Nearly one in four seniors takes some kind of part-time job immediately following retirement. Not all retirees need to work, but many do, and finding a retirement spot where jobs are plentiful can be an important consideration. Although predicting employment growth and opportunities is not an exact science, experts stress that good jobs in services, retail and FIRE (finance, insurance and real estate) will continue to be available.
Something to consider when choosing a retirement spot with employment opportunities is the number of young people competing for the same jobs that you are. Click here for a list of towns where such competition for employment is tough, and click here for a list of towns that have military-based economies and that may be adversely affected by military cutbacks in coming years.
Branson, Missouri
Branson, population 3,800, is a boom town in the Ozarks of southwestern Missouri. This country-music and entertainment center has experienced tremendous growth the past few years and offers seniors numerous employment opportunities. On a scale of 100, with 50 as average, Branson rates a 91 when it comes to job growth in retail, services and FIRE industries.
Cost-of-Living: Below the national average
Lake Conroe, Texas
Located 40 miles north of Houston, Lake Conroe is a golf Mecca and has more holes per capita than anywhere else in the state. It is a destination that appeals to those seeking an abundance of recreational activities; Lake Conroe itself is 22,000 acres and provides plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing and water skiing. When it comes to retirees finding employment, this city of 32,000 people rates a 96 on a scale of 100, with 50 being average, for job growth in retail, services and FIRE industries.
Cost-of-Living: Slightly above the national average
St. George, Utah
This city of 40,000 people located in the southwestern corner of Utah has seen tremendous growth during the last 20 years (in 1980, the population was about 11,000). Much of this growth has come from retirees moving to the area, and about 6,800 folks here are 65 or over. Prices have risen (the cost-of-living is 5% above the national average, and real estate prices are 17% above the national average), but the area continues to attract seniors. On a scale of 100, with 50 as average, St. George rates a 94 when it comes to job growth in retail, services and FIRE industries.
Cost-of-Living: Slightly above the national average
These towns are especially difficult for seniors when it comes to finding employment:
- Athens, Georgia
- Boone-Blowing Rock, North Carolina
- Boulder, Colorado
- Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Columbia, Missouri
- Fort Collins, Colorado
- Gainesville, Florida
- Iowa City, Iowa
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Amherst, Massachusetts
- Oxford, Mississippi
- Park City, Utah
Towns with military-based economies that may experience an economic downturn in coming years:
- Alamogordo, New Mexico
- Annapolis, Maryland
- Bay St. Louis, Missouri
- Beaufort, South Carolina
- Charleston Sea Islands, South Carolina
- Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
- New Bern, North Carolina
- North San Diego, California
- Panama City, Florida
- Pensacola, Florida
- Savannah, Georgia
- Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Whidbey Island, Washington
- Yuma, Arizona