Chicago couple wins one year of rent-free living in Tallahassee

June 29, 2016

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) -- Most people moving to Tallahassee don't get a welcome greeting from the mayor himself.

But then again, they're not Glenn and Loujean Nelson. The couple from Chicago are the 2016 winners of the “Why I’d Love to Retire in Tallahassee Contest."

Put on by Choose Tallahassee, the organization grants one lucky couple 55 years and older a $41,000 prize package. Part of that includes rent-free living in Tallahassee.

The Nelson's say they applied because the city offers the best of both worlds.

"I love college football so bam there we were. College football and close to the coast. You can't beat that,” said Glenn and Loujean Nelson.

Right now, 18 percent of Tallahassee’s population are at least 50 years of age and older. David Bruns, the Chair of Choose Tallahassee, believes tapping into that demographic will open up many doors for this area.

"Not only through the economic benefits that they bring, but through their volunteer strengths. Through their entrepreneurial spirit, through the resources that they bring. These are folks who for the most part have a couple of nickels to rub together,” said Bruns.

The other prizes include free dining at local restaurants and tickets to concerts, and sporting events.

But if you ask the Nelsons, the biggest prize is soaking up the Florida sunshine whenever they want.

"No more, no more snow,” said Loujean Nelson

The Nelsons said they plan to move to Tallahassee early this fall.