Where will we be once Allen retires? Texas! We've had that decided for years since it is home to both of us but we still aren't sure exactly where. We spent quite a bit of time talking about it this week while in Wichita Falls and imagining ourselves in the future. What will be want to do? How will we spend our time? Where will our children be happy? We like trying to look into the future and imagine ourselves as Air Force retirees. It's still 14 years away but it helps get us through the tough assignments (like Cheyenne, WY).
During our trip to Wichita Falls we had a lot of down time so we spent some of it driving around different neighborhoods. We decided that it would be nice to live in a city with an Air Force base so we can continue to use benefits like the commissary, BX, gym and movie theater. I think Allen would enjoy living in Wichita Falls since it is where he grew up. Also, Texas is pretty limited in Air Force bases. The choices are Wichita Falls, Abilene, San Angelo and San Antonio. I think there might be a couple others but they are in very undesirable parts of the state.
I know San Antonio would be a nice place to live; we just aren't sure we want to live in such a big city. Ultimately a town that is about 100,000 and that is no more than 2 hours from a major metropolitan city would be just right. In that regard Wichita Falls fits the bill since its population is a little over 150,000 and is two hours from Dallas/Ft. Worth and Oklahoma City.
We also want to live in an older, established neighborhood. I love the architectural details of mid-century houses. I do not want a cookie-cutter McMansion. Once we retire from the Air Force we hope to buy the home we will live in for the rest of our lives. Therefore, I want the home to be unique and the neighborhood to be distinguished.
We still have a long time to make these decisions but in the meantime we will have fun making plans and imagining our life in the future. It's comforting to know that as our marriage and family grows we will set our goals together and have the same aspirations.
