Residential Relocation of Amenity Migrants to Florida: “Unpacking” Post-amenity Moves

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to unpack characteristics of interstate and intrastate moves undertaken by elderly amenity migrants. The authors examined these moves in the context of Litwak and Longino’s life-course typology of migration. Method: In an 11-year longitudinal study, the authors examined the first move made by respondents out of a large Florida retirement community where no services were offered. Data from premove and postmove in-person interviews were used. Results: This article found five distinct post-amenity move types, reflecting different degrees of dependency: (a) serial amenity moves, (b) positioning moves, (c) informal assistance moves, (d) formal assistance moves, and (e) dependency moves. Discussion: Findings of this study not only support Litwak and Longino’s migration typology but also elaborate and extend it. Only some older adults (20.4%) make counterstream assistance moves. Additional move types reflect new options for late-life migration to enhance person— environment fit.