PERRY, GA November 21, 2009
/24-7PressRelease/ -- A newspaper editor once said: "Go west, young man". Rarely remembered; however; was the rest of the advice attributed to the New York Tribune's legendary Horace Greeley: "...and there, build up a home."
Following Greely's words today in a different direction are boomers who once left northern areas for Florida but are now relocating 'half way back' to new homes in communities in and around mid-Georgia's picturesque small towns.
The numbers of these active adults have grown so fast in recent years that the term 'half backs' has been coined describing relocating Floridians seeking a life reminiscent of northern areas where they grew up.
Now part of a baby boomer demographic, they are moving 'half way' back to this southeastern area, opting for a year-round climate with seasonal changes they recall from youthful days of living in country towns and suburbs, devoid of endless tract housing and strip shopping centers that typify so many Florida suburban areas.
They also cite traffic woes, rising property taxes, insurance rates, and unpredictable hurricanes as reasons to leave Florida for a simpler and often less-costly lifestyle in places like Perry and other smaller towns in Georgia.
In a 2006 survey conducted by Promatura Group, a national marketing research company specializing in active adult and senior housing, 17% of people in middle-income households 45+ years of age and older preferred a small town location.
"Even in this economic downturn, we see no change with people with these attitudes," said Dr. Margaret Wylde. "A good proportion wants to move to small towns and rural areas. The easier, kinder lifestyle with more green space and trees is a through back to their earlier times."
Lifestyle communities geared to active adults and offering varying home styles and maintenance-free living capture boomer's interest.
Typical are the Hagers, a couple who own a home in Bradenton, Fla., but two years ago, opted to purchase their primary residence in Houston Springs after considering retiring to New York or the Carolinas. The Georgia location put them closer to family and 'southern hospitality'; a second selling point.
"On our moving day, at Houston Springs, one neighbor offered to provide a crew to help us move our furniture into our house, said Al Hager. "The neighborhood ladies brought a meal, too."
Houston Springs is 'like family' and the support is awesome, described Linda Hager.
"People hang out together, playing cards or sitting around the pool. With our own golf course, you can play golf six days a week," she continued. "In Perry, everyone is so friendly and there's southern food and hospitality. It's so great to have our family this close, as well. For the first time in years, we're having Thanksgiving together."
Marlyn Williams, a Houston Springs neighbor of the Hagers agrees. "It is like living with 100 brothers and sisters who don't need any money," he laughed. "Everyone is so friendly and we felt very welcome here; people reached out to us."
Relocating boomers emphasize nearness to families as a key factor in their decision but additionally seek entertainment, recreation and a varied lifestyle as important reasons as well, confirms Wylde.
"Requests for newcomer packets from Florida cities are especially strong," said Sheila Jones, executive director of the Perry Area Visitor and Convention Bureau.
Perry is considered one of the state's more progressive small cities, offering access to three major state and federal highways.
"Perry was the stopping point for many people driving north from Florida," she adds, noting that dining at the Swanson House Restaurant became a travelers' tradition in the historic, restored schoolhouse that retains a charm dating back to 1921. "People remember the town."
Houston Springs' residents also cite the need for quality healthcare and the convenience to see physicians who spend quality time getting to know their patients individually with medical specialists available in nearby Macon or Warner Robins.
Rosanna Flournoy, a former Palm Beach County resident for 37 years, said that when she had surgery, she "couldn't believe the care" available at Perry's two acute-care medical facilities: Houston Medical Center with 186 beds and Perry Hospital with 45 beds.
Flournoy also feels safe at Houston Springs: "In Florida I was robbed three times. Now I don't worry."
Jean and Kimball Kahn, formerly of North Fort Myers, Fla., like less-crowded streets and a simpler life: "Lack of traffic in Perry made us buy along with saving money from increased living costs and hurricanes."
Both born and raised in country surroundings, Houston Springs and Perry is "like getting back to roots and a sense of family because both the residents and people in town make living great."
Former Sarasota resident Peggy Crum says their sentiment, "Florida was wonderful 30 years ago but the traffic became horrendous and the place changed. I love the small town concept of Perry and its moral values."
Accessibility to Atlanta attracts Houston Springs' residents who look for gourmet restaurants, luxury shopping, big-city sports and the availability of Jackson-Hartsfield International Airport, all less than two hours away by expressway driving.
Residents enjoy activities found within the active adult community while also volunteering service in civic and charity organizations in the city. For those over 62, the Middle Georgia Technical College offers free courses and Perry's Public Library ("Fabulous" said one resident) and Community Theater attract others.
Adds Crum: "This is a true lifestyle community. I'm busier now than when I worked."
About Houston Springs
Developed by Woodland Property Partners, Inc., Houston Springs is a 500-acre master planned active adult community located in Perry, Ga., designed with villages of both single-family and attached homes that maximize golf course and lake views.
Featuring a golf course and driving range, clubhouses and a year-round program of scheduled social activities, Houston Springs provides low maintenance living in gated cluster-styled residences, focused on enjoyment of recreational amenities and the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
For more information, please call (478) 988-8100 or visit http://www.houstonsprings.com.
---
Press release service and press release distribution provided by http://www.24-7pressrelease.com# # #
- active, adult, boomers, community, houston, partners, perry, property, retirement, springs, woodland
Read more Press Releases from Kerry Green:Other Press Release Headlines:
