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Retire in Milwaukee? Believe it or not, that’s one of the cities that was on the list of the AARP’s “5 Great Places to Live” (and retire) for people 50 and older. And as baby boomers retire, it is an important demographic to watch for the real estate industry. Why? Take a look at some stats:

• According to the Census Bureau, fewer than 5 percent of people 55 and older move in any given year.
• Of this 5%, almost half stay within the same county, and only 25% move to a different state.
• Of those who do cross state lines, the major lure isn’t weather, tax relief, or a new adventure: people usually move to be closer to family.

So while it seems as though picking up and moving isn’t for everyone as they get older, there are some great places to think about if you are interested in making the move, according to the AARP. Even better is if your family is close to these locations:

• Atlanta, GA — The Atlanta Regional Commission predicts that by 2030 one in five residents will be 60 or older. With over 416 Make Me Move homes in Atlanta — why not think about expanding your purchasing options?
• Boston, MA — Over a third of the population in the Back Bay/Beacon Hill neighborhood is over 40, making it likely a great place to meet new people in this city. Be sure to join the Beacon Hill Village Community, which helps people 50+ in the area enjoy “safer, healthier and more independent lives in their own homes.”
• Chandler, AZ — Another town with an organization aimed at the older crowd, Chandler has the Boomerang Project that was developed to keep up with the trends of aging Americans. They offer career coaching, grand-parenting support, and health and wellness classes. Perhaps after you move you can get involved teaching courses on real estate.
• Milwaukee, WI — This is the only city on this list that shows an appreciation in house values over the past year — at 9.1%. The downtown area is up-and-coming.
• Portland, OR — Portland makes an interesting choice on the list as the median age in the Portland area is only 36. But while the Pearl District neighborhood is still a young crowd, the AARP notes that it is a favorite among retirees because everything in an easy walk to grocery stories, restaurants, movie theaters and parks.

AARP’s list comes on the heels of CNNMoney’s recent list of Best Places to Live. Lists never get old, do they?

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