This research investigated the relationship of predisposing attributes of preretirees to the perceived importance of locational preferences during the first ten years of retirement. Multiple regression analyses and a Chi-square test were used to determine if seven predisposing attributes were related to ten locational preferences. Data were analyzed from a age-stratified random sample of 1003 preretirees age 40-65 in the three western states of Idaho, Oregon, and Utah. The data were collected in a mail survey in 1990 by the Western Regional Agricultural Experiment Station Committee (W-176). Gender, education, and income were significantly related to respondents' perceived importance of low cost of living. Females, individuals with lower income, and those with less education indicated a higher perceived importance for low cost of living. Gender and income were significantly related to respondents' perceived importance of employment opportunities. Employment opportunities were more important for females and individuals with lower income. Older respondents and females indicated a greater importance for convenience and care amenities. Older respondents, females, and respondents who had not moved, placed more importance on close proximity to family. Females and respondents with higher levels of education indicated greater importance for personal enrichment opportunities. The perceived importance of recreation was greater for males, younger respondents, and respondents with higher income and education. As age increased, the perceived importance for warm temperatures increased. Health was significantly related to perceived importance of accessible medical facilities, but there was no significant difference in health status and desired types of medical services. The findings of this study may assist policy makers, community planners, and the business sector in understanding the heterogeneous nature of the aging population. It may also assist in responsive long-range planning in accommodating future elderly. / Graduation date: 1994