[TANaples]

Sometimes a JOB will trump everything and people will rationalize everything else about a place. My husband did that, but after 4 years here he's not doing that anymore.

[Raivere]

Don't worry Chris. Things will turn up

[ExDC]

Originally Posted by Sunny-Days90

You are right, most boomers have more money because they have made a ton more. And they spend it, unlike boomers parents who held onto it.

That is good for Florida and the rest of the economy. We need those boomers to retire and start spending their money. Maybe even create businesses that give people jobs.

See from what I read and those who I have worked with that are in the first stage of the boomers to get ready to retire, they are far more intelligent and smarter with their money then their parents were. That is why so many of them have larger bank accounts and assets then those who are not in that group.

For me, I see the boomers as the way out of the mess we are in America, they have money and hopefully will be spending it when they start retiring.

I am a baby boomer and sorry, but the "retire at 65 and moved to FL" belongs to a generation ago. None of my friends have any intention of picking up and cutting all ties and moving to FL. Rent a couple of months during the winter months maybe, but move there permanently - no. So if you're banking on baby boomers retiring and buying up all the surplus homes, and spending a ton of money there - I would not bet the house on it. And those that do intend to move - Florida is not even on the list.

[Mike Peterson]

Originally Posted by ExDC

I am a baby boomer and sorry, but the "retire at 65 and moved to FL" belongs to a generation ago. None of my friends have any intention of picking up and cutting all ties and moving to FL. Rent a couple of months during the winter months maybe, but move there permanently - no. So if you're banking on baby boomers retiring and buying up all the surplus homes, and spending a ton of money there - I would not bet the house on it. And those that do intend to move - Florida is not even on the list.

So no one is moving to Florida now?

Glad you told me, I might as well move out of the state now.

[tallrick]

You have nothing to worry about, Florida will never lose population. Remember, all the nuts roll downhill. Better to be on the Government dole in sunshine than in snow, right?

[TANaples]

Why do you think the NC is so popular now? Because you can have your cake and eat it too. If you are from the NE, you can still see your kids, and grandkids, far more often than being thousands of miles away in Florida. You can escape the extreme winters, and yet not have to go in the complete opposite direction, and have year round summer, with the BRUTAL, yes brutal, Florida summers.

As far as boomers, we are not our parents generation. The majority of us, either by choice or necessity, will continue to work. Does Florida have the JOBS to support this? As I said many times, most of the people I know just plain stayed where they were since they weren't "retiring" ANYWHERE.

I am not saying NOBODY will move to Florida. Actually, it seems YOUNGER people are the ones moving here more than retirees. Just read the posts on this forum. However, in this case, more jobs are going to have to be created to sustain young families. A retiree economy isn't going to cut it.

Snowbirds. You will always see them. There might be even be an increase in boomer snowbirds who don't want to fully retire or be very far away from their kids and grandkids.

If you (Floridians) keep thinking things will always be the same, you are the ones who will lose out. Times have changed and Florida will need to adjust and get into the 21st Century on this.

[Retiredcoach]

Originally Posted by ExDC

I am a baby boomer and sorry, but the "retire at 65 and moved to FL" belongs to a generation ago. None of my friends have any intention of picking up and cutting all ties and moving to FL. Rent a couple of months during the winter months maybe, but move there permanently - no. So if you're banking on baby boomers retiring and buying up all the surplus homes, and spending a ton of money there - I would not bet the house on it. And those that do intend to move - Florida is not even on the list.

It used to be a natural progression for many from my parents generation. They would work 30+ years, save their money, and move to Florida to join their friends in their perceived paradise. It was a prestige thing, as well... a celebration of their personal successes (kind of like driving their shiny Cadillacs and Lincolns about town).

I work with a number of baby boomers, like you, but in southwestern Pennsylvania, and I am one myself. These are individuals that were/ are not as affected by the downturn in the stock market with their dedicated retirement plans. Honestly, none of them drive a Lincoln or Cadillac, and the only soon-to-be retirees talking about moving to Florida are those who bought 5 or more years ago as perceived safe "investments".

The demographics of Florida are changing. The middle class retiree looking to relocate is being forced to explore so many more variables than his/her parents did. No one wants to risk losing everything... and it can/is happening. Moving to Florida is a definitive risk in our thoughts. We are looking at the disappearing middle class, our future neighbors in dire financial straits, hurricane potential, nearly unbearable summer temperatures, out of control HOA's, declining neighborhoods and schools, formerly "nicer" areas quickly becoming pockets of crime, etc.. The grass that we thought was greener in Florida is suddenly no longer as appealing.

