Not widely seen as a source of economic development is the appeal this area has for folks 65-and-over.

A number of publications have recognized Spokane is considered is a good place to retire. At least if you don't mind winter (or can get away until April).

Another publication just agreed with that belief: Where to Retire magazine.

Editor Mary Lu Abbott in the latest issue wrote: "Spokane possesses qualities important to today’s retirees. Signs like rising home prices and falling inventory point to a rebounding housing market. Our eight locales, including Spokane, offer boomers excellent buys now, with the possibility for value appreciation in the future, as well as an active retirement lifestyle, ” Abbott said.

The other cities mentioned are Salem,  Reno, Palm Springs, Calif., Wilmington, N.C.; Marietta, Ga.; Hagerstown, Md. and Gainesville, Fla.

What's the business takeaway: Abbott summarizes it thus: Each year 700,000 Americans relocate to new towns to retire. Generally, relocating retirees are healthier, better educated and more affluent than those who choose to not relocate. They bring significant economic benefits to their new states and hometowns. Nationally, two dozen states and hundreds of towns seek to attract retirees as a source of economic development.

---

---