lake real estate markets determined to be located within a 10-mile radius* of the SmartAsset-named towns were then analyzed for how the average home price in each market compared to the state’s average home price for lake properties.

Proximity to the nearest metro, as named by Google Analytics, and the number of lake-focused retirement communities in each market were also deciding factors in choosing the 2019 Best Retirement Lake Award winners.

Each category was weighted differently, with the number of lake-focused retirement communities weighted more substantially, followed by proximity to the nearest major metro and average home price compared to the state’s average home price for lake properties.

Smart Home Tech for Seniors

Posted on March 27, 2018June 5, 2019 Staff

Smart gadgets for your home are becoming more and more commonplace. But homeowners don’t have to be tech gurus to make smart updates to their homes, especially those who are reaching retirement age.

The”aging in place” movement emphasizes how smart home improvements can help the baby boomer generation save money, time, and energy though simple smart home improvements.

See how your life can be made easier, safer and greener with these handy smart home gadgets!

Ecobee Smart Thermostat

Ecobee devices work by monitoring outdoor, indoor and body temperatures through sensors placed throughout the home.

These sensors help regulate room temperatures based on occupancy by detecting temperature changes caused by people entering or exiting a space.

Through this technology, the Ecobee smart thermostat saves consumers an average of 23 percent on energy bills annually, according to the company’s website.

Like many modern thermostats, Ecobee can be set to kick on when residents are expected to be home and off when they are away.

Unlike traditional devices however, temperature readings and activity reports can be accessed remotely through Ecobee’s smartphone app.

Homeowners can also control temperature settings from the app as well as receive energy conservation reports and system alerts at no additional cost.

Most Ecobee systems are compatible with smart hubs like Amazon Alexa, Echo and Samsung SmartThings and can be installed without the help of an electrician.

Ecobee home systems start at $169.

For more product information and pricing, visit the Ecobee smart thermostat website here.

Roomba and Braava Cleaning Systems by iRobot

iRobot is making the “self-cleaning home” dream a reality with their Roomba automatic vacuums.

Each system features the iRobot patented three-stage cleaning technology, which “loosens, lifts and suctions dirt” from all floor types and can run for 60 to 120 minutes, depending on the model.

All Roomba vacuums are wifi compatible, with the exception of the base model, Roomba 614. Wifi connection allows users to schedule cleaning times, pause cleaning and keep the device up to date with the latest operating system.

These hands-free cleaners use sensors to make 60 decisions per second to detect dirt, cleaning paths and obstacles to avoid while operating. Such obstacles include furniture, toys, and corners of the room.

The Roomba’s companion, iRobot’s “Braava,” combines the basic components of the vacuum with Swifter-like elements to provide homeowners with an automatic broom and mop system.

Braava offers two devices, the jet and 300 series, which can perform wet mopping, damp or dry sweeping and can clean spaces 200 square feet to 1000 square feet in size.

A complete list of models and performance capabilities can be found at irobot.com.

Lutron Automatic Lights

Lutron products are all about conserving energy and saving money. Simply installing one of the company’s motion activated lighting controls can help homeowners cut annual energy costs by 20 to 60 percent.

Lutron’s Maestro occupancy/vacancy sensors detect motion through temperature changes and ultrasonic sound waves upon one’s entering or exiting a room.

As changes and motion are detected, wall or ceiling sensors will trigger the light.

Spaces to consider installing motion sensors include closets, bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens, where lights are frequently lit while not in use.

Maestro sensors can typically be installed without the help of a professional and can be found online or at most major hardware stores starting at $20.

Discover how Lutron can make a difference in your home by visiting their products page here.

Financially Preparing for Retirement

Posted on February 7, 2015November 17, 2022 Glenn S. Phillips

Depending how close you are to retirement you may be just starting to think about saving. Or you may be thinking that it is too late to start. First, it is never too late to start but, the earlier you start, the better opportunities that may be available for you.

You may see yourself cruising the lake on your pontoon boat or reading on your dock, but to reach that point takes plenty of planning.

Set a Goal and Stick to It!

Most people spend more time planning trips to the grocery store than they do their own retirement. There is a way to find out how much you should be saving for retirement.

Websites such as ChoosetoSave.org will help you get in the right track to financially planning for retirement. Make sure you have all your paperwork ready for calculation so you can get an accurate account of where you stand financially.

What does Retirement Mean to you?

It is extremely important to make sure you have a plan. Most individuals have no idea what they are retiring to and how they are going to survive. You must first figure out what your plans are after you retire.

What kind of lifestyle do you want to live? A condo on the lake or in a gated community on the golf course? Or maybe you would be happy with a little 1 bedroom fishing shack? The cost to lake retirement can vary greatly and it’s best to know what you want well in advance.

Get your Debt under Control

Now is the time to start paying off loans and debt. Do not apply for credit you simply do not need and stay away from high-interest credit cards and loans.

Hire a Financial Advisor

Now is not the time to assume you have everything financially under control. It is time to talk to a professional. Make sure you have all the right investments and everything is headed in the right direction.

See if your advisor can recommend any other retirement plans such as an annuity or an IRA. It depends on what your current situation is but consulting a professional will make a big difference in the choices you make.

Retirement is no Laughing Matter

Only you can decide how you want to live and what you want to do with your retirement. Those are decisions not even a financial advisor can answer for you. Once you decide on a solid plan, you can then begin planning financially for retirement. Start early and keep your finances in order. Watch your credit score and keep your debt under control. These are all things that will heavily impact how much you will get to enjoy your retirement.