As one of the largest and most economically influential generations, baby boomers’ relocation decisions are important.
Whether they are retiring or starting new businesses, factors such as tax breaks and affordability are causing this generation to flock to these cities in droves.
SmartAsset analysed data from the United States Census Bureau’s 1-Year American Community Survey to determine which cities are experiencing the greatest influx of baby boomers.
The data included 268 cities with populations of 100,000 or more. Each city was ranked according to the percentage of boomers who moved there.
Can you guess which four cities in Florida made the top ten?
1: Clearwater, FL
Clearwater is one of Florida’s most popular vacation (and retirement) destinations, so it’s no surprise that it’s ranked first on this list of cities where baby boomers are moving.
Clearwater’s boomer newcomers accounted for 3.79% of the total population, with 4,401 of them settling there in a single year.
2: Reno, NV
While Vegas is known for its glitz, glam, and gambling, Reno is a more relaxed Nevada city with low taxes and natural beauty.
In 2022, 8,329 baby boomers moved to Reno, representing 3.07% of the city’s population. More than 62,000 people from this generation live in Reno, accounting for 23.1% of the population.
3: Orlando, FL
Orlando, home to Disney World and Universal Studios, is a magical retirement destination, and baby boomers are taking notice. In one year, the popular tourist destination welcomed 9,458 new boomer residents, who made up 3.02% of the city’s population.
Boomers account for 16.6% of the Orlando population overall.
4: Cape Coral, FL
Another Florida city made the top ten, with 6,233 boomers relocating to Cape Coral in a single year. Newcomer boomers accounted for 2.90% of the city’s total population.
People in the age group make up 29.9% of the vibrant South-west Florida community.
5: Billings, MT
Billings, Montana’s most populous city, has stunning mountain views and no local or state sales tax.
Boomers are flocking to the city, with 3,401 newcomers from that age group in just one year. At the time of the SmartAsset study, baby boomers accounted for more than 22% of the city’s total population.
6: Surprise, AZ
With a 7% lower cost of living than the state average, it’s no surprise that boomers are flocking to Surprise, Arizona, in droves.
In 2022, 4,372 boomers moved there, accounting for 2.86% of the overall population and more than 23% of the Surprise community.
7: Henderson, NV
Henderson, just south of Las Vegas, boasts eight championship golf courses, beautiful green spaces, and historic charm.
It sounds like a retirement haven, which could explain why 9,219 boomers relocated there in a single year. Approximately 25% of the city’s residents are boomers, with 84,183 living there.
8: Mesa, AZ
Mesa, located just outside of Phoenix, is close enough to the city to allow boomers to enjoy its amenities.
An impressive 13,623 boomer newcomers made up 2.69% of the city’s population in 2022, adding to Mesa’s total of 108,881 people of that age.
9: High Point, NC
High Point, home to both families and young professionals, welcomed 3,051 new boomer residents in a single year.
Known as the “Home Furnishings Capital of the World,” the city’s 26,023 baby boomers made up 22.9% of the total population. SmartAsset reported that 81% of the newcomers came from North Carolina.
10: St. Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg’s warm year-round climate and beautiful coastline make it an appealing place to live for boomers.
In 2022, new boomers made up 2.67% of the city’s population, accounting for 6,903 new residents. In total, 66,631 boomers live in the sunny city, accounting for 25.75% of total population.
