Tom Joyce-The Mount Airy News www.mtairynews.com

Staff Reporter

On the heels of one ranking listing Mount Airy among the “most-vulnerable” towns in America comes another highlighting the Granite City as one of the top retirement communities.

Local officials learned Monday that Mount Airy is now No. 22 on a list of the best places to retire, as compiled by Topretirements.com, a Web site where people share opinions on that subject. Its goal is to aid baby boomers in making informed choices about where they should spend their golden years.

The 25 most-desired communities represent those drawing the most online visits at Topretirements.com from March through October of this year. It reflects baby boomers’ thoughts on the best retirement towns as well as referrals by people viewing the Web site.

Asheville is considered the No. 1 place to retire to, based on the evaluation criteria.

The others in the top 25, in descending order, include Sarasota, Fla.; Prescott, Ariz.; Paris, Tenn.; Winston-Salem; Athens, Ga.; Green Valley, Ariz.; San Diego; Austin, Texas; Phoenix, Ariz.; Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada); Charlottesville, Va.; Fort Myers, Fla.; Venice, Fla.; Oxford, Ohio; Sedona, Ariz.; Gainesville, Fla.; Flagstaff, Ariz.; San Luis Obispo, Calif.; Old Saybrook, Conn.; San Antonio, Texas; Mount Airy; Beaufort, S.C.; Tucson, Ariz.; and Crossville, Tenn.

Mount Airy is hailed by Topretirements.com as having much “to attract active adults 55-plus.” It mentions a vital downtown with abundant wireless access, the city’s distinction as Andy Griffith’s hometown and the area’s traditional music heritage. Also cited are such attractions as the mountains located nearby and a moderate climate.

“There is plenty to do and see,” the Web site adds. “The tourism industry provides a source of jobs for retirees who are interested.

“Real estate might strike many as a bargain in Mount Airy,” the Topretirements.com description also states. “In 2005, the median sales price of a home was under $100,000. In 2006 and 2007, that value went into the low $100s.”

Local Reaction

Since Forbes magazine recently rated Mount Airy as No. 4 of a list of the most-vulnerable cities and towns in the U.S. based on such factors as unemployment, education, median income and mortgage debt, the retirement ranking was greeted with enthusiasm.

“Here is a list that Mount Airy is proud to be listed on,” commented Betty Ann Collins, the president and chief executive officer of the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce. On Monday, Collins had criticized the adverse ranking by Forbes as not illustrating the complete picture of Mount Airy’s viability.

Others were equally enthusiastic Tuesday about the latest rating.

“It shows that we’re doing what we need to do to capture the baby boomers,” Annalisa Davis, coordinator of the Surry County Senior Center on Jones School Road, said of the report. Davis deals with many retirees, including those who move here from other areas.

“I think they like the fact that the town’s not too small, it’s not too big,” Davis said. “The weather’s not too hot, or not too cold.” In addition, Mount Airy is well situated between the coast and mountains, she said.

“Also, the people here are very friendly. We have that Southern hospitality here.”

Downtown Mount Airy is another plus for the area, in Davis’ view. Some cities have central business districts that resemble “ghost towns,” she explained, “but Main Street here is very active.”

Peter Lydens knows first-hand the value of Mount Airy as a retirement community. After serving as its first city manager from 1961-63, and then moving on to other positions in various municipalities, he moved here in August 2007 to live out his retirement.

“I fell in love with Mount Airy,” he said of his tenure here in the early 1960s, when many fond memories were established.

“I am just absolutely probably the biggest booster, other than Betty Ann Collins, for the community,” Lydens said of the Chamber of Commerce official. He believes the city has much going for it now and also has a bright future.

“I think that’s very good,” he said of Mount Airy’s ranking as a top retirement community. Lydens said the city has been similarly recognized in recent years by such publications as Reader’s Digest and the Wall Street Journal.

Economic Benefits

Aside from helping the area grow in terms of population, the influx of retirees benefits the local economy, observers say.

“These people have more disposable income than the younger generation,” said Smith, the Surry County Senior Center coordinator.

Lydens said retirees who come here from other areas represent “a very healthy economic base” for the city.

“It’s an ideal match,” he said, pointing out that this segment of the population injects much money into the local economy while not taxing resources. For example, “they do not have children that impact the school system,” the former city manager said.

Along with the financial pluses, the incoming retirees’ many years of diversified experience and numerous talents add to the community, according to Lydens.

“It’s really a win-win situation.”