You know, I very much enjoy these blogs of yours when you're traveling. I learn such interesting things about this country. Now I have this really strong urge to Google Hattiesburg and find out why it's certified.

ETA: Found it!!! Don't you just love the internet?

What is a Certified Retirement Community program?

There are 5 states that have created Certified Retirement Community Programs. Of these, West Virginia calls them "Designated Retirement Communities". The purpose of these retirement community programs and lists is to encourage economic development. The prospect of 76 million baby boomers nearing retirement has caught the attention of many states and communities because the economic benefits to the places where they end up retiring are enormous. States not only want to encourage new residents to retire in their communities, but they also want to keep existing residents from moving away. Louisiana estimates that the economic impact of a retiree household is the equivalent of 3.7 factory jobs.

The 5 states that have publicized their certification programs are:

- Texas certified retirement community program

- Louisiana certified retirement community program

- Mississippi certified retirement community program

- Kentucky certified community information

- West Virginia Designated Retirement Community

 

To qualify as a Certified Retirement City in Mississippi's program each town must pass through a three-month intensive screening process conducted by Hometown Mississippi Retirement, the state's official retiree attraction program. Each city is evaluated on criteria important to retirees - affordable cost of living, low taxes, low crime rate, quality medical care,

recreation, educational and cultural opportunities, and most importantly - a warm, welcoming community.

The programs hope to inform prospective retirees of the benefits of living in these communities.

You didn't miss much but a horrible traffic jam.

Certified Retirement Community means that nothing is going on here, ever went on here or is likely to occur here.