I know, I know, it's not a relocation forum, but one does have to TRAVEL to and from these places, so....

My mother is a 72-year-old widow in pretty good health, with a razor-sharp mind. After my sister was diagnosed with cancer, and then her husband moved her out east to be closer to her oncologists, Mom moved nearby to take care of her and help with the kids.

Just before my sister died, Mom promised her that she would move close to one of her other children so we could take care of her (my BIL adores her, but he shouldn't feel obligated to take care of her). My other sister lives in the Midwest, and because of the nature of her husband's job they will probably move in the next year or so; Mom doesn't want to move again ("This will be the last one!"), so that's out. My brother lives in South Carolina, but Mom cannot stand his wife (truth be told, we ALL hate her-- an intervention for my idiot brother may be in order), so that's out. That leaves me, in southern California; the tax consequences will need to be dealt with, but she will be able to afford a pretty comfortable existence out here.

Mom's thinking positively about Active Senior Communities in the southern California area. Does anyone have specific opinions on Laguna Woods or Leisure World Seal Beach? She thinks Palm Springs might be too hot during the summer, although if she finds out about Spa Casino.... If anyone knows good places out in the desert, please speak up. And how about communities in Las Vegas? If I'm an hour away by plane, she's fine with that, and then EVERYONE will be visiting all the time.

As long as I'm trying to make this travel-related, are there good-quality hotels/motels in the vicinity of these communities (yeah, I know about the Ayres in Seal Beach, but...)?

Your opinions are, as always, appreciated. Thanks in advance!

And if any post needs to find a home in a Relocation forum, this is it!!

I don't have too much info for you but at least this will top your thread.

I have a friend who last year moved to Laguna Woods Village from a Del Webb community up north of Sacramento. She downsized from a large house up here to a condo-type place in LGV (I haven't seen it). She seems to love it. We aren't in close communication - only a few letters/cards/phone calls a year. But every time I hear from her she is talking about new friends and all the MANY clubs and activities she has joined.

It sounds like a great place to live.

Hi rjw,

First let me express my condolences on the loss of your sister.

Secondly, there is a little retirement community nearby that is a pretty well-kept secret. It is called Palos Verdes Shores. www.palosverdesshores.com. Now try to keep an open mind. I realize it is a "trailer park", but it is pretty upscale and OCEANFRONT. I don't know anywhere else where you could live along the Pacific Ocean for those prices. It is located just a stone's throw from "The Donald's" mega $$$$$ property. I'm not sure that it would be her cup of tea, but felt it was worth mentioning.

Good Luck.
(BTW, what happened to the Ed Bradley thread?)

What about Ocean Hills in Oceanside, CA. Great private community.

Hi R,

Leisure World in Seal Beach is NOT very nice. Also, it's in the final approach to the Long Beach airport and jets fly low overhead.

PS - Leisure World in Laguna Hills is much nicer and MUCH bigger. Don't know if that's a plus or a minus.

a friend of mine's mother is living in leisure world laguna area, and LOVES it.

Dayle-- I've heard mixed things about LW Seal Beach. Its main "plus" is proximity to me. The approach to LGB is actually a bit west of there (my in-laws are literally right underneath final approach to 12/30-- and they don't mind it; my mom, on the other hand....). However, the air base in Los Alamitos does scramble jets every so often, so that's what you notice more (I know-- I live near Eldorado Park and get the fighters overhead all the time).

We'll look at the units in Seal Beach, but the Laguna Woods community is more what she's looking for.

Thanks for your comments, everyone, they are quite helpful!

If you are willing to fly to LV, you might be willing to fly to SF or San Jose. That opens up the possibilities. However, an 80 year-old relative just moved from LA to the San Jose area because otherwise the children and grand-children were too far away. So it might not be a good idea to think of LV or any other town "just an hour's" flight (not counting the trip to the airport and the need to be there 1 hour+ to get through security).

Hi rjw..
You have been a wonderful on this forum and my thoughts and prayers for you and your family on the death of your sister.
For your Mom, I have heard wonderful things about La Costa Glen in Carlsbad..its new and looks lovely..
I wish you all the best!
www.lacostaglen.com

Rjw, one of my best friends splits here time between Palm Springs and Seal Beach Leisure World (Seizure World)l She likes Seal Beach a lot. The onsite maintenance support is fantastic (they even change out light bulbs). They also have the assortment of clubs and activities, including a health club. Other friends have moved to, or have parents at the Del Webb developments in Sun City (Palm Desert) and Arizona and like them. However the concerns about the summers are real. One friend feels like a prisoner in her home for three months.

rjw-I am sorry to hear about your sister and my thoughts are with your family.

The mother of one of my best friends has lived in Leisure World Laguna for quite a long time and really likes it. She is always busy with the planned activities and has made many friends. Although I am not as familiar with the area surrounding the Leisure World Seal Beach, I am familiar with Laguna Hills as I call on doctors there in my job as a Pharm Rep. Right there in Laguna Hills are many doctor's offices, the hospital and right across the street is a mall with a Macy's, JC Penney's and Sears. I always see the buses from Leisure World dropping off or picking up people at the medical buildings. There is other convenient shopping nearby.

My friend's brother lives in Seal Beach so it's not too far for him to visit his mother (especially using the toll road) and my friend lives in Fallbrook which is about an hour from Laguna. So the mother is conveniently located between her children. Although the Seal Beach location would be closer for you, I would definitely check out Laguna.

My Mother in law has friends living in both Leisure World Laguna and LW Seal Beach and all are very happy with their new lives. I agree LW Laguna is a nicer area but but it is also farther away and if you plan to see her often the traffic could get old really fast. Check both out and also talk to people at both places. They seem to have tons of activities at both places.

rjw, dear friend, I'm so sorry to read about your loss. My thoughts are with you. I hope you get your mom settled soon and I'm sorry that I can't help at all with that.

Sorry about the loss of your sister.

While I know nothing about specific communities, may I suggest that proximity to you is the most important factor, or you may find her being forced to move when she is less able to adjust.

Having had both my mother and in-laws move to be closer to us, mileage does matter. While she is in good health now and hopefully will continue to be independent and active, as she ages she will likely need or want more contact with you. For example, my very healthy 78 year old mother is having a knee replaced in a few months and I will need to drive her around for weeks after that. We weekly pack medications for my father-in-law. Of course these type of services can be purchased, but little needs and wants have a way of popping up when you least expect them.

While a 1-hour plane trip or even a 2 hour drive sounds close, if frequent visits from you are needed or wanted, that gets very long quickly.

Sounds like even she realizes that moving does not get any easier as one ages - so think long term and find a place as close to you as possible.

I don't know if you are looking for a separate cottage for your mother to live in, or an apartment situation, but I can strongly recommend Pacific Inn in Torrance. My dad lived there for five years. At first he had his car and could get around on his own, and it was mainly the healthy meals and social things that were important. Later, he used the Inn's transportation to doctor appointment, and excursions when he could no longer drive.

They are located about a mile from the beach, so the climate and area is very nice.
http://www.brookdaleliving.com/brook...aspx?tabid=205

A quick thanks to everyone for their good thoughts and excellent suggestions. I suppose expanding the search an hour or so north and south of my house is a good idea, which gets us to Thousands Oaks up north and to San Diego down south.

Life's hard...!

We're in no hurry, thankfully, so if anyone thinks of other places, please speak up at your leisure. Thanks again to everyone, you're super!!

And mlgb-- "Seizure World"-- priceless!!!!!

Sorry to be a grouch, but why would you connect seizures to senior citizens? People like my daughter who have epilepsy have seizures, and it's no joke, believe me.