Retirement focus - Brief Article - Directory

Well known for its musical entertainment, Branson is becoming a retirement destination. Draws to Missouri's music capital include the mild, four-season climate that's conducive to year-round golf and fishing. In this town of 6,000, the average home is $107,000, well below the national average of $142,500. According to the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, retirees can find part-time tourism jobs in hotels, theaters, gift shops, and attractions. Details: (800) 214-3661 or www.ex plorebranson.com.

SNOWBIRD HAVEN

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Want to escape the frozen tundra? Sun Country Airlines operates direct flights from Minneapolis to Harlingen, in South Texas' warm Rio Grande Valley. Details: (800) 359-6786 or www.suncountry.com. Thousands of savvy snowbirds flee the cold to socialize in the valley's 500 RV parks each winter. Call the Harlingen Chamber (800-531-7346) or visit www. harlingen.com for a free visitor guide.

COLLEGE TOWNS

Large, master-planned resort communities are not for everyone. Instead, some seniors opt for the community involvement and cultural pursuits described in Choose a College Town for Retirement ($14.95). Author Joseph Lubow profiles 64 university towns in 29 states, covering real estate, recreation, the college or university, culture, medical care, and weather statistics, plus activities for visiting grandchildren. Visit your local bookstore or call Globe Pequot Press, (800) 962-0973.

TENNESSEE RESORT LIVING

Nestled atop the Cumberland Plateau between Knoxville and Nashville, Fairfield Glade offers four-season resort living. Although 70 percent of the 6,000 residents are retired, Fairfield Glade is not age-restricted. Schools in Cumberland County are funded by an 8.75 percent sales tax; there are no school taxes. Current property taxes on a $100,000 home are around $390. Amenities include golf, indoor/ outdoor swimming, 11 lakes, a fitness center, and 24-hour EMT services. Details: (800) 383-7600. If you plan to visit, ask about discounted lodge rates.

SUNBIRD PROGRAM

If you would like to escape searing summer heat but do not own an RV or lake cottage, try the "Summer Citizen" program at Utah State University in Logan. Your summer ID card admits you to one class, computer labs, libraries, pool, and fitness center. With a plethora of concerts, art shows, theater--plus the Utah Festival Opera--Logan is a culture lover's paradise. Enjoy hiking and trout fishing in scenic Logan Canyon, play a round at the nearby links, and choose from a wide variety of restaurants. Stay in affordable student housing from mid-May to mid-August. Details: (800) 538-2663 or www.summer citizens.com.

HAVE SCOOTER, WILL TRAVEL

Seniors and others with mobility challenges who want to travel can rent scooters and wheelchairs at 310 North American locations. ScootAround rentals can make conventions, tourist destinations, and cruises more accessible. Details: www.scoot around.com or (888) 441-7575.