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                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, February 11, 1992                   TAG: 9202110147
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-3   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: The Associated Press
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

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BLACKSBURG COULD BE HOT RETIREMENT SPOT

Your Money magazine says Blacksburg will become one of the most popular U.S. retirement spots in the beginning of the 21st century.

David Savageau, "Retirement Places Rated" author, said in the most recent issue that such well-known retirement centers as Miami, Phoenix and San Diego are losing appeal because people are deciding not to live in urban areas with large communities of retirees.

Retirees are moving to areas where home and living costs are below national averages and a relatively large population center is nearby. He said the attraction to moderate climates also is strong.

Cost of living is a key element in determining where retirees will move in the next 10 to 15 years, Savageau said.

Blacksburg fits into retirees' categories, he said. The cost of living is 99 percent of the national average. The typical home is $101,900. The annual salary needed for moderate living is $30,700. The average high temperature is 46 in January and 85 in July.

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