Place Characteristics and Later-Life Migration

Abstract

This article examines the impact of origin and destination characteristics on the internal migration of retired migrant groups that have been defined on the basis of their life-course attributes. Separate regression analyses of in-migration, out-migration, and local mobility were conducted for each of three groups: amenity migrants, assistance migrants, and severely disabled migrants not living with a spouse. The results are generally consistent with the life-course model of migration. Amenity migrants are strongly attracted by pleasant climates and favorable economic conditions but tend to avoid large metropolitan areas. Assistance migrants, notable for their tendency to live in low-cost housing, do not choose the counties or metropolitan areas with the lowest average rents but appear to select low-cost housing within particular areas after choosing those areas on the basis of other criteria. Migrants with severe disabilities are especially likely to leave those places where nursing home facilities are inadequate.