It’s a topic I deal with in my new book. Here’s a Washington Post story on how Arlington (the place where I work) is attracting not just the right out of college crowd but re-singled boomers looking for more excitement, zest and well, energy. (hat tip: Steven Pedigo)
May 21st, 2007 at 6:47 pm
The Creative Class books focus mostly on the younger creatives for all the reasons stated — they’re the most mobile, the future leaders, etc. I think it’s also important to recognize that the creative class includes all ages. Certainly older creatives are included in the census numbers that make up the tolerance and talent parts of Richard’s Three T’s. The older creatives run the firms that hire the younger ones, mentor them, teach them, finance their startups, buy their art, etc.
This article and the recent Invasion of the Empty Nesters both talk about the boomer age group looking for many of the same things as the 20 & 30 something’s in places to live. Its true in other areas of life too. The recent Kiplinger best city by age group relegates older folks to looking for cheap health care. But for creative class people of most any age street life, restaurants, outdoor recreation, art & music scene are the draws. I’ll bet that if you look at cities that are attracting younger creatives, they’re also attracting creative retirees — certainly true of Portland. They may live in different neighborhoods, but you’ll see them at many of the same events.