Seniors still take a bite out of the Big Apple

"It's wonderful to have a smorgasbord of cultural activities to choose from, even if you only make plans on short notice," says Frorup, on her way to explore the Brooklyn Museum of Art's First Saturday series. "And in the summer, New York is incomparable. Besides the many discounted cultural events, there are so many free concerts and other events going on."

James Shields, another New York retiree, concurs.

To his thinking, the convenience of not needing a car, the many possibilities for peer learning, and the broad availability and affordability of events and activities combine to make urban retirement an attractive option.

"When I retired, I gave serious thought to where I wanted my primary residence to be," says this professor emeritus of the City University of New York. "Ultimately, I decided to live near natural scenery within an urban setting." So he moved to an apartment overlooking the Hudson River, within walking distance of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

"If I'd retired out in the country, I wouldn't have the same opportunities to engage in activities focused on international issues," explains Mr. Shields. "You can get a rich experience here without too much effort. For any interests you have, you have a much better chance of meeting people who share your pursuits."

Of course, the urban retiree experience isn't all roses.

"Housing is the killer," says Donius.

"The cost of buying or renting an apartment space is the biggest negative for people coming into the city," he adds. "But suburbanites generally have adequate money, since they are selling a large home after their children leave.

"I look at my housing costs as my 'country club dues' for a great adventure. Also, this real estate has been a far better investment for my three children's inheritance than Wall Street."

Shields agrees. "A number of older couples and singles from New Jersey and other places, who sold their homes, are now living in my building," he says.

"I guess I bought my apartment at the right time, because in the last 1-1/2 years, its value has increased to $400,000. I couldn't buy it today."

In fact, the average price of a Manhattan apartment soared to a record high of $919,959 in the third quarter of this year, according to the Douglas Elliman Manhattan Market Report.

Jean Dorsey, a retired systems consultant who made a conscious decision to remain in Manhattan, is chairperson of her tenants association. "I'm fighting to keep housing costs in line with reality," she says. "Housing is the culprit of retiring in New York."

So despite optimistic, comprehensive sources such as Janet Hays' guidebook, "Retire in New York City - Even if You're Not Rich," inflated urban housing costs and other trends do discourage some urban retirees.

Nevertheless, their numbers are mounting, as are the numbers of seniors who are cultural tourists.

"In 2002, approximately 30 percent of New York City's domestic leisure visitors were age 50 or older," says Amy Solomonson, senior manager of communications of NYC and Company. "We have a section on our website for seniors, detailing senior discounts throughout the city [www.nycvisit.com/seniors]."

The website also offers information on a favorite New York pastime: walking tours.

"Like Paris or London, New York is a great place to walk," says Frorup.

"I love to walk to Washington Square Park," says Donius. "I read there for hours sometimes."

Adds Ms. Dorsey: "I like walking to the corner to take the No. 7 bus to go to the theater. I still want to do that when I'm 90."

Page: 1 | 2