Associated Press - July 2007
ATLANTA - Urban renewal plans that favor mass transit, encourage walking, and allow older people to downsize while staying in their neighborhoods are the reasons that led the AARP to recognize Chandler, Atlanta, Boston's Beacon Hill, Milwaukee and Portland, Ore. as the best places for seniors to live. "What they have in common is that city planners are aggressively making plans to accommodate older residents," said Steve Slon, editor of AARP The Magazine.
The September/October issue profiling the cities will be distributed this week.
While each city is obviously different - from hot to freezing, from expensive and historic to inexpensive and fitness-oriented - they all have taken the lead in becoming friendlier places to live in for people over 50, Slon said.
Chandler was cited for its programs like cab coupons that also help seniors who might not be able to drive, in addition to sunny weather and a much cheaper cost of living than the East Coast cities selected.
In Atlanta, Slon said the AARP looked at city initiatives promoting mixed-income housing as well as mixed-use living in areas like Atlantic Station.
