Retirees Loving the Weather and Sociability of Myrtle Beach
by Melissa LaScaleia
Introduce me to your family.
It’s my wife, Ruth, and I. We have two grown sons, Christopher and David, and three grandchildren: AJ (13), Alex (10), and Dylan (18 months).
Where are all the places you came from? What area of the Grand Strand do you now call home?
Jim: I was born in Brooklyn, NY, and went to Stonehill College in Northeastern Massachusetts; that’s where Ruth and I met.
Ruth: I’m originally from Maine. Jim and I lived in Massachusetts for 40 years, but had a vacation home in Myrtle Beach. We came down here every chance we got; we loved it here, and explored the entire area before we retired and moved here in 2014. Now we live in the Reserve in the Market Common.
Why did you move here?
We love the weather, the cost of living, the quality of life, the ocean. The people are so friendly; and the restaurants and entertainment are both great. Up north, if you wanted to go to a show, there was always so much traffic. Jim’s father lived in Pompano Beach, Florida, and we used that as a comparison. But we liked it down here so much better.
What is your favorite place in this area?
The downtown Market Common area because of the big lake, the stores, and the walkability of it all.
What are your favorite things to do here?
We walk to stay in shape. We enjoy being able to walk most places we want to go, and the social aspects of seeing people we know, and stopping to say hello. We also ride our bikes every Sunday morning— through the neighborhoods and along Farrow Parkway. We like going to the beach in the early evening; it’s still warm, people are still there; and it’s only two miles away.
What do you like the most about living here?
Ruth: It’s hard to say just one thing. We love being outdoors so much, and we love the weather. Jim has worn shorts 360 days a year since we’ve been here. We love all the happy hours we attend with our friends. The area has a positive feel to it that makes it really enjoyable. We love our neighbors and have made a lot of good friends here.
How has your lifestyle changed or what new activities have you taken up since moving here?
Ruth: I volunteer at Brookgreen Gardens a few days per week, and I go to the gym regularly. I’ve barely done the dishes since I moved here, because Jim does them most of the time. He loves to cook as well, and now we share that role.
Jim: I like to cook when Ruth isn’t home because she has suggestions for me and I don’t want to listen. I also like to take care of the lawn and do work around the house. I just enjoy being retired.
What is one thing that your neighbors don’t know about you?
Jim: I’ve jogged 3-4 times per week for the past 50 years. I began doing it when I got out of college. I’m not a great runner, but I like to do 4-5 miles a go. Every time we went on vacation, to Rome, Bermuda— no matter where it was— I jogged. I never missed a week for 50 years. I’ve had head colds, but never bad enough to stop me. The cold air would clear my breathing, and then I’d have a Scotch and soda afterwards. People would ask me if I wanted to do marathons, but I said no because I never saw any sense in that. But since moving here, I’ve come to enjoy walking more; so now I do that. I decided that when I turn 80 years old, I’m going to start smoking.
Is there anything that you miss or would like to see in Myrtle Beach?
Bar pizza, the really greasy kind, with the mixture of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. And good Portuguese food.
