More Americans Considering Tennessee for Retirement Than Ever Before

NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 27 -- The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development issued the following news:

The natural beauty, historic communities, four-season climate, lure of no state income taxes and low property taxes make Tennessee an attractive destination for those looking to make the most of their golden years, landing the state atop several lists of "best places to retire."

Tennessee is one of only four states with retiree recruitment as a formal program and continues to gain momentum as a potential retirement destination for more than 78 million baby boomers. Tennessee was recently ranked No. 4 in the 10 Best States for Retirement 2016 by Kiplinger.com, the popular personal finance and business publication.

To help retirees find the Tennessee community that is right for them, Retire Tennessee recently launched a bold new brand identity, "The Good Life. Only Better," and a new website, www.RetireTennessee.org, offering information on health care, experiences, shopping, retirement developments and communities, testimonials and sample housing stock for all 22 Tennessee counties currently participating in the program.

The site also features immersive video and photos, as well as an interactive map and cost-of-living calculator. Site visitors can request free printed information or a copy of the Official Tennessee Vacation Guide, or click-through to visit each county's website. Site visitors can also request free printed information or a copy of the Official Tennessee Vacation Guide, or click-through to visit each county's website.

Florida is the number one state of residence for those inquiring about retirement options in Tennessee, followed by New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, California, Michigan, Ohio and Texas.

Retire Tennessee is a program of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, as research has shown that most people visit the state an average of five times before choosing to retire in Tennessee. Now in its 12th year, Retire Tennessee inspired more than 8,000 inquiries from potential retirees last year.

Official Retire Tennessee counties include Anderson, Campbell, Carter, Cumberland, Dickson, Franklin, Hamblen, Hamilton, Hardin, Henderson, Jefferson, Loudon, Maury, Monroe, Putnam, Roane, Robertson, Sullivan, Sumner, Unicoi, Warren and Washington.

Every community participating in the Retire Tennessee program must first meet criteria which recognizes communities and developments that possess the resources and amenities to attract today's retiree. Many of the Retire Tennessee communities also have the American Association of Retirement Communities Seal of Approval further vetting them as an ideal destination to retire.

"What Tennessee offers makes it vital we expand our ability to serve those making retirement decisions," Commissioner Kevin Triplett, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development said. "Tennessee's low cost of living, which includes no state income tax and low property taxes, four distinct but mild seasons, an incredible quality of life with breathtaking scenic beauty combined with heritage, culture and the arts, offer an ideal setting for those looking to relocate."

Ramay Winchester, director of tourism initiatives, has managed the Retire Tennessee program since its inception and has seen firsthand the effects of the program on each of its communities.

"The success of this program is evidence of Tennessee's remarkable quality of life. Our Retire Tennessee counties are the crown jewels in attracting new residents that bring even more vitality to our state," Winchester said. "Active retirees relocating to these communities help stimulate the economy, while bringing their knowledge and time to actively invest in their new home."

The numbers of inquiries to Tennessee from advertising and expos were at a high this past year. In addition to offering information via its website, Retire Tennessee also attends a number of Ideal Living Resort & Retirement Expos in locations such as New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Philadelphia and greater Washington, D.C. to promote Tennessee as a retirement destination. Twenty-nine percent (29%) of attendees to the expos checked an interest in Tennessee last year. Interest has increased 24 percent from when the program first started.

For more information on the Retire Tennessee program, visit, www.retiretennessee.org, or call Ramay Winchester at 615-975-4237.

About the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development is to motivate travel to and within Tennessee by inspiring enjoyment, creating memories, producing a desire to return, and establishing key long-term relationships that result in visitors becoming residents. The promise of Tennessee--the birthplace of the blues, bluegrass, country, gospel, soul, and rock 'n' roll--is to be the global music destination of choice. To deliver an unparalleled experience of beauty, history, and family adventure, infused with music that creates a vacation that is the "Soundtrack of America. Made in Tennessee."

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