As much as some realtors would like to convince others that we are the minority in our similar thoughts.... we are living the life, not projecting to sell houses and/ or false dreams. Our concerns and observations are real.

[TANaples]

Originally Posted by Retiredcoach

It used to be a natural progression for many from my parents generation. They would work 30+ years, save their money, and move to Florida to join their friends in their perceived paradise. It was a prestige thing, as well... a celebration of their personal successes (kind of like driving their shiny Cadillacs and Lincolns about town).

I work with a number of baby boomers, like you, but in southwestern Pennsylvania, and I am one myself. These are individuals that were/ are not as affected by the downturn in the stock market with their dedicated retirement plans. Honestly, none of them drive a Lincoln or Cadillac, and the only soon-to-be retirees talking about moving to Florida are those who bought 5 or more years ago as perceived safe "investments".

The demographics of Florida are changing. The middle class retiree looking to relocate is being forced to explore so many more variables than his/her parents did. No one wants to risk losing everything... and it can/is happening. Moving to Florida is a definitive risk in our thoughts. We are looking at the disappearing middle class, our future neighbors in dire financial straits, hurricane potential, nearly unbearable summer temperatures, out of control HOA's, declining neighborhoods and schools, formerly "nicer" areas quickly becoming pockets of crime, etc.. The grass that we thought was greener in Florida is suddenly no longer as appealing.

As much as some realtors would like to convince others that we are the minority in our similar thoughts.... we are living the life, not projecting to sell houses and/ or false dreams. Our concerns and observations are real.

I concurr.

[Mike Peterson]

Originally Posted by Retiredcoach

It used to be a natural progression for many from my parents generation. They would work 30+ years, save their money, and move to Florida to join their friends in their perceived paradise. It was a prestige thing, as well... a celebration of their personal successes (kind of like driving their shiny Cadillacs and Lincolns about town).

I work with a number of baby boomers, like you, but in southwestern Pennsylvania, and I am one myself. These are individuals that were/ are not as affected by the downturn in the stock market with their dedicated retirement plans. Honestly, none of them drive a Lincoln or Cadillac, and the only soon-to-be retirees talking about moving to Florida are those who bought 5 or more years ago as perceived safe "investments".

The demographics of Florida are changing. The middle class retiree looking to relocate is being forced to explore so many more variables than his/her parents did. No one wants to risk losing everything... and it can/is happening. Moving to Florida is a definitive risk in our thoughts. We are looking at the disappearing middle class, our future neighbors in dire financial straits, hurricane potential, nearly unbearable summer temperatures, out of control HOA's, declining neighborhoods and schools, formerly "nicer" areas quickly becoming pockets of crime, etc.. The grass that we thought was greener in Florida is suddenly no longer as appealing.

As much as some realtors would like to convince others that we are the minority in our similar thoughts.... we are living the life, not projecting to sell houses and/ or false dreams. Our concerns and observations are real.

My response was to someone that said no one is retiring to Florida.

Granted with the economic problems many in this country have right now the number of people moving upon retirement is going to be less than years past.

To think that Florida is out of the picture as a retirement destination is ludicrous.

Much of what you mentioned as problems for Florida are problems all over. Just replace hurricanes with tornados or floods or blizzards, etc. And replace the heat with unbearable cold.

Last house I sold about 2 weeks ago was to someone from Jersey who is retiring and already sold their house up there. They were able to sell there and purchase cash here with the equity from thier former home.

Retirees will still come as well as others. To think otherwise being blind to the truth.

[TANaples]

Originally Posted by Mike Peterson

My response was to someone that said no one is retiring to Florida.

Granted with the economic problems many in this country have right now the number of people moving upon retirement is going to be less than years past.

To think that Florida is out of the picture as a retirement destination is ludicrous.

Much of what you mentioned as problems for Florida are problems all over. Just replace hurricanes with tornados or floods or blizzards, etc. And replace the heat with unbearable cold.

Last house I sold about 2 weeks ago was to someone from Jersey who is retiring and already sold their house up there. They were able to sell there and purchase cash here with the equity from thier former home.

Retirees will still come as well as others. To think otherwise being blind to the truth.

That is the key. Yes, they will come but not in the DROVES like some have stated. Florida is no longer the be all and end all of retirement, IF they can retire anymore. If you as a real estate agent are counting on that, better look elsewhere. Nearly EVERY home we looked at was by a retiree moving back up north to the midwest. You cannot replace you kids and your grandkids with SUNSHINE. That is basically what they all said.