Quality of life attributes spur growth in high amenity communities.

Abstract

Many communities located near high amenity public lands are growing rapidly (McGranahan 2005). The phenomenon behind the change is amenity migration-the relocation of people to areas rich in environmental and cultural resources and recreation opportunities (Johnson and Beale 2002, McCool and Kruger 2003; Green, Deller, and Marcouiller 2006). Migrants often visit an area as tourists and return as seasonal or intermittent visitors. Moving to these areas provides migrants with easier access to wilderness, recreation opportunities and a higher quality of life. They become permanent residents when they retire, negotiate the ability to work remotely, relocate their businesses or start new ones. Some continue as intermittent visitors, splitting time among multiple residences.

Citation

Kruger, Linda. 2006. Quality of life attributes spur growth in high amenity communities. Western Rural Development Center. 1(3): 2-5