Retirement Communities Benefit Local Industry (housing, school, seniors, kids)

[LancasterKate]

I saw this article the other day and thought it was worth sharing: "Retirement Communities Make Good Neighbors."

I particularly liked the comment the author made about how retirement communities have similar impact to housing developments - except the schools don't get bigger and the town doesn't need to hire more police.

Would be interested to know what others think - are retirement communities a positive or negative thing for a local area?

[jlawrence01]

Originally Posted by LancasterKate

Would be interested to know what others think - are retirement communities a positive or negative thing for a local area?

In my new neighborhood, nearly 45% of all residents volunteer in some fashion in the community. That means that a lot of kids have mentors, the local thrift store is manned, tons of stuff gets recycled, and the like. In addition, nearly all museums and attractions have a good number of volunteers.

By the way, the local thrift store generated about $1.6M that is donated to local food banks in two counties, schools, arts programs and senior services. In addition, it provides a great deal of affordable clothing and household goods in Southern Arizona and Sonora, MX.

The MAJOR objection to the communities is that the seniors are hesitant to vote for school tax levies. I do not fully agree with that objection. In general, they do want to curb some of the excesses of local school districts where they are located. Let's be honest, seniors are more likely to attend public meetings and will challenge some of the excesses of local government.

[Eddyline]

I would think they are a net positive for any community.
-New growth without adding schools or police
-Volunteers
-Don't add much to rush hour traffic
-Usually bring consistent income to area
-Create jobs
-Bring a wealth of knowledge and experience

[luvmyhoss]

Definitely a positive.
All that disposable cash, too.