Baby boomers look for retirement locations that have low taxes and housing costs, the climate is good and the health care is readily available.
A survey, conducted for the Consumer Federation of the Southeast by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research, also found that imminent retirees also look for areas with diverse recreational activities, supportive senior services, arts and cultural opportunities, proximity to the beach and the availability of life-long learning educational experiences.
According to the survey, most boomers are open to moving across state lines to find the assets they are looking for, including a mid-size town that welcomes a diverse population.
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"Already, thousands of Boomers are retiring every day nationwide," said Walter Dartland, president of the Consumer Federation of the Southeast. "According to this survey, substantial numbers are interested in relocating in retirement. The decisions they make about where they will retire will have a huge impact not only on their families' finances but on the communities to which they move."
Because there are so many Boomers, a community need only attract three-tenths of 1 percent of relocating Boomers to add $1 billion per year in new income to its economy, creating jobs, new business and significant economic opportunities.
"This important survey, one of the most extensive of its kind in a decade, underscores the tremendous contribution that Americans aged 50 and older can offer to communities wherever they choose to live," said Jeff Johnson, AARP Florida's interim state director. "AARP Florida believes this research will help inform the efforts of many communities to better equip themselves to address issues important to a 50-plus population."
Almost 54 percent of respondents indicated that the weak economy was not delaying their retirement plans. But, about 36 percent of respondents said the economy had delayed retirement.
The survey, conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research between Nov. 14 and 22, 2011, surveyed 1,100 Americans ages 47 to 65 who said they would relocate in retirement, were considering relocation or weren't sure. All respondents surveyed lived in the eastern half of the U.S., outside of Florida.
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