Best Boomer Towns - Town Blogs

Austin Summer Events - Ballet,  Pop, Dance and Fun!

Austin Summer Culture

Ballet under the stars - June 3rd, 4th

https://www.ci.austin.tx.us/zilker/schedule.htm

Starts at: 7:00 PM
Price: Free
Place: Zilker Hillside Theatre
Address: 2201 Barton Springs Road Austin, TX 78704

Austin Metamorphosis Dance Ensemble presents local talent under the night sky.  Its annual production of Ballet Under the Stars' is sure to be a great night of free entertainment!
http://do512.com/event/2008/05/30/ballet-under-the-stars-a-community-of-dance

 

Pop's Concert in the Park - June 10, 11
https://www.ci.austin.tx.us/zilker/schedule.htm

Starts at 8:00 PM

Price: Free

Same place and address as above

Another night under the stars where the whole family can enjoy beautiful music.

There is also an opportunity to enter a raffle and win a chance to conduct the orchestra during its final performance.
http://www.austincivicorchestra.org/BookingRetrieve.aspx?ID=88131

 

Father's Day Concert - June 19
https://www.ci.austin.tx.us/zilker/schedule.htm

Starts at 7:30

Price: Free

Same place and address as above

The Father's Day Concert is a day to honor your father with great musical selections. It's a free event that he will surely like better than that tie you gave him last year.

http://www.austinsymphonicband.org/Schedule/details.php?id=74

Consider State Taxes for Retirement

State income taxes
Seven states have none. They are Florida, Texas, Alaska, Nevada, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming.

Tennessee and New Hampshire only tax interest and dividend income.

The 27, plus the 7 above, states that do not tax Social Security are:

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Ten states do not tax a state or federal pension:

Alabama, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New York and Pennsylvania. .

State sales tax
Five states do not have a sales tax:

Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon.

The 10 states with the lowest overall tax burden
The percentage shown is the tax burden as a percent of personal income.

* Alaska 6.6%
* New Hampshire 8.0%
* Tennessee 8.5%
* Delaware 8.8%
* Alabama 8.8%
* Oklahoma 9.0%
* South Dakota 9.0%
* Texas 9.3%
* Wyoming 9.5%
* Montana 9.7%

 

Baby Boomers Purchase Homes Before They Actually Retire

2010-Whether it's in the Sunbelt or the Rustbelt, a move across the street or across the nation, Baby Boomers are still willing to move to a new place when they retire, according to the 2010 Del Webb Baby Boomer Survey.

Del Webb is America's largest builder of active adult communities. Targeted to those ages 55 and older, its 50+ communities are currently open for new home sales in 21 states. Del Webb has conducted 10 Baby Boomer surveys since 1996 seeking to better understand the attitudes and opinions of this generation-the current and future customers of Del Webb communities.

"Retirement marks a new phase in a Baby Boomer's life, and it only seems natural to relocate or move to a new home when they transition away from their primary career, or from the day-to-day rearing of school-aged children," said Deborah Blake, Del Webb creative director. "After all, when Boomers went off to college, they lived in a new place-a dorm or an apartment. When they married, they lived in a new home-most likely moving several times to different states for a job. Today, Baby Boomers are even purchasing their home before they actually retire.

Whether staying close to home or moving across the country, there are many options for them as they plan their future home in retirement," added Blake.

According to the Del Webb survey, nearly a third of older Baby Boomers plan to move in retirement, with more than 50% planning to move to a different state, about 25% of them planning to move to a different city within the same state, and less than 20% of older Boomers planning to move within the same city.

Additionally, the desire to move during retirement is on the rise among today's younger Boomers surveyed, with 42% of those turning 50 in 2010 planning to do so, as compared to 36% among 50 year-olds in 1996.

Where are Baby Boomers Planning to Move?

For today's 80 million Boomers, the choices vary on where to spend their retirement years. During its 50-year history, Del Webb has found that some consumers choose to retire in place, in the city where they currently live and, potentially, near family and grandchildren. Alternatively, some consumers seek warmer climates such as those found in Arizona and Florida.

According to the 2010 Del Webb Baby Boomer Survey, the Carolinas have emerged as the preferred destination for retirement, while perennial favorites, Florida and Arizona, remain top contenders. Both younger and older Baby Boomers ranked either North or South Carolina first as their preferred location in retirement-with the other Carolina ranking as their second choice. Del Webb currently has six communities in the Carolinas, with five of them opening since 2006 to address this interest in the region as a growing retirement destination.

"There is a huge opportunity to serve this demographic not only in destination locations, but in their own backyard," said Steve Petruska, chief operating officer of PulteGroup, Inc. (Del Webb is a brand of PulteGroup). "While many of them look for a highly amenitized community, some consumers want to be close to urban amenities. These consumers want their community to be located near shopping/retail, restaurants and cultural amenities in the area, or near their family, church and friends. With Del Webb's diverse product offerings and community locations, we are poised to capture this growing demographic."

