Selected Based On Atmosphere and Services for Residents Age 50+

What are the top places to live in for boomers 50+ looking for a great community to retire in? AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine, unveiled its annual list of the top five places to live in the U.S. with Atlanta, Beacon Hill in Boston, Chandler, Milwaukee and Portland nabbing the honors. The magazine also named the top four places to watch -- Austin, TX; Burlington, VT; Mankato, MN; and Traverse City, MI -- in its September/October issue which takes an in-depth, colorful look at why these areas rank highest and are ideal for older residents. The selections were based on specific criteria for what makes a community livable: new urbanism, smart growth, mixed-use development, and easy-living standards.

"The places we chose are ahead of the curve in providing services for empty nesters, active retirees, and everyone in between and we're thrilled to recognize them for their efforts," said Steve Slon, editor of AARP The Magazine. "City living may cost a bit more, but urban communities also deliver peak value in the form of culture, work options, mass transit and fitness opportunities, and this year's selections really cover the spectrum."

AARP The Magazine's selections focus on livable community characteristics in each location including mass-transit systems so residents can drive less, expanded sidewalks to encourage walking, better health care, and a wide range of mixed use housing. These qualities attract members of the 50+ age group, a segment that spends more than $2.2 trillion on goods and services each year and is expected to grow in size by 32 percent in the next 15 years.

  AARP The Magazine's Top Five Cities to Live in for 2007:

  -- Atlanta, GA:  A sophisticated metropolis with southern charm, Atlanta
     offers abundant volunteer and cultural opportunities.  Retirees also
     appreciate the wide range of housing options.
  -- Beacon Hill in Boston, MA:  This historically genteel part of Boston is
     full of culture and great restaurants.  The Beacon Hill Village
     provides concierge style access to a network of support services for
     aging residents including transportation, healthcare and entertainment.
  -- Chandler, AZ:  Gracious desert living combined with an activist twist
     that encourages residents to get involved with the spirit of the town.
     A city climate and plenty of parks and open space provide ample
     recreation opportunities.
  -- Milwaukee, WI:  An example of urban renewal at its best, Milwaukee
     features picturesque river walks and affordable water-front living.
  -- Portland, OR:  European charm meets environmental nirvana in this
     environmentally progressive city.  50-plus residents love the miles of
     safe bike lanes and the revitalized Pearl District.

About AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole.

Web site:
http://www.aarp.org/
http://www.aarpmagazine.org/