Answer key:
#1 a-2, b-1, c-3
#2 a-2, b-3, c-1
#3 a-2, b-1, c-3
#4 a-3, b-2, c-1
#5 a-1, b-2, c-3
#6 a-3, b-1, c-2
#7 a-3, b-1, c-2

If your score was 0-7 points, look under "Expanding Your Educational Horizons."
If your score was 8-14 points, check out choices under "Leisurely Locations."
If your score was 15-21 points, take a peek at "New Beginnings."

Expanding Your Educational Horizons
Mid-sized towns (population 10,000-50,000); overall mild climate, but varied temperatures; lots of educational opportunities; plenty of local and/or university-based arts and culture; a low cost of living (equal to or 6% below the national average cost of living); overall crime rates that are slightly above the national average, with lower-than-average violent crime rates.

Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Population: 46,700
Average Home Price: $115,000
Average Annual Precipitation: 58 inches
Average Temps: July - 92; Jan - 37

Grand old homes stand among majestic oak trees; Spanish moss clings desperately to hickory and magnolia trees; and trickling streams slowly manipulate their way through the De Soto National Forest. In addition to a cost of living that appeals to even the most frugal, and nearly perfect year-round temperatures, Hattiesburg is an ideal place for people to explore their education potential. These opportunities are as close as the University of Southern Mississippi, where the Institute for Learning in Retirement encourages lifelong learning; and William Carey College, which offers several different curriculums, from liberal and fine arts to business. Cultural channels exist at USM as well. The Degrummond Children's Literature Museum houses 65,000 children's books; and the Museum of Art welcomes over 20,000 visitors annually. For a delightful evening of live entertainment, choose from over 300 concerts, recitals, and theatrical productions annually at the College of Arts and Letters. The number of doctors and specialists serving the residents here has earned Hattiesburg a top ten health care ranking among small cities. With below-average cost of living and housing prices, this bargain-hunter's delight offers innumerable opportunities for higher education.

Silver City, New Mexico
Population: 10,000
Median Home Price: $180,000
Average Annual Precipitation: 15 inches
Average Temps: July - 87; Jan - 24

Dark, billowing clouds that cover Silver City on summer afternoons cast ominous shadows across the mountains and plains, presenting a variety of multihued colors in the evening's brilliant sunset. More than three million acres of the Gila wilderness awaits the hiker, mountain biker, camper, or wildlife observer, and plenty of lakes are strewn about the gorgeous desert terrain. The landscape draws people here, but its low property taxes, attractive housing costs, a state-of-the-art health center, and top-notch university keep them here. The silver rush has dissipated, and nowadays, residents enjoy jazz and blues festivals, the Big Ditch Arts Fest, and the Gila Bird and Nature Fest. One of the more popular attractions to Silver City is Western New Mexico University, offering vibrant cultural activities as well as an extensive continuing education program, including Elderhostel, directed toward mature adults. Mild temperatures, first-rate educational opportunities, and a stunning environment make Silver City a perfect spot for the 50+ population.

Olympia, Washington
Population: 42,500
Average Home Price: $259,000
Average Annual Precipitation: 51 inches
Average Temps: July - 78; Jan - 31

With the snow-capped peak of Mount Ranier in the background, Olympia sits alongside the unspoiled waters of Puget Sound. Evergreen trees add to the city's splendor, and residents enjoy Olympia's relatively limited growth. Olympia offers rich cultural experiences featuring the State Capitol Museum, northwest Native American art exhibits, and the bi-annual arts celebration, the Art Walk. With three colleges in the area, there are opportunities aplenty for those who want to continue where they left off. Whether artistic, environmental, technological, or scientific, education is a top priority with low student-to-teacher ratios, high standards, and strong dedication to students. Though the cost of living may be a bit higher, average income levels are in the top third of the country. Residents take comfort in knowing that the crime rate is well below the national average, ranking 78th. The natural beauty, affordability, and educational offerings give just a glimpse of the Evergreen Capital's appeal.

Leisurely Locations
Small towns (5,500-17,000 people); four seasons with cold winters; an overall low to average cost of living (5% below to 5% above the national average); small, local arts and culture scene; higher education offered, but focus is on recreation; crime rates typically well below the national average.

Green Valley, Arizona
Population: 17,000
Average Home Price: $188,000
Average Annual Precipitation: 16 inches
Average Temps: July - 89; Jan - 30

When one considers Arizona, it's hard not to think about heat. Green Valley will change that mindset. Golfers, swimmers, and hikers enjoy 300+ sunny days a year, with average temperatures in the 80s. A lower cost of living results, in part, from a low average housing price of $188,000, but Green Valley's aesthetic value and amenities exceed expectations. Despite being geared toward relaxation, activity abounds. Stay busy close to home with billiards, shuffleboard, or horseshoes. With at least a half-dozen outstanding local golf courses, and many others nearby, Green Valley is a golfer's paradise. Tennis buffs find "Love" on one of many city courts, where they can play night or day. For the non-athlete, take advantage of the numerous and well-equipped painting, drawing and sculpture studios, concerts, and/or theater. Whatever the decision"relaxing by the pool, playing golf, or hiking up Helmet Peak"all activities are achievable with Green Valley's adaptable climate.

