AARP Hearing Center
Alamy, Getty Images, Istock
Best Cities for Older Job Seekers
Not only is the grass greener on the other side, but it turns out the greenbacks might be, too. We’ve identified 10 towns that provide above-average opportunities forjob seekers age 50and up, along with a higher quality of life because of cultural amenities, good health care facilities, public transportation and other factors. Ready to look for your next opportunity? Consider the following cities
Alamy
Atlanta
Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that job growth in the greater Atlanta area rose 2.7 percent over the past year — the ninth-best increase among large metro areas in the country. “The employment outlook right now in Atlanta is good, and there is considerable interest in hiring experienced people,” says Tom Cunningham, chief economist for the Metro Atlanta Chamber. Plus, he notes that Atlanta boasts a cost of living that’s 98 percent of the national average, the median home price is only a little over $250,000, property taxes are fairly low and personal income tax is graduated between only 1 and 6 percent. And the icing on the cake? “You can golf pretty much year-round,” Cunningham says.
The Christian Science Monitor/Getty Images
Austin, Texas
Hiring prospects are rosy in Austin, where the unemployment rate ranks fifth best (at a low 3.2 percent) and employment growth places 17th best (2.2 percent) among major metro areas, based on BLS numbers. “Austin’s economy will expand strongly over the coming year, lifted by information technology, professional services and a range of personal services including health care,” says Koropeckyj. In addition, she expects the influx of well-paid professionals to drive gains in the housing market and broader economic growth for the area over the long-term.
Istock
Dallas
Dallas had the sixth-highest year-over-year employment rate increase (3.3 percent) for a large metro area, according to the newest BLS data. It’s also a popular destination, with a 3 percent increase in residents between the ages of 50 and 69 from 2009 and 2014, say Headlight Data, an online data tool, and the U.S. Census Bureau. “The Dallas region is one of the leading major metro job producers in the country,” says Olivia Breedlove, director of communications and marketing for the Dallas Regional Chamber, who adds that the region’s average annual wage was $49,300 in 2015 and 426,000 new jobs are projected by 2021. Plus, with no state income tax and housing prices 24 percent lower than the national average, Dallas remains an affordable relocation destination.
More on work
Top Cities for Older Job Seekers
Where are the best job markets for older workers?
Recommended for You