Factors in Moving

Among Baby Boomers looking to move, the most important factors in deciding where to relocate weighed heavily toward an area's cost of living and access to preferred healthcare programs, 81% and 66% for the younger Boomers. Surprisingly, cultural and recreational amenities, as well as a more favorable climate, ranked higher than being close to family members, including parents, children and/or grandchildren.

For current Del Webb residents, those who plan to move again consider both access to healthcare and cultural/recreational amenities as the most important factors at 71%, with the cost of living a concern among 70% of these respondents. Being close to their grandchildren ranked second to last in consideration at 44%.

According to Blake, this survey confirms that Baby Boomers want, need and do lead an active social life. "Their day planners are more scheduled today than ever before and they would have it no other way," she said. "They want to take their hard-earned money and stretch those dollars in a community that gives them confidence, not only in the stability of the market, but also a vibrant life. It's great if that community is near their children or grandchildren. But, if it's not, that's okay, too."

 

Boomers are Moving - The SRES Designation Sets Realtors Apart

With the SRES designation addressing the fastest growing market segment in real estate, Boomer Authority^TM Association and SRES have launched the first "Value-Added SRES Designation Program" for real estate professionals serving the 50+ demographic.

The Boomer and Senior Market
Why are 50-plus clients moving? To be closer to grandchildren. To start that vineyard they've always dreamed of. To address health concerns. The list goes on and on. Can you speak to the unique motivation they have? Do you know how to counsel your client on their options? This is the kind of distinction that can set you apart.

Through Boomer Authority^TM as a Value-Added SRES designee, you'll be able to immediately:
> Join a group of REALTORS® who comprise one of the fastest growing networks in the country.
> Register online for courses available in over 50 states and provinces.
> Connect to a nationally advertised brand in the consumer market.
> Market your personal brand with designs and tools you receive with membership.
> Create your own "Optimized Landing Page" on Boomer Authority^TM, which will extend and expand your personal brand, reach 1000s of 50+ Boomer Boomers that are in immediate need of your expertise, and ultimately help you secure new listings and sales and generate incremental revenue.
.
Each SRES Designee can use their Optimized Profile Page on Boomer Authority^TM as a custom "Landing Page" which explains in detail how you, as a professional SRES Realtor, can help a Baby Boomers and Seniors with their real estate needs.
.
SRES Designation Program
The SRES® 12-hour designation program instructs REALTORS® to profitably and ethically serve the real estate needs of clients age 50+. Includes first year membership in SRES Council and its umbrella of services.
.
SRES Designation Requirements:
Three (3) requirements must be met to attain and use the SRES® designation:
1. Successful completion of the two-day SRES® Designation Course, including an 80% passing grade on the exam.
2. Maintain active membership in the National Association of REALTORS®
3. Maintain active membership in the SRES Council.
.
The first year membership in the SRES Council is included in the SRES Designation Course fee. However, every year thereafter will require payment of annual dues of $99. Membership in Boomer Authority^TM is always free.
For information on the course outline and learning objectives, click here.
.
Display the Badge of Distinction with Pride on your Blog or Website
.

..
SRES Designation Badge
Upon certification, you will be authorized to display on your web site or blog this distinctive badge recognizing your professional status and association with SRES and Boomer Authority^TM.
.
Your Boomer Authority^TM Optimized Landing Page
Below are the key components for the creation of your custom landing page:
1. Professional profile - You may use as many words as needed with embedded links, photos & a thumbnail. Visit a typical Optimized Landing Page on Boomer Authority^TM HERE.
2. Service offer - An explanation of the offer, fees, how will you deliver your service (i.e. telephone, conference call, webinar, in-person, etc), etc.
3. Area of real estate expertise - (i.e. town, city, etc.)
4. Upload pictures and video to your personal page.
.
Third-Part Application & Widgets
Boomer Authority^TM has many useful applications to help promote your services: you may upload videos, third-party widgets, photos, RSS Feed your blog or radio show, and much, much more. Visit the Applications available to you right from your Profile Page. And, of course, you may edit your Profile Page on-demand 24/7. There is no cost for third party applications.
.
If you have authored a book, you may have it listed for free and available for purchase at the Boomer Authority^TM [Book Store].
.
Already Have SRES Designation
You immediately qualify for membership in Boomer Authority^TM if you have already successfully completed the SRES Designation program. Learn more about joining Boomer Authority^TM click here.
.
.

 

States with No Sales Tax

States With No Sales Tax

Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon do not have a sales taxes. While some States have a uniform rate. others allow counties and municipalities impose a local option tax onto the base tax rate. States with a single rate include Connecticut, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The highest sales tax are found in:

California (7.25%
Mississippi (7.0%)
New Jersey (7.0%)
Tennessee (7.0%
Rhode Island (7.0%
Minnesota (6.5%)
Nevada (6.5%)
Washington (6.5%)

The final tax will be higher, though, in those jurisdictions which permit a local option tax.

