Whether you are looking for a winter hot spot or a place to call home in your golden years, there a number of warm places with plenty to do throughout the United States. This guide provides an overview of some of the best places to retire or stay during those frigid winter months.

Peachtree City, Ga.

In 2009, Money magazine ranked this Georgia suburb as the eighth best place to live, and Retire in Georgia magazine listed it in its 2008 "The 10 Best Places to Retire in Georgia" list. Peachtree City, with its modest population of 34,500, is ideal for the upper middle class retiree or winter vacationer. With median household incomes of more than $100,000 and home prices set at about $250,000, the area is definitely not cheap. But the amenities that come with living in the community are plentiful. For one, the city has more than 90 miles of golf cart paths, allowing for citizens to get around easily without the use of a car. It's not just golf cart paths that are plentiful; the area claims more than 90 public golf courses. For retirees hoping to make similarly situated friends, 21 percent of the community is age 65 or older. If temperature is a concern, the average annual high is just below 90, while the average low is a chilly, but bearable, 32 degrees.

Port Charlotte, Fla.

Ranked as the No. 1 place to retire in the U.S. in 2009 by Money magazine, Port Charlotte certainly is one of the top locales for those seeking a sunny, seaside retirement community. With a population of 48,000, 44 percent of whom are older than 50, Port Charlotte is an affordable town. In fact, the average price of a three-bedroom home is about $170,000. Plus there is no state income tax in Florida, perfect for those looking for a place to work during the winter months. Port Charlotte is perfect for those who lead the aquatic life; 40 percent of homes are situated on waterways, and the area's harbor offers 270 square miles of watery ways for watersports and boat cruising.

Palm Springs, Cailf.

If you're looking for a life that is forever sunny, look no further than Palm Springs. This California city of 48,000 residents was rated the No. 2 place to retire in the U.S. in 2009 by Money magazine. This quintessential retirement community offers residents 332 days of sunshine and a citizenry with a population of 42 percent over the age of 50. Nearby mountain ranges that loom along the town's horizon, and Palm Springs has more than 125 golf courses in the surrounding area. If you want to take in art and culture in your older years, you can visit the Palm Springs Art Museum or take in a movie at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Median home prices are around $250,000.

About the Author

For three years, Etch Tabor worked as the technology and online editor at "InsideCounsel" magazine, a national publication for in-house counsel. He currently is a full-time freelance writer, specializing in legal, technology and comedy writing. He graduated in 2004 from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a degree in journalism.

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