Florida Growth Runs Out of Gas

Sun Belt boom may be ending

(NEWSER) - After a generation, the Sun Belt’s population boom may be ending, new Census data suggest. Over the year ending July 1, more people left Florida than moved there for the first time in some 30 years; after 23 years in the top four fastest-growing states, Nevada fell to eighth place, USA Today reports. Were a Congressional reallocation held today, eight states would lose a House seat. More»

Housing bust leads to 'age desegregaton'

(NEWSER) - A rash of vacancies caused by the ugly housing market has prompted many retirement communities to consider lowering, or even eliminating, age restrictions, the Wall Street Journal reports. Many of the communities enjoy lower taxes, and child- and teen-free living appeals to some seniors. But what's being call "age desegregation" may be necessary to keep these enclaves afloat during the economic downturn. More»

As foreclosures mount in exurbs, Republican voters shift allegiances

(NEWSER) - Having played a central role in the GOP’s 2004 organizing success, America's exurbs are swinging to the left as a result of the housing crunch, the LA Times reports. With sliding home prices and soaring foreclosure rates, voters in high-growth counties across the country are growing anxious and turning away from Republicans. More»

U.S. News susses out the 10 spots that offer the most to retirees on a limited budget

(NEWSER) - Cost of living isn't the only important factor when deciding on a place to retire. Weather, proximity to cities, airports, entertainment and hospitals are also play a part. U.S. News considered all the angles and came out with these top picks:

1. Boone, North Carolina
2. Dahlonega, Georgia
3. Fredericksburg, Texas
4. Kennebunk, Maine
5. Melbourne Beach, Florida

Well, after being mistaken for a robber and having his head kicked by police...

(NEWSER) - It's not every day that you walk into a bank planning to cash a $100 check—and ultimately find yourself $3.3 million richer. That's what happened to Rodolfo Valladares, just not quite that smoothly. Valladares, sporting a Miami Heat hat, walked into a Florida Bank of America in July 2008 to cash said check. A teller mistakenly identified him as a robber who had been hitting area banks—in a Heat cap. She set off the silent alarm, and things went south for Valladares, who was handcuffed by police and kicked in the head, reports the Miami Herald . More»