Williamsburg Virginia: A Mecca for RetirementWritten by Elaine VonCannon
Williamsburg Virginia is a familiar name for many because it is steeped in colonial history. In 1920s, Rockefeller sunk millions into renovation of historic homes, pubs, and properties. Today, Williamsburg is an early American gem, as well as a mecca for retirement. A Temperate Climate The greater Williamsburg area includes James City and York Counties, and these areas are also steeped in early American history. Many retirees prefer this part of Southeastern Virginia because it has a temperate climate and an excellent mid point location on Eastern seaboard. The temperature in winter months rarely dips below 40 or 30 degrees, and snow is a rarity. For six to eight months out of year, temperatures range from 55-90 degrees. Gardening For plant lover, this area of Virginia represents northernmost tip of a sub-tropical zone, so variety of plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees are vast. Outdoor gardening can be done 9-10 months out of year. Near coastal or tidal areas a good deal of soil is mixed with sand, which makes for fertile gardening. Birding Bird lovers will find it an excellent place for birding, because it's a flyover zone for many species of migrating birds heading south for winter. From November through March, there are an abundance of flocks of feathered visitors to area. Golfing in Williamsburg The golfing enthusiast will find much to love in Williamsburg. There are 10 major golf courses in and around Wiliamsburg area. Three highly regarded courses are located at Kingsmill, Fords Colony, and Golden Horsehoe , James City County and York County. Williamsburg is known for its highly coveted signature golf courses.Low Property Taxes Many retirees relocate to Williamsburg area because property taxes are much lower than other regions. In City of Williamsburg property tax is .57 cents per hundred dollars (as of 2005.) Bordering James City County is currently .87 per hundred and York County is .86 per hundred.
| | Your Dream Home in France - Moving Money to France (Part 3)Written by Oliver Phillips
Copyright 2005 Oliver Phillips. May be freely reproduced "as-is" for private and commercial use. In Part 3 of this series, Oliver Phillips of PFS France (http://www.propertyforsalefrance.co.uk/) looks at an alternative way to move money abroad. If you already live in France, or intend to finance your property purchase from equity in your UK home, chances are you'll want to move some money abroad. Transfering money from UK to France requires someone to handle transfer on your behalf and usually your bank will be happy to assist you but beware, though convenient and familiar, your transfer might cost you more than it needs to. Instead you may be better contacting a currency house, a company which exists specifically for purpose of moving money; both large single amounts for your property purchase, and lower regular amounts such as a monthly pension. Transferring money via a currency house is often cheaper than using your bank for two reasons; firstly their charges may be lower than your banks, but more importantly exchange rate you receive is likely to be more attactive than rate offered by your bank which is typically a tourist exchange rate and signifcantly lower than rate you see published in financial press.
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