Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Baby Boomers are Flocking to Raleigh, North Carolina

I guess I don't have to pack up my bags and find a place to retire because, according to the latest research, I'm right where I need to be. That's right. I'm a baby boomer living in the Raleigh, NC area and according to research by the Urban Institute, this is the area predicted to have the greatest boom in baby boomer seniors.

The UI report says the senior population is poised to grow by 36 percent from 2010 to 2020. Another interesting note is the fact that the black population continues its move toward large Southern metro areas like Atlanta, Houston, and Washington, D.C., and Hispanic populations are growing most rapidly in the Southeast.

So what makes the Raleigh area so attractive for boomers? I don't really know but you can see for yourself: Raleigh

I can tell you what I don't like about the area. Many of the communities have no sidewalks and the educational system for K-12 needs serious improvement. I dread the thought of sending my grandson to public school here. The neighborhoods also lacks true diversity---but I think that's an issue everywhere.

Areas That Will Experience Senior Growth Due to the Aging of Baby Boomers

1. Raleigh-Cary,
2. Austin-Round Rock, Texas
3. Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, Ga.
4. Boise City-Nampa, Idaho
5. Las Vegas-Paradise, Nev.
6. Orlando-Kissimmee, Fla.
7. Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, Texas
8. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas
9. Colorado Springs, Colo.
10. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, Texas
11. Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Ariz.
12. Charleston-North Charleston, S.C.

6 comments:

Eileen Williams said...

Interesting information and it does look like you've landed in the right spot! Not sure how they came up with these particular areas but I'm no where near any of them. Oops! Guess I'll be packing my bags. But I hate to move so would rather dig a hole in my backyard and fall in when it's my time! :-)

Claudia Meydrech said...

I was surprised to see that Delaware wasn't on the list, we were told it was a popular state for retirement when we went down for a potential job. My husband used to live in Colorado Springs, and we have spent time in Mesa/Scottsdale AZ, all beautiful spots.

I have a feeling that since we live in a small place, and it will be paid by the time we "retire" if that is even possible, we may stay put right here...or if real estate market gets better for sellers, sell, bank the money, and get an apartment. I'd miss our little house, though.

Pam Archer said...

The more I traveled, the more I realized I live in the best place in the U.S. I plan to retire right where I am or close to it.

Raleigh is a beautiful area, much like here, and I can see the draw. It has the change of seasons and the mountains, excellent health care, too.

Laurie Neumann said...

Well, I have to say, my husband and I would love to head down to North Carolina. We're in NY, and I don't think this is a hot spot for baby boomers wanting to retire:-) Too cold and too high of taxes.

Betty Lynch said...

Texas is giving you a run for your money. Haha! Great information, thank you.

Susan Adcox said...

North Carolina is beautiful! I can see why it is a prime area for retirees. I think I'd love to retire there except that it is too far from my grandchildren. On the other hand, I have no desire to live in Las Vegas.