By Grace Lichtenstein, Elaine Robbins, and
Michael Dupuis, May-June 2003
Baby boomers are redefining retirement—and
leading the move to a new generation of dream
towns
Page 1 |
Once again, baby boomers are breaking the rules. This influential
group has bumped traditional retirement off its list of priorities.
While "their parents were off fleeing to Leisure Worlds," says
historian William Strauss, boomers are contemplating what to do in
the next stage—and where.
The entertaining and informative content on
AARPmagazine.org is just one of the many benefits of AARP
membership—only $12.50 a year.
A recent AARP study estimated that 70 percent of those 45 and
older plan to continue working in their "retirement" years, and a
Roper Starch Worldwide survey found that the number may be as high
as 80 percent. Financial stability isn't the only reason; the Roper
study notes that pure enjoyment of work (35 percent of those
questioned) or just a desire to try something new (5 percent) will
also keep people on the job.
The choices boomers make—in everything from jobs to zip
codes—will alter the country's future physical and financial
landscape in substantial ways. "Fully situated in middle-age,
boomers have become a serious economic as well as social force with
which to be reckoned," says William H. Frey, a University of
Michigan demographer and a leading researcher of age-migration
trends. "And, as usual, all eyes are on them." Already, it's
possible to discern certain trends.
Among those ages 45 to 54, only 4.7 percent—fewer than one out of
20—move across county lines each year, while even fewer move across
state lines, according to Frey. So it's likely that the largest
portion of this demographic will stay put. Why? Boomers "see their
homes as legacies," explains Strauss. And since they tend to get
along with their kids, they have no plans to get away from them.
Our research team looked at 10 criteria reflecting the
needs, interests, and tastes of Americans age 50 and older.
Not all of the towns excel in every category, but each ranked
high in several, and many scored high in most. You'll see some
surprises here—we made a genuine attempt to spotlight
sleepers—vibrant towns and cities that may not have occurred
to you.
Availability of jobs, since many in this group will work
beyond age 65.
Affordable housing—many cities have costs on par with or
below the national median price of $161,600.
Culture and entertainment (from museums and opera to
shopping and sports events).
Access to outdoor recreation, from skiing and biking to
walking and hiking.
Safety—personal and property safety, and a generally
secure feeling.
Colleges or universities (for continuing education and a
multigenerational vibe).
Sense of community (often places with a vital and
walkable downtown).
Proximity to comprehensive, well-regarded health care
facilities.
Good public high schools, since many boomers still have
teens at home.
Ease of getting around (public transportation, traffic,
access to an airport).
For those who will move, sometimes the pull of the familiar is
key. Many will move to be near family. One of the differences
between baby boomers and the older "silent generation," says
Strauss, is that this younger group is not rebelling against family
ties. In fact, remaining close to loved ones is a priority. College
towns, too, offer a familiar feel. The experience for those who
"were in college from the middle 1960s into the early '70s," says
Strauss, "was something that set the whole generation on a
life-cycle trajectory. College communities were the closest thing
boomers had to the beaches of Normandy."
In addition to the community aspect, universities generate jobs
and lend a youthful vibe. And they often come with arts centers,
medical facilities, and sophisticated restaurants.
Another trend: choosing a new locale first—opting for one with
appealing cultural and recreational lifestyles—and only afterward
looking for ways to earn a living there. Strauss calls this the
"aesthetic choice." Some who make this jump wind up telecommuting,
starting a small business, or working part-time.
This is particularly true of the region Frey calls "the New
West." Colorado, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, and other states have
recently lured long-time Californians (others are coming along, too)
who loved the Golden State lifestyle but became fed up with high
taxes and crowds. Flush from cashing out their equity in houses
whose value mushroomed, these California migrants are transplanting
themselves to attractive neighborhoods in nearby states.
Also a popular choice: purchasing vacation homes with a view to
spending more time there in the future. Again, the New
West—particularly Colorado—is seeing much of this activity. Other
hot spots? West Virginia, Tennessee, and Arkansas—all quieter, less
crowded destinations that come with lower prices.
