Austin Ideal for Retirees

Austin Business Journal July 23, 2007

Austin is one of the top four cities to watch as a retirement-friendly community, according to AARP Magazine.

The magazine's annual list of top five places to live in the United States for anyone over 50 years old were: Atlanta; Beacon Hill in Boston; Chandler, Ariz.; Milwaukee and Portland, Oregon. And its list of four places to watch were: Austin; Burlington, VT.; Mankato, Minn.; and Traverse City, Mich.

The selections are based on features that make a community liveable, including new urbanism, smart growth, mixed-use development and easy-living standards, says Steve Slon, editor of AARP's magazine.

"The places we chose are ahead of the curve in providing services for empty nesters, active retirees and everyone in between, and we're thrilled to recognize them for their efforts," says Slon. "City living may cost a bit more, but urban communities also deliver peak value in the form of culture, work options, mass transit and fitness opportunities, and this year's selections really cover the spectrum."

Features like mass-transit systems, expanded sidewalks and good health care tend to attract residents over 50 years old, the magazine says. That segment of the population spends roughly $2.2 trillion on goods and services annually, and AARP estimates the size of the over-50 population will grow by 32 percent in the next 15 years.