AARP Says NYC Headed for "Boomer Flight"; Hundreds of Thousands of Baby Boomers Set to Leave NYC, Taking Billions in Retirement Dollars with Them

New AARP Analysis Details Head Count and Dollar Amount of Boomers Fleeing NYC - Assoc. Says Key Concerns at Root

NEW YORK, Dec. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- It's "Boomer flight" says AARP – Baby Boomers leaving New York City en masse, carrying with them tens of billions in retirement dollars and lost money to the local economy every year. An AARP survey of New York City's voters 50+ in November found more than half of Baby Boomers (50-64 year olds) said they plan to leave the city when they retire. Today, the Association released a new analysis detailing the head count and dollar amount that go with "Boomer flight."

762,087 Baby Boomers (roughly 53%), according to the AARP analysis, are expected to leave the city to retire elsewhere in the coming years, taking anywhere from roughly $12 billion (based on the average yearly Social Security benefit for New Yorkers of $15,600) to a startling $21 billion (based on the average annual retirement income of $28,000 for people 65 or older) a year out of New York City.

The figures, based on recent estimates, are conservative. And they'll only get bigger down the road, carrying with them a multiplier effect of lost revenue on the NYC economy. It's an economic drain that AARP says doesn't have to happen.

"Dollar figures aside, we're concerned about why so many Boomers are leaving New York City," said Beth Finkel, State Director for AARP in New York State.  "By making some policy changes, we can make it easier for the age group to live, work and retire right here in New York City."

"Boomer flight" from NYC:

• 53% of Baby Boomers say they'll leave NYC in retirement.
• Based on today's U.S. Census numbers, that's 762,087 Boomers.
• $12 billion to $21.3 billion, the annual total of retirement dollars expected to go with them.
• 59% worry about their ability to pay rent in the coming years (even more alarming considering 61% rent).
• 52% are extremely or very concerned about affording their utility bills (Con Ed's residential customers already pay more than twice -117% above- the national average for their electricity).
• 35% say crime or personal safety is a major problem.
• 45% are caregiving for a loved one.

Here's why the incoming de Blasio administration may want to take note: 75% of Baby Boomers voted for Mayor-elect de Blasio - the group made up the largest voting bloc, accounting for 35% of all ballots cast in the NYC mayoral election, according to exit polls conducted by Edison Research.

"Literally, the group that elected Bill de Blasio mayor is saying they are leaving the city to retire elsewhere," added Finkel. "The reasons driving them to do so should be on the front-burner and a huge concern for the incoming administration as well the City Council."

AARP says making some key issues for the age group priorities could help prevent "Boomer flight:" providing affordable housing, fighting soaring utility costs, helping to make New York more age-friendly, and establishing better supports, services and resources to caregivers.    

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AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity of AARP that is working to win back opportunity for struggling Americans 50+ by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today: housing, hunger, income and isolation. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

SOURCE AARP New York