Since "boomers and middle age are now synonymous," says Frey,
"the whole country will become more middle-aged—but some places more
than others." Where might those places be? We've compiled a list of
15 highly livable towns by looking at a range of criteria—from
affordability to community life to job growth. Ultimately, of
course, choices are as varied as the people making them. But this is
a good place to start dreaming.
1. LOVELAND/FORT COLLINS, CO
Just 45 minutes from Denver's dense traffic and sprawling subdivisions lies Loveland, a town as attractive as its name. Both its older residential areas of single-family homes shaded by huge trees and the newer outlying neighborhoods that sprout from the prairie beckon visitors with spectacular mountain views and easy access to year-round outdoor fun.
Loveland and Fort Collins are adjacent cities facing the majestic Front Range of the Rockies. They sit under vast, clear blue skies, along a corridor of northern Colorado where technology fueled job growth in the 1980s and '90s. Those jobs, plus the cities' proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park and the skiing, hiking, and fishing that make rural Colorado an outdoor Eden, have lured so many newcomers that the place ranked 15th on the list of fastest-growing metropolitan areas nationwide, according to the 2000 Census.
Fort Collins, home to Colorado State University, took in more of those crowds. Loveland, the smaller, quieter of the two, has an appealing mix of professors and students, artists and computer jockeys. Clusters of lively restaurants and new art galleries, all in stately turn-of-the-century buildings, dot the downtown area. And thanks to a thriving community of working sculptors, the city is regarded as among the best art towns in the United States.
But the heart of the city lies a few blocks away in an outdoor urban paradise: Lake Loveland, with its pretty, sandy shores, and Benson Park, with its tranquil sculpture garden, are part of almost 300 acres of green playground. Golf courses, athletic fields, and bicycle paths dot the landscape, and in the midst of all this verdant space is the Loveland Museum/Gallery, a center for historical exhibits and the performing arts.
Housing prices in Loveland are above the national median, but still far more affordable than those in Boulder, a long-popular city that has many similar amenities.
Median house price: $198,655 (Loveland), $221,714 (Fort Collins)
Think twice: Cost of living is climbing quickly in these cities at 5,000 feet
This western find is situated on a bay along the Pacific Northwest coast between Seattle and Vancouver. The setting? You've got a seaside marina, Victorian historic districts, lush forests, freshwater lakes, and, to the east, snow-capped Mount Baker.
All this natural charm, affordable neighborhoods, and recreational opportunities (kayaking, sailing, snowboarding, and more) have drawn a slew of transplants in recent years. Homesteaders have their choice of communities: One is Fairhaven, a town-within-a-town of adorable stores and restaurants overlooking the bay, where you'll find restored Victorian and original Craftsman homes (the latter at around $175,000). The unofficial motto at Village Books is "Stay and browse," which seems to capture the all-welcoming spirit of the town.
Median house price: $163,000
Think twice: There's lots of rain: 93 days of precipitation annually.
A dynamic metropolitan area, anchored by the high-tech and biotechnology facilities located in its Research Triangle Park and by more than 10 higher-education institutions, this corner of North Carolina definitely has Southern roots. But the country's R&D hub has drawn professors and students from all over the world, lending it a truly cosmopolitan cast. Happy residents are quick to point out that they are three hours from the seashore and just as close to the mountains.
Durham, home of Duke University, is the most affordable and vibrantly diverse of the three towns. Old tobacco warehouses downtown have been converted into lofts and funky new stores; it's easy to find the buzzing live music and dining scenes. The city's population is almost evenly split between African Americans and whites, and the business sector there has a long history of black financial leadership.
Median house price: $147,000
Think twice: Salaries haven't kept up with rising housing costs
Sarasota, a small, civilized city on Florida's Gulf Coast, has it all—35 miles of beaches, a temperate climate, golf courses and tennis courts aplenty, and good boating in the Gulf and Sarasota Bay. Fine dining has rendered the early-bird special an endangered species—you'll have no trouble finding first-rate food at places like Pattigeorge's on Longboat Key or late-night burgers at Patrick's downtown. The local economy is robust (unemployment is a mere 2.8 percent), and there is a mix of jobs in tourism, the financial and health fields, and information technology.