Boone, North Carolina
Population: 13,100
Average Home Price: $212,000
Average Annual Precipitation: 49 inches
Average Temps: July - 76; Jan - 21

Down-home music echoes through the hollers; and the southern twang of the banjo and fiddle's Bluegrass music lifts the locals' spirits downtown. But it's not just the musicians lighting up this town. Summertime temps also bring out the lightning bugs, earning Boone the reputation of "Firefly Capital of America." Boone, named after frontiersman, Daniel Boone, enjoys lush vegetation and spectacular scenery all year. Hiking and biking enthusiasts enjoy the Appalachian mountain trails from May through October. In addition, Appalachian State University presents the Appalachian Summer Festival, named one of the "top ten events in the Southeast." This and others add to the summer-long excitement. Partake in winter and summer activities all in the same day at the Hawksnest Golf and Ski Resort. Indulging in powdery slopes in the morning, then lush, verdant fairways in the afternoon encourages fun and fitness all day long. With the added bonus of having attractive housing costs, whether a condominium or large luxury estate, retirees can't afford not to live here.

Salida, Colorado
Population: 5,500
Median Home Price: $295,000
Average Annual Precipitation: 10 inches
Average Temps: July - 82; Jan - 11

The Old West resonates through the streets of Salida where stagecoaches and covered wagons were once the only means of transportation.  Off in the distance, the "fourteeners" jut up halfway to heaven, quietly calling to those who might brave the ever-changing weather patterns well known to Coloradoans. Every summer the town sponsors Art Walk where local artisans look forward to featuring their finest artwork, whether in the form of sculpture, jewelry, or fine art. When winter snows turn into spring runoff on the Arkansas River, enjoy the thrills and spills of whitewater rafting or kayaking. Or try the 50 Mile Run held in April, testing the fittest of the fit. According to citytowninfo.com, Salida ranks in the top 16% nationwide in the category of low property tax rates. As well, rents run just slightly above the national average. Members of the 50+ crowd that prefer hiking trails over bumper-to-bumper traffic, but still need access to the information highway, will find that Salida offers a relaxing commute, no matter where the road takes them.

Plymouth, New Hampshire
Population: 5,900
Median Home Price: $180,000
Average Annual Precipitation: 43 inches
Average Temps: July - 80; Jan - 10

Come autumn, the trees are ablaze with color. Having spent a long, warm summer on the Pemigewasset River and Lake Winnepesaukee, the boaters, kayakers, and tubers resign themselves to the onset of cooler weather and reluctantly pull their watercraft out for the season. But all is not lost. Bigger boats are at full capacity as they head out on the Atlantic Ocean to view the humpback whale as it migrates north. For those 50 and over with an adventurous side, glacial caves await, offering the brave explorer six different self-guided tours. Once on dry land, check out a variety of arts and cultural activities, from the New Hampshire Music Fest to the Karl Drerup Gallery. For a unique event, visit the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in nearby Holderness. Plymouth offers plenty in the way of continuing education as well. Plymouth State College has a variety of programs in areas such as education, business, and computer systems. Even though the cost of living is slightly above the national average, not having to pay sales tax makes a huge difference. With its natural beauty, history, and character, it's no wonder Plymouth has gained status as a community of choice for retiring professionals.

New Beginnings
Large cities (190,000-500,000 people); hot summers, mild winters; a slightly higher cost of living, but low for the region; plenty of arts and cultural offerings; educational opportunities, but emphasis is on making a new start; low crime rates, with the exception of Wilmington, which has a higher-than-average crime rate.

Wilmington, NC
Population:
Average Home Price: $250,000
Average Annual Precipitation: 55 inches
Average Temps: July - 89; Jan - 35

"It is the playground of billows and tempests, the kingdom of silence and awe, disturbed by no sound save the sea gull's shriek and the breakers' roar," says George Davis, a late 18th century British settler of the Cape Fear region. Located in southern North Carolina, close to the Atlantic shore, historic Wilmington sits on bluffs above the Cape Fear River. It boasts wide streets lined with stately antebellum mansions, covered in azaleas and white oleanders. Once the state's most important commercial port, Wilmington flourished as a shipbuilding center and a producer of pine forest products. Now, former mercantile centers, such as the popular Chandler's Wharf, retain their wooden sidewalks and cobblestone streets, but also offer an array of trendy shops and restaurants.
With a university ranked as one of the best in the South by US News & World Report and a cultural scene that's inspired a high placement in The 100 Best Art Towns in America, Wilmington has become one of Dixieland's most cosmopolitan cities. And despite recent renovations to its downtown and a booming tourism and trade industry, this mid-sized city retains a low cost of living and below-average home prices. With superb recreational opportunities to top things off, this may be one of America's best bargain options for relocating boomers.

Chico, California
Population: 67,500
Average Home Price: $350,000
Average Annual Precipitation: 26 inches
Average Temps: July - 94; Jan - 37

Shady oaks grow boundlessly, and waters flow swiftly down the meandering creeks from nearby foothills. And with the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range nearby, it's just one more reason outdoor lovers flock to this northern California town. Primarily a contributor of agricultural products in the past, Chico now thrives in service, retail, manufacturing, and education, and was recently ranked in the top five cities of its size for business by California Business magazine. What is most surprising, however, is the affordable housing. The average single-family home price runs about $350,000"above the national average, but reasonable compared to homes further south. Chico's mild, sunny climate is ideal for jogging and biking, with Big Chico Creek offering a pleasing remedy for cooling off quickly. Cultural events abound at Cal State-Chico where the Chico Symphony Orchestra and the Choral Pops Concert come alive. Town-sponsored activities are held in the Downtown Chico City Plaza, circa 1872. Locals gather in this oak-engulfed area to enjoy lunch or evening concerts. With low crime, townspeople actively promoting a healthy lifestyle, and a cost of living unheard of in California, Chico has found its way into the hearts of those who appreciate nature at its finest.

Henderson, Nevada
Population: 215,000
Average Home Price: $380,000
Average Annual Precipitation: 4 inches
Average Temps: July - 102; Jan - 38