– Affluent baby boomer retirees are ditching Florida for southern Appalachia
– The newcomers, known as “halfbacks,” seek an escape from Florida’s extreme weather threats
– Southern Appalachian counties are experiencing rapid growth and development due to the influx of new residents from Florida and other states
Baby boomers are increasingly leaving Florida for southern Appalachia, seeking an escape from extreme weather threats. Many of these so-called “halfbacks” moved to Florida before settling in rural areas of southern Appalachia, such as parts of Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The population in these retirement and recreational areas in southern Appalachia has grown significantly, leading to increased development and demand for services.
In areas like Dawson County, Georgia, the population has swelled in recent years, reflecting the broader trend of affluent retirees moving to southern Appalachia. The average income in recreational and retirement counties in southern Appalachia has also increased, attracting retirees seeking a more peaceful and affordable lifestyle. However, some new residents fear that the region will eventually become overdeveloped like Florida, with suburban sprawl encroaching on rural areas.
Despite the growth and development in southern Appalachia, some residents express concern about maintaining the region’s unique character and quality of life. Local officials, like Dawson County’s chairman of the Board of Commissioners, acknowledge these concerns and seek to balance growth with preserving the area’s natural beauty and charm. Overall, the influx of baby boomers to southern Appalachia represents a shift in retirement migration patterns, with more retirees opting for the region’s mountains and countryside over Florida’s beaches and flatlands.