Every day, more than 10,000 more Americans turn 65 years old and the 65-and-older population grew by 34.2% during the past decade.

population, according to the Census Bureau's Vintage Population Estimates. There are more than 52 million Americans age 65 and older, comprising more than 16% of the U.S. 'Low property taxes, no state income tax and the elimination of the Hall tax all contribute to an excellent tax environment.' 'Absolutely we have come a long way in the past 10 years positioning ourselves as a great place to live, work, play and retire,' Vital says. Greg Vital, one of the founders of Morning Pointe Senior Living who has worked in the senior-living industry for more than two decades, said Tennessee senior living facilities of all types are drawing retirees from more expensive northern states, as well as many already-retired Florida residents who like the four seasons and milder climate of Tennessee.

'Our lower tax rates and cheaper housing, combined with the quality of life and natural beauty, are a real draw for our state.' 'We've seen a real uptick in retirees moving to Tennessee from higher-cost states like California,' says Zach Ledbetter, the director of outreach and engagement for the state Department of Tourist Development who heads the Retire Tennessee program that markets the Volunteer State to relocating retirees. More urban senior communities serving older people wanting the convenience of prepared meals and community events are drawing retirees from other states. Staff Photo by Matt Hamilton / A home with a view at Jasper Highlands in Jasper, Tenn. 'When they come here, they are all kind of pioneers in this together and they have quickly developed a bond and a community among folks from all different cities.' 'The pandemic caused a lot of people to think about what they really wanted, and we're definitely seeing people ready to move here now from all across the country,' says Dane Bradshaw, president of Thunder Enterprises, the developer of the 8,800-acre development in Marion County. With more open spaces, warmer weather and lower taxes and cost of living than most northern cities, Jasper Highlands developers have sold more than 1,100 parcels, primarily to retirees who plan to eventually make Jasper Mountain their main residence, if they haven't already. The Kruses moved into a new, 1,600-square-foot, two-bedroom home atop Jasper Mountain this spring and are quickly making Tennessee their home. 'Everyone here is so friendly and there certainly is a better climate here than up North,' Kruse says. The Illinois couple toured a variety of lake, mountain and other retirement resorts in East Tennessee and northern Georgia before deciding to buy into Jasper Highlands, a mountaintop development that has attracted retirees and near-retirees from 47 states and six foreign countries over the past decade. 'We immediately fell in love with Tennessee and knew someday we would retire here,' says Kirk Kruse, a former hospital manager who lived most of his life around Geneva, Illinois, west of Chicago. Kirk and Cindi Kruse first came to the Chattanooga area more than a decade ago when their son decided to enroll at Lee University in Cleveland.

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