But, apart from the sun, what residents love most is the range of cultural opportunities. What other small Florida city has an opera, a symphony, a film society, a theater scene (from Broadway classics like Porgy and Bess to a cabaret where you can dine while watching original productions), lots of art galleries—and The Ringling Museum of Art (with paintings by Rubens as well as circus props). "If you can't find something to do around here," says Regina Kelley, a local teacher, "you'd better check your pulse."
Median house price: $176,100
Think twice: Snowbirds flock here in winter, which means everyone spends time sitting in traffic
The Ozarks—with bright fall foliage, fishing in clear mountain lakes, little crime, and one of the lowest costs of living in the nation—have long attracted people. Until recently, that package came with a deeply rural feel and also a dirt-poor economy.
Now things are changing in this southern town with bigtime affordability. Unemployment is a low 2 percent, thanks to an economy driven by retail, government, and industry. (Wal-Mart's headquarters, J.B. Hunt transport, and Tyson Foods are nearby.) And the University of Arkansas fosters an appealing intellectual microclimate (the writing program attracts many novelists and poets).
"It's a tiny little Austin," says writer Robert Ford. "The big joke is that everyone thinks they'll come here for a year to teach and then move. They find that 10 years later, they're still here." Dickson Street near the university is a lively strip of bistros and music venues. In the downtown square, a farmer's market is held three days a week, spring through fall, amid a mix of historic buildings and newer development.
Median house price: $122,500
Think twice: If you live for the fast life and big-city arts and culture, the Ozarks may not be for you
Charleston's look (antebellum homes, cobblestone streets, lush
gardens) and charm are legendary, but this lovely lady has
substance: A strong economy, nine colleges and universities, and a
highly regarded health care community are part of the package, too.
While a 19th-century fixer-upper in the historic downtown can set
you back a few hundred thousand, many folks "from Off"—as newcomers
from off the peninsula are called—live on one of the nearby barrier
islands, such as Edisto, where you can actually find country lanes
lined with old oak trees dripping with Spanish moss. Residents work
in a range of industries, from shipping (it's the nation's
fourth-busiest port) to health care and tourism.
Opportunities for boating, fishing, and golf abound, but many
locals prefer less energetic pursuits, like oyster roasts and fish
fries—things that involve food and alcohol. "Chefs are celebrities,
and a three-star restaurant around here is likely to be considered a
'family place,' " says Dan Conover of the city's Post and
Courier. He adds, "Lowcountry life is about enjoying the finer
things, being eccentric, and always remembering that 'the past isn't
over yet.' "
Median house price: $162,700
Think twice: Sweltering summers may make Southern belles
swoon—but everyone else just sweats
The university town of Asheville sits in the spot where the Great
Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains meet. Its lively arts scene, short
winters, excellent health care, and a dash of bohemian funkiness
(lots of acupuncture and rolfing going on) have attracted boomers on
the move. The downtown heart of the city (with an impressive
collection of Art Deco buildings) has coffeehouses, antiques shops,
bookstores, and galleries selling crafts (weaving, pottery) by
mountain artists. And civic activism is strong; you'll find
impassioned groups working to foster Appalachian music and to
protect national forests from logging.
In a town with deep musical roots, the scene is hopping—you might
catch live bluegrass one night and contra dancing (lots of
promenades and allemandes) the next. But arts options go beyond
bluegrass. The Asheville Symphony Orchestra performs September
through June, and the Brevard Music Center puts on a summer program
of jazz, pop, and classical concerts.
In spring, head to the hills. The Blue Ridge Parkway skirts the
edge of town, offering a quick escape to mountain hiking, fishing,
whitewater rafting—and views of the dogwoods in bloom.
Median house price: $188,600
Think twice: While banjos and fiddles are in no short supply,
fancy boutiques are another matter. Major-league shoppers may not
feel satisfied
It may be the quintessential California town of sandy shorelines
and perfect weather, but it's not filled with slacker-surfer types.
