Best Boomer Towns - Town Blogs

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Display the Badge of Distinction with Pride on your Blog or Website
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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.
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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.
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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.
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If you have authored a book, you may have it listed for free and available for purchase at the Boomer Authority^TM [Book Store].
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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.
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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.

 

 

Prescott Area Dog Parks

PRESCOTT

Willow Creek Dog Park
3181 Willow Creek Rd. & Commerce Dr.
Open 7 A.M.-10 P.M.
Fenced, benches, tables, covered Ramada, parking,
restrooms, water, agility equipment, and trash cans.
Separate acre for small dogs.
Prescott Parks and Recreation
(928) 777-1122

PRESCOTT VALLEY

Mountain Valley Park
8600 East Nace (just off of Nace Lane)
Almost 2 acres of open space. Fenced, handicap accessible,
agility equipment, benches, shade, parking, and water.
Dogs must be vaccinated.
Prescott Valley Parks and Recreation
(928) 772-9207

CHINO VALLEY

Community Dog Park and Training Field
Rd. 1 East & Perkinsville
1.25 Acres, Future site-Work in Progress.
Questions, contact Vicki
(928) 710-1684

 

Prescott Events and Another Daily Flight to LAX

The biggest events: 

6/27 - 28 - Bluegrass Festival - Courthouse Plaza - FREE!

6/29 - 7/5 - Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo

7/3 - 5  - Frontier Days Arts & Crafts Show

7/4 - Prescott Frontier Days Parade

7/11 - 12 - Indian Art Market - Sharlot Hall Museum

8/28 - 30 - Prescott Jazz Summit

Horizon Adds 2nd LAX Flight   Air service to Los Angeles from Prescott will increase Aug. 23.  The airline has announced a second daily flight to LAX.  Daily service (Sunday - Friday) will now include flights leaving Prescott at 12:20 pm and 5:05 pm, with return flights leaving LAX at 9:20 am and 3:10 pm.  Saturday has one flight leaving LAX at 1:00 and leaving Prescott at 2:55 pm.  

Sept. 1 Primary Election   Thirteen candidates will be on the primary election ballot for Prescott.  Voters will be selecting a mayor and three members of the City Council.  Voters will also be asked to extend an existing sales tax for 20 more years to fund streets and roads throughout the community.  If adopted, the City will be able to bond for street project projects--something they are are not able to do now since the existing tax is set to expire at the end of 2015.  The Chamber supports the proposed extension of the tax. 

Candidate Information The Chamber has invited all candidates running for mayor and council to be interviewed by the Chamber's Government Affairs Committee and Board.  We also plan to publish an on-line voter's guide, and we will co-sponsor a candidates' forum Wednesday, Aug. 5 at Yavapai College.  There will be a "meet and greet" in the lobby of the Performance Hall from 5:00 - 6:00, followed by the forum from 6:30 - 8:30.

Council Says "No" to Further Delay of Impact Fees    Despite opposition from the Chamber and others, the new impact fees for water and wastewater will go into effect next month.  The new fees had been delayed for six months, but the lost revenues caused by the delay led the Council to not change the implementation date of the new fees.

Prescott Young Professionals   The Chamber is pleased to announce the formation of Prescott Young Professionals, a division of the Chamber with programs and networking opportunities specifically for business men and women between the ages of 21 - 40.  Employees of Chamber members can join PTP for $25 annually.  For membership information, check the Prescott PYP website.

Courthouse Plaza Honored   The downtown Courthouse plaza in Prescott has made the list of the top ten public spaces in America.  The American Planning Association list puts Prescott in with such notables as Central Park in New York City and Union Station in Washington, D. C. 

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