Military Officer - March 2009 - (Page 56) M attractive high-elevation locales — from urban to remote — each with its distinctive appeal. A N Y RE T I R E ES A R E DRAWN TO T H E M O U N TA IN S for cool summers, snowy winters, and fresh air. Because most military installations are close to sea level, this might mean retirees end up “on the economy.” Even so, altitude has a definite charm. Military Officer has found five and dependents are referred to local facilities. Specialty care is available in Boise. Boise also is home to the nearest commercial airport. Retirees generally live in neighborhoods rather than any sort of senior enclave. Housing costs are below the national average, while the state and local tax burden generally is in the top quarter nationally. Mountain Home, Idaho: military friendly The small city of Mountain Home, Idaho, is nestled between the Danskin and Owyhee mountains. The area has four seasons, however, since it is sheltered in the snow shadow of the mountains to the north, it doesn’t receive a lot of snow in the winter. Mountain Home AFB (MHAFB) is located here, and the town and the state have fought hard to maintain the base. In fact, the Chamber of ComAnderson Ranch Reservoir is less than 30 miles from Mountain Home, Idaho. merce Web site declares, “Mountain Home has strong ties to the base, and their issues are ‘our’ issues.” The area especially is popular with retirees who love the outdoors. Activities range from golfing to biking, hiking, hunting, fishing, and boating. In the winter, several ski areas operate within a three-hour drive, and base special services usually have discount lift passes. MHAFB has a BX and a commissary. The base medical treatment facility is open to eligible persons under age 65; however, enrollment for TRICARE Plus for those older than 65 currently is full, so retirees Mile-high desert living Albuquerque, N.M., consistently scores well in categories ranging from top cities for empty nesters to fittest and greenest in terms of clean air. Founded in 1706, this vibrant community is at an elevation of more than 5,300 feet with its geography dominated by the Sandia Mountains. The city’s main drag is Route 66. A 2.7-mile-long tramway transports visitors to Sandia Peak for great views, hiking and mountain biking in the summer, and skiing in the winter. Skiing also is available near Santa Fe and Taos to the north. Old Town, built around a traditional Spanish plaza, reflects the city’s history with more than 150 shops, art galleries, restaurants, and sidewalk vendors. Albuquerque also is home to the University of New Mexico and the annual Balloon Fiesta. An annual statewide retiree appreciation day offers medical screenings, ID card services, [CONTINUES ON PAGE 58] PHOTO: COURTESY IDAHO TOURISM 56 MILITARY OFFICER MARCH 2009
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