The Ties that Bind

This article proposes a typology of migration based on duration of annual residence in planned retirement communities. The categories of the typology-seasonal in-migrant, seasonal out-migrant, seasonal traveler, and year-round resident-are used to classify a sample of households in a southwestern retirement community. The findings suggest that out-of-state children and ties to small towns are inhibiting influences on permanent relocation after retirement. Facilitating factors associated with seasonal migration include: a spouse in the household, higher socioeconomic status, and the absence of health restrictions on activities.