Nearly Half of Chicago Seniors Have Considered Moving Away

A survey of more than 800 registered voters 50 and older commissioned by the Illinois chapter of the AARP found many senior Chicagoans worry about being able to remain in the city, reports WTTW . Forty-four percent of respondents have seriously mulled leaving in the last year, and 41 percent worry at least "somewhat often" about being unable to stay due to financial reasons. The three biggest reasons for considering relocation include the overall cost of living, reduced taxes, and wanting to live in a safer community. "AARP Illinois has typically not gotten involved in local politics," said AARP Illinois State Director Bob Gallo. "But our members wanted us to be more local and to share their voice." The survey found among the most important issues for seniors are reducing crime and violence, better services for vulnerable residents, and jobs and the economy.