Senior Spotlight: The Sunbelt Isn’t For Everyone

See why mid-west migration is growing in popularity.

When people think of moving during retirement, the Sunbelt states come to mind. While warmer weather and coastal access (in some locations) are big draws, they are not the most important features for retirees anymore. Several recent reports indicate that while the Sunbelt is still hot (pun intended!) migration there is actually slowing – and the Midwest is becoming more attractive!

The Sunbelt Slowdown

The slowing pace of migration to the Sunbelt is likely caused by several factors, the primary being affordability. Business Insider® reports that “Home prices and rents have risen dramatically in many Southern and Sunbelt communities, particularly as the regions have welcomed a spike of new residents in the years since the pandemic.” In addition, the Sunbelt is being impacted by extreme heat, hurricanes, droughts and wildfires. The overall trend is that population growth is slowing in the warmest places in the nation, while the population is growing in the coldest places.

The Midwest Draw

According to Business Insider®, those who have traded their Sunbelt location for a Midwest retirement love that “their new home offers an affordable cost of living, a high quality of life, and something of a safe haven from the worst impacts of climate change.” In a 2024 report from Go Banking, the Midwestern states of North Dakota and Indiana made the top 10 retirement list on account of factors such as cost of living, home values, tax rates, crime rates plus beautiful scenery and access to quality healthcare.

One more draw of a Midwest retirement - your adult kids may follow and stay. One couple mentioned in the Business Insider® article shared that their two oldest children bought their own homes and settled down in Indiana near them – due to affordability and quality of life.

Would you ever consider a Midwest retirement? Does the Sunbelt sound like a better fit for you? We always say that no one retirement is right for everyone – so we hope this data has given you some insights into what features you can find in which locations.

Cheers to living – and even recreating – your best life,

Bobbi

Resources Used:

- It's the Midwest's time to shine: Baby boomers explain why they left the Sunbelt and moved back north

- Where Americans Are Moving Daily: Sunbelt Still Hot, But Migration Is Slowing

- 6 Things To Know Before Retiring in These Midwestern States

Bobbi Decker
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www.bobbidecker.com

NAR Instructor….“Designations Create Distinctions”
CIPS, SRS, ABR, CRS, SRES, GRI, CLHMS, REI, AHWD, RSPS, MSLG

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