2017 – Retirees Seek Adventure

Say goodbye to the stereotypical golf visors and beach chairs, because today retirement is more active and adventurous than ever. In the 2017 United Van Lines’ 41th Annual National Movers Study, which tracks customers’ state-to-state migration patterns over the past year, there was a continued increase in retirement moves to the West. The Western U.S. is represented on the high-inbound list by:

1. Oregon 
2. Idaho 
3. Nevada 
4. Washington
5. Colorado

When looking into why people are moving, specifically to the Mountain West, retirement tops the list with one of four movers indicating that’s the reason they chose to move to this location. “We’re also seeing continued migration to the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West as retirees leave California,” said Michael Stoll, economist and professor in the Department of Public Policy at the University of California, Los Angeles. This year California was categorized as a “balanced” state receiving nearly the same amount of inbound and outbound moves. This is Colorado’s first appearance on the United Van Lines Movers Study list of top inbound states. As baby boomers continue to retire, locations in the West that boast vast outdoor activities, art and education are surpassing locations providing golf and sandy beaches. Additionally, Forbes lists all five of the top inbound states in an article titled: Great Places to Follow Your Passion in Retirement. Of the top 10 states that people are migrating to, the Western United States filled half of the spots. The 2017 United Van Lines’ National Movers Study also lists the top 10 places people moved in 2017 for retirement. These are as follows:

1. Florida
2. Nevada
3. South Carolina
4. Arizona
5. Maine
6. Vermont
7. Wyoming
8. Delaware
9. Arkansas
10. New Mexico

Many of these states offer great opportunities for outdoor adventure in warmer climates, allowing these activities to be enjoyed almost year-round. Nearly 35 percent of all moves to Nevada, number two on this list, were for the purpose of retirement. The West continues to make an enticing offer for those who are looking to settle down in retirement, even if they aren’t ready to slow down. Learn more about United’s 2017 Annual Mover’s Study.

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United Van Lines 2018 National Movers Study Press Release, Map and Data – Download Now