More Older Americans Moving To Rural Communities

It’s no surprise that Americans as they age, make different choices about their future than they would have 20 years prior. A recent study shows that their likelihood of migrating, their reasons for moving, and their destination choices shift dramatically with age. For instance, Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, are entering a stage when moves to rural locales increase, especially to areas with scenic amenities and lower housing costs, USAgNet reports.

“Boomers” have already demonstrated an affinity for moving to rural and small-town destinations, compared with older or younger cohorts. They led a short-lived rural “rebound” in the early 1990s, despite being at an age when career-oriented motivations strongly influence migration decisions.

Today’s 83 million boomers, ranging from age 45 to 63, represent a fourth of the total U.S. population. There has never been such a large share of the workforce approaching retirement. By comparison, 42 million were age 45 to 63 in 1990.

Boomers are said to now poised to significantly increase rural and small-town elderly populations by 2020, with major social and economic implications for their chosen destinations.