San Diegans are busy. Computers, electronics, biotechnology, and
pharmaceuticals are a few of the industries that push this West
Coast paradise into the top 20 cities for five-year job growth,
according to the Forbes/Milken Institute.
Residents work hard and play hard, putting to use the city's
beaches and Balboa Park, a picturesque 1,200-acre urban playground
with 15 museums (aerospace, natural history, anthropology, art, and
more), and that famous Zoo. Add in world-class performing arts
(ballet, opera, theater, symphony), pro baseball and football (the
Padres and the Chargers), a diverse dining scene (from taco stands
to seafood hot spots overlooking the harbor), and it's easy to see
why the city has so many ardent fans.
Median house price: $379,300
Think twice: Prepare for sticker shock—San Diego is second
only to Boston in cost of housing. (But try the newly revitalized
neighborhood of North Park or the close-by suburb of Oceanside.)
This city, founded on the banks of the San Antonio River,
straddles two areas of the state: the coastal plain (grassland
prairie) and Hill Country (rolling land dotted with oak and
mesquite). It's a blend of terrain and cultures—and it's a bargain
that no other major U.S. city can beat. Low cost of living (housing
prices are $50,000 below the national median, and there's no income
tax) coupled with a dynamic business environment and excellent
medical facilities have created one of the country's fastest-growing
cities. That growth translates into careers in fields as varied as
tourism, biomedical research, semiconductor manufacturing, and
health care.
Culture abounds in S.A.—from a rich ethnic feel to great museums.
Art hounds can take in works by Matisse and Gauguin at the McNay Art
Museum or wander through the former Lone Star Brewery, now the
Museum of Art, which houses an unparalleled collection of Latin
American art.
The city takes pride in its Mexican heritage, which infuses every
aspect of life, from Tex-Mex (tourists chow down at River Walk
cafes, but locals opt for enchiladas at Los Barrios) to citywide
celebrations such as Cinco de Mayo.
Median house price: $110,700
Think twice: Traffic's not as bad as in Houston or Dallas, but
it's getting there
Tucked into the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountains at
7,000 feet above sea level, Santa Fe, with its distinctive
flat-roofed pueblo architecture, high-desert Georgia O'Keeffe
landscape, and proximity to great skiing, is peerless—and proud of
that fact.
This smallish city of 62,200 is a colorful blend of Anglos,
Hispanics, and American Indians. (There are more Chavezes in the
phone book than Smiths.) Many of those residents find work with
state government, federal agencies, nonprofits, and the tourism
industry, all big employers here.
Long hailed as a cultural mecca (museums, galleries, and opera),
the city is also a New Age lodestar, filled with spirituality
seekers, natural-food markets, and alternative healers.
Costs have risen, but are still not in the same league with
Boulder, Aspen, or San Francisco—other western havens with
cachet.
Median house price: $272,000
Think twice: It's been discovered—your many neighbors will
include Hollywood hotshots and oh-so-serious art gallery owners
James Ross discovered Gainesville the way many do: as a student
at the University of Florida. "It's a younger and more
intellectually stimulating town than you'll find in most of
Florida," he says. Ross, 53, lived in Boston for years, but when he
was offered a job at the university's Museum of Natural History, he
jumped at the chance to return.
Why? He adores the Florida sun and all there is to do in it. ("We
have these wonderful, warm freshwater springs where you can swim,
fish, canoe, dawdle.") Atlantic Coast beaches are just 60 miles
away.
Factor in affordable housing (you might find a bungalow shaded by
loblolly pines in the university area for $160,000) and some of the
best health care in Florida (five stellar university hospitals), and
you've got a winning combination. Ross pauses, then hesitates about
sharing more of the city's secrets: "Did I mention the
mosquitoes?"
Median house price: $130,800
Think twice: Now that you've discovered the fountain of youth
(median age 29), you may find it's not your drink of choice
"No one ever came here for the weather," jokes one realtor. But
thanks to the University of Iowa, three medical centers, and a
small-business development center, the job climate is good.
The main attraction, though, is a widely held sense of the place
as a safe haven. Plus some small-town friendliness; an urbane art,
music, and literary scene; and a bustling downtown pedestrian mall.
