States rushing to lure retirees. The oldest boomers (next week) will be turning 60. That’s the tip of the iceberg.

The seniors sweepstakes kicks into high gear this weekend as the first baby boomers turn 60 and states, cities and small towns mount ad campaigns to attract up-and-coming retirees.
Thomasville, Ga., is recruiting aging baby boomers, like Robert and Melody Porter, because they have spending power.

States and towns across the nation are stepping up recruiting efforts to persuade boomers to move there and boost local economies with their spending power.

Local officials are placing ads, attending retiree conferences and touting their communities on websites to entice boomers to spend their golden years with them.

"It’s the new economic development," says Dan Owens, a Charlotte consultant who works with cities to recruit boomers and other retirees. "This freight train is just a few steps from our doorstep now. The oldest boomers (next week) will be turning 60. That’s the tip of the iceberg. As more and more boomers get into their 60s, the market will just be exploding."

By Charisse Jones, USA TODAY