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Help Available for Retirees Seeking to
Find Choice Retirement Community - New Book
by Barbara B. Kimmel, Publisher
Aug. 2002 -
There is good news for the seventy-six million "Baby Boomers" born
between 1946 and 1964 who are moving toward retirement. Americans are
living longer, healthier and more affluent lives than their
grandparents and parents could have imagined. Many of us can choose
where we want to spend our retirement.
In this era of increasing affluence and mobility, the number of
relocating retirees is expected to rise substantially above the
current annual rate of 1,000,000. According to AARP, today's retirees
are demanding a different mix of opportunities than did earlier
generations. For many, upscale retirement no longer implies country
club or beach resort living, but rather an active lifestyle in a safe,
friendly, community that is rich in amenities.
A
growing number of "Baby Boomers" can look forward to spending 20 or 30
years in active, fulfilling retirement. The problem, though a
pleasant one, is deciding how and where to enjoy those years.
There are compelling reasons to consider relocating. Settling into a
different community that is safe, friendly, and rich in opportunities
for shopping, recreation and culture provides an exciting new
beginning in an atmosphere free of the stresses of the workaday
world.
In addition, research indicates that mild temperatures (around 66
degrees F), moderate humidity (around 55%) and fairly constant
barometric pressure are ideal for human health, and so, migration to
the Sunbelt and Pacific Coast has been a long-term demographic trend
in the US. Perhaps most importantly, many retirement places offer
lower costs of living, especially for housing, than do most
metropolitan areas. The ability to recoup and profitably invest a
portion of home equity by relocating to comparable but less expensive
housing in a more affordable area increases disposable income. For
many retirees, such additional income could mean the difference
between living modestly and retiring in style.
Award winning geographer and professor at California State University
Northridge, Warren Bland, Ph.D. has spent the past twenty years
studying "Baby Boomers" needs. He has identified the twelve criteria
most important in their decision of where to relocate upon retirement,
and matched these criteria to the "Top 50" affordable locations across
the US.
What factors are most important to active "Baby Boomers"? According
to Dr. Bland's analysis they are landscape, climate, quality of life,
cost of living, transportation, retail services, health care,
community services, cultural activities, recreational activities,
work/volunteer activities, and crime.
Where are the places that best meet these criteria? According to Dr.
Bland, the "Top 50" outstanding upscale communities are widely
distributed across 10 regions and 23 states and include places the
average person might not consider like Ithaca, New York; Oxford,
Mississippi and Fayetteville, Arkansas. The top spot is Boulder,
Colorado.
Dr. Bland shares the results of his research in a new 285 page book,
"Retire in Style, 50 Affordable Places Across America. Each place
discussion includes 5-6 pages of text, plus a beautifully crafted
illustration page featuring a climatic table, a 12-variable rating
table, and a map of the city and its surroundings. The retirement
places described are real towns and cities that are very special and
highly livable. They are the kinds of places where one can enjoy an
active or relaxed retirement in a safe, clean, friendly and uncrowded
community rich in services and amenities. In brief, they offer a
stimulating lifestyle and a high quality of life.
Dr. Bland has been featured in top newspapers across the US including
the New York Times, the LA Times, San Diego Tribune, Arizona Daily
Star and the Christian Science Monitor.
Dr. Bland's book is published by the award-winning Next Decade, Inc. (
www.nextdecade.com) or (800) 595-5440 (Monday through Friday 9-5
EST or leave message).
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