Small Town, Active Living
Baby Boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964, are just now beginning to reach 60 years in age, and are starting to retire. Many will continue to work past 65 and many will look for a new way to live. Two thirds of the boomers would prefer to live in a rural location or a small town, according to recent surveys by the National Association of Realtors.
Facts
Young adults leave town after high school or within a few years to seek work in a larger city with a stronger job base and greater career opportunities. Those in their career building years must stay in a large metropolitan area for the same reason. Former residents cannot seriously consider moving back, even if they would like to, until they reach retirement age.
Agriculture today will not support as many families as it once did, before farming became big business like everything else. Small towns must cast about for a new economic base.
Some rural towns have changed and survived by finding livelihoods other than agriculture. Perryville, Missouri has been able to entice small industries such as the Toyota supplier, Gilster-Mary Lee and others. Interstate 55 connects St Louis and Memphis running close by town reducing the travel time to St. Louis to 1-1/2 hours and providing access to Lambert International Airport, professional sports, cultural venues and first-rate medical services.
Madison, Georgia is a successful example of a small town, which has found a way to capitalize on the tourist trade. Madison is rich in southern history and is reputedly the only town between Atlanta and the coast that General Sherman’s army didn’t burn during his famous Civil War march to the sea. Atlanta was left in ashes but only the commercial buildings in Madison were burned. Today, those old antebellum mansions are operated as museums or restaurants or both. Bed and Breakfast Inns abound and tiny Madison boasts about its 21 world-class restaurants. Madison is now a top retirement location for Atlanta residents desiring a change of pace from Atlanta’s bustling atmosphere.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas has grown around the big business of Christian “Passion Plays” held in several large venues around town. Eureka Springs is blessed with one of the most charming downtowns in the country, which provides a focus for the tourist trade. Other rural towns, similar to Eureka Springs, are fortunately located near scenic areas, the mountains, lakes or oceans.
The “Active Living” Concept
Active Adults is a term commonly used to describe people over 55 who have lots of living left to have numerous experiences and accomplishments. They are healthy, productive and energetic, and their children have embarked on their own lives. The couple is now alone in a house bigger than needed and demanding time and maintenance than they want to spend.
During this moment of reflection and questioning, the idea of retirement is considered. Where to retire is paramount in people’s minds and the choices are unlimited. Historically, as many as 50% of people move to a new home sometime in retirement. The desire to stay near the familiar is powerful, but is eventually outweighed by the promise of adventure, new relationships, the fun of retirement and an easier, relaxed lifestyle.
Active Adult Communities are specifically designed to offer the fun, adventure and the new relationships with like-minded people that young retirees want. Sun City in Arizona, created in the 1960’s, continues to attract thousands of active adults in communities around the country. An active adult community typically has at least one 18-hole golf course, tennis, bocce ball courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, ballrooms, fitness center, wellness programs, walking and bike trails, and a variety of special interest clubs and meeting spaces. Many of the amenities are assembled in a grand community center that serves as a focus of the community.
Small towns can offer all of this in a more authentic package. The people are friendly and they include children and young adults, as well as others our own age. Most of us at this age enjoy the spirit of young people and the inspiration they give us to enjoy each day as the start of a new life.
See my profile for photos and more on homes for the 50+.
MonkontheLoose
Facts
Young adults leave town after high school or within a few years to seek work in a larger city with a stronger job base and greater career opportunities. Those in their career building years must stay in a large metropolitan area for the same reason. Former residents cannot seriously consider moving back, even if they would like to, until they reach retirement age.
Agriculture today will not support as many families as it once did, before farming became big business like everything else. Small towns must cast about for a new economic base.
Some rural towns have changed and survived by finding livelihoods other than agriculture. Perryville, Missouri has been able to entice small industries such as the Toyota supplier, Gilster-Mary Lee and others. Interstate 55 connects St Louis and Memphis running close by town reducing the travel time to St. Louis to 1-1/2 hours and providing access to Lambert International Airport, professional sports, cultural venues and first-rate medical services.
Madison, Georgia is a successful example of a small town, which has found a way to capitalize on the tourist trade. Madison is rich in southern history and is reputedly the only town between Atlanta and the coast that General Sherman’s army didn’t burn during his famous Civil War march to the sea. Atlanta was left in ashes but only the commercial buildings in Madison were burned. Today, those old antebellum mansions are operated as museums or restaurants or both. Bed and Breakfast Inns abound and tiny Madison boasts about its 21 world-class restaurants. Madison is now a top retirement location for Atlanta residents desiring a change of pace from Atlanta’s bustling atmosphere.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas has grown around the big business of Christian “Passion Plays” held in several large venues around town. Eureka Springs is blessed with one of the most charming downtowns in the country, which provides a focus for the tourist trade. Other rural towns, similar to Eureka Springs, are fortunately located near scenic areas, the mountains, lakes or oceans.
The “Active Living” Concept
Active Adults is a term commonly used to describe people over 55 who have lots of living left to have numerous experiences and accomplishments. They are healthy, productive and energetic, and their children have embarked on their own lives. The couple is now alone in a house bigger than needed and demanding time and maintenance than they want to spend.
During this moment of reflection and questioning, the idea of retirement is considered. Where to retire is paramount in people’s minds and the choices are unlimited. Historically, as many as 50% of people move to a new home sometime in retirement. The desire to stay near the familiar is powerful, but is eventually outweighed by the promise of adventure, new relationships, the fun of retirement and an easier, relaxed lifestyle.
Active Adult Communities are specifically designed to offer the fun, adventure and the new relationships with like-minded people that young retirees want. Sun City in Arizona, created in the 1960’s, continues to attract thousands of active adults in communities around the country. An active adult community typically has at least one 18-hole golf course, tennis, bocce ball courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, ballrooms, fitness center, wellness programs, walking and bike trails, and a variety of special interest clubs and meeting spaces. Many of the amenities are assembled in a grand community center that serves as a focus of the community.
Small towns can offer all of this in a more authentic package. The people are friendly and they include children and young adults, as well as others our own age. Most of us at this age enjoy the spirit of young people and the inspiration they give us to enjoy each day as the start of a new life.
See my profile for photos and more on homes for the 50+.
MonkontheLoose
