Chris Gates, a 61-year-old pharmacist, left Miami Beach for Santa Fe due to rising climate concerns and financial pressures, particularly related to flooding and insurance costs in Florida. After advocating for local climate initiatives, he became frustrated with state-level climate inaction. His move to New Mexico offers not only financial savings of around $1,000 monthly but also a sense of security from the state's proactive climate strategies. Gates represents a growing trend among retirees seeking lower living costs and safer environments as climate risks escalate.
"I saw the writing on the wall," Gates told Business Insider. "I'm five years away from planned retirement, and I was worried about the cost of living and my quality of life. I've been through flooding in South Beach and still see people posting pictures of the same problems."
Gates is saving about $1,000 a month on home insurance and HOA fees, according to documents shared with BI. He also feels safer knowing that New Mexico has a statewide climate plan.
While there's little data indicating climate risks like hurricanes and wildfires are directly causing massive migration, Gates's story suggests it may become more of a factor.
Gates joins many older Americans who've moved in search of a lower cost of living for retirement, but is rare in that he left Florida - which still has a fast-growing population.
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