 

 

States with No Personal Income Tax

States With No Personal Income Taxes

Several States, notably Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming have no personal income taxes, and in Tennessee and New Hampshire, income taxes are imposed only on dividends and interest.

 

 

Austin Off Leash!

Auditorium Shores 920 W. Riverside Dr. from South First to Bouldin Avenue

Bull Creek District Park 6701 Lakewood Dr.area of the park behind the restrooms (100 yards in length) all the way to the creek

Emma Long Metropolitan Park 1600 City Park Rd. between City Park Road, the west park boundary fence, Turkey Creek and the top ridge of the bluff line overlooking Lake Austin only.(the main park from cashier's booth to Lake Austin is NOT a leash free area)

Far West Far West Boulevard right of way between Great Northern Boulevard and Shoal Creek Boulevard

Northeast District Park 5909 Crystalbrook Dr. between Crystal Brook Drive, the railroad right of way and Decker Lake Road

Norwood Estate IH35 at Riverside Drive on the north end of Travis Heights at the northwest corner of Riverside Drive and IH-35 (fenced in)

Red Bud Isle 3401 Red Bud Trail Unit Cr. whole park

Onion Creek District Park 7001 Onion Creek Dr. East portion of Greenbelt and south of William Cannon

Shoal Creek Greenbelt 2600-2799 Lamar Blvd.between 24th and 29th Streets

Walnut Creek District Park 12138 N. Lamar Blvd. between Old Cedar Lane, Walnut Creek and the east and west park fences

West Austin Park 1317 W. 10th St. between fenced in area that is located on the southwest corner

Zilker Park 2100 Barton Springs Rd.soccer field area

 

Austin Spring Events

THE AUSTIN POETRY SLAM Mike Henry and a rotating group of slam ninjas captain the crew that has all the best of stand-up, pomo theatre, rock & roll, and phone sex rolled into one cosmic-heat blast. You thought it rocked before, check out its new all-ages power in the Independent. Wednesdays, 8pm. The Independent at 501 Studios, 501 N. I-35, 485-3001. $5 (21 and older). http://www.austinslam.com (Litera)

THE FLAMING IDIOTS The three brainy acrobats (Pyro, Gyro, and Walter, by stage name) who conjure shows of pure entertainment are reunited and returned to Zach Theatre with their manic antics. Juggling, balancing, wacky shenanigans and impressive skills: Recommended for the whole family! Held over through March 28. Wed.-Sat., 8pm; Sun., 2pm. Zach Theatre, 1421 W. Riverside, 476-0594; 1510 Toomey; 1510 Toomey, 476-0541. $20-45. (Theatre)

 

Forbes.com Ranks Austin the 8th Best Place for Business and Careers

Happy New Year Austin

Austin is hopping this time of year!  While much of the country is dealing with snow blizzards, record low temps and downright gnarly driving conditions Austinite’s are merely business as usual with its mild weather and hubbub of happenings.  Austin rang in the New Year with lots of fireworks and outdoor festivities culminating with the burning of 34 foot, intricately carved wooden clock at Auditorium Shores on Town Lake.  This “burning” of something tangible signified the passing of time - as in 365 days of time!  Time does seem to burn up fast, but there is not a minute to waste in this city because Austin never slows down when it comes to fitness.

With the holidays come a lot of parties, but no worries about Austinite’s packing on the extra pounds - young, old and in-between take to the trails,
the water via kayaks and canoes, and the bike paths with a vigorous determination.  Not a hint of the bad economy out on the fitness trails - the exercise and the mild weather make the grim financial news a little less insufferable in Austin. 

The economy in Austin is still experiencing less of a downturn, or at least a slower paced one than other areas of the country.  Housing prices have fallen,
as well as new home starts, but the rate is far below the national average which speaks to the continued growth of the Austin population as many still desire to relocate to this fascinating cultural and musical mecca, with its boundless sunshine.  If the energy exuding from this city doesn’t lure you
in the abundance of restaurants and the entertainment will.  Look for highlights from both in next month’s blog!

More Blog Posts

The Villages in Florida Have Events 364 Days a Year and over 1400 Clubs!

Fort Collins, Colorado Top Ranked by Money Magazine, a Best Boomer Town

Prescott Top Places to Retire - Talking Rock Ranch Top 50 Planned Communities

Camarillo Dog Park

Dream of Owning a Home in Athens, Georgia Area?

Asheville, NC Summer Fun Drum Circle, Downtown After Five, Largest Comedy Festival in the Southeast!

Pinehurst, NC Summer Events Include Fabulous Golf, Jazz, Fireworks, Concerts & Fun!

Chapel Hill, North Carolina Summer Events Include Festivals, Wine, Beer, BBQ & Gourmet Food Tour!

Discover Aiken, South Carolina Summer Events - Cycle, Mighty Moo Festival, Fishing Tournament & More

Boomers Visiting Athens, Georgia Brewery Tours, Shake Fest, Music Awards or 4th of July!