The Retirement Migration of U.S. Veterans,1960,1970,1980,and 1990

Abstract

This study compares migration patterns during four decades and profiles the demographic characteristics of veteran and nonveteran migrants ages 60 and older in 1990. A substantial increase in veteran migration was expected when World War II veterans retired. With minor exceptions, the top 10 destinations for veterans in the past two censuses are states in the Sunbelt and Pacific Northwest that are well-known for the attraction of their amenities. The nonveteran migrants show a much wider geographic range that includes the Sunbelt states as well as states in the Northeast and Midwest. The profile of migrant characteristics suggests that differences may be due, in part, to age and gender differences of veterans, who are younger, on average, and nearly all male. The life course migration model helps to put this finding in perspective.

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