Residents can hear live salsa music on the mall, catch the Kronos
Quartet at the university—and cheer themselves hoarse (Go Hawkeyes!)
at a weekend Big-Ten football game.
Perched on the shores of the Iowa River, the city shows little of
the state's agricultural roots. Single-family homes have replaced
the cornfields—and they come at prices that look amazing compared to
similar communities on either coast.
Median house price: $148,500
Think twice: Icy winters and sizzling summers are standard
Summer day-trippers descend on historic Market Square to enjoy
the lobster restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and used
bookstores, but don't take Portsmouth for a cutesified tourist town.
It's a working waterfront where busy tugboats and tankers dock along
the Piscataqua River. The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, which dates
back to 1800, is the oldest shipyard in the country and still a main
economic engine of the region. High-tech companies have also found a
home here.
Portsmouth has big-city amenities—good restaurants and a hopping
cultural scene at such venues as the Seacoast Repertory Theatre and
The Music Hall. But without big-city hassles: It was named one of
the 10 safest places in America by Places Rated Almanac.
Portsmouth also boasts no income tax or sales tax, small-town
friendliness, easy parking, and a rugged coastal shoreline. And when
you need to get out of town, Boston's Logan Airport and South
Station are just 50 miles away.
Median house price: $240,000
Think twice: An influx of newcomers has created a tight
housing market with prices on the rise
Spokane is located along the banks of the Spokane River, where
the Columbia River Valley rises to meet the forests of the northern
Rockies. With close to 200,000 people (400,000 in the metro area),
Spokane is the largest city between Seattle and Minneapolis. And
with low utility costs, no income tax, and housing costs below
national prices, it's a darn good buy.
Downtown is a mix of old brick (the city dates to the late 1800s)
and modern structures. You can glimpse the city's history by dining
at the Victorian-era Patsy Clark's Mansion (26 rooms and nine
fireplaces!) or at the Steam Plant Grill, which in its former life
provided heat to many downtown businesses. The crown jewel is
Riverfront Park, which has summer concerts, an ice skating rink, and
a beautifully restored carousel.
Riverfront is just the beginning of the recreational
opportunities in the area. The Rockies offer fishing, hiking,
boating, and skiing; and duffers take note: Golf Digest calls
Spokane one of the best places in the country to play golf, thanks
to fine summer weather and plenty of courses.
The tens of thousands of students attending college in Spokane
keep the city feeling young and help support the plays, music,
restaurants, and clubs. In addition to college-sponsored cultural
programs, Spokane sports its own symphony, opera house, and a
well-respected jazz orchestra.
Median house price: $108,500
Think twice: With 6 percent unemployment, the city may be best
for entrepreneurial types
California professionals and retired Berkeley professors have
discovered Ashland, a liberal enclave tucked in the foothillls of
the Siskiyou Mountains in conservative southwestern Oregon.
Thousands of people descend on Ashland each year for the Oregon
Shakespeare Festival (held February through November). They find a
cozy town (population 20,577) that offers four mild seasons (only 20
inches of rain annually, compared with 36 in Portland) and a
dazzling array of theater beyond Shakespeare. Many fall for
Ashland's charms and decide to relocate.
"This is a phenomenal town full of creative people," says Mark
Thomas, a former Bay Area advertising executive who, with wife
Melissa, moved here and opened Louie's Bar & Grill on the town
plaza. Recreational opportunities are everywhere, from walking and
biking in 93-acre Lithia Park, a downtown oasis, to skiing and
camping in nearby mountains. People 65 and older can take any class
free at Southern Oregon University. And for $100 a year, seniors can
take courses through the volunteer-run South Oregon Learning in
Retirement program.
Median house price: $264,000
Think twice: Portland, the nearest big city, is 300 miles away
Grace Lichtenstein is a former Denver bureau chief for The
New York Times and the author of six books.
Elaine Robbins covers environmental issues and architecture
for national magazines from her base in Austin, TX.
Michael Dupuis is a geographer who resides in the Pacific
Northwest.
