housing trends: Top 10 Retirement Living Trends of 2012 - 05/03/12 03:05 AM
Each year brings changing trends, including many changes to the typical active adult lifestyle. Now that the New Year is upon us, let’s take a look at some of the expected trends for 2012.
1. Smaller, More Urban Communities
Active adults who prefer city living will be happy to hear that there may be more urban communities in the near future. Builders are moving away from sprawling mega communities and are expected to turn toward small developments of 500 homes or less — developments which easily fit into urban areas.
2. Pickleball Courts
Over the past few years, pickleball has become … (1 comments)

housing trends: Boomers Are More Likely to Go Green Than Younger Adults - 02/12/12 05:05 AM
As the world population continues to grow and the earth’s natural resources become more limited, many people are waking up to the importance of eco-friendly or “green” practices. Homebuyers look for energy-efficient appliances and systems, eco-friendly materials and green building practices when shopping for their next new home. And it seems that Baby Boomers are helping to drive this important trend.
A recent study conducted by Del Webb suggests that Baby Boomers may be more likely to go green than younger adults. Fifty-four percent of the Baby Boomers surveyed said that they are interested in buying an electric car, and a … (1 comments)

housing trends: If a Man Designed the Perfect Home, It Would Include… - 01/19/12 06:18 AM
A few weeks ago we did a post on “If A Woman Designed the Perfect Home, It Would Include…” We got an overwhelming response from our female readers, and even had some great comments about other attractions our aspiring female architects would put in their ideal retirement homes. Well, men, it is your turn. What home features do you want most?
We gave the matter some thought and came up with some ideas for a man’s approach to the perfect retirement home:
A Man Cave
The idea of a “man cave” has caught on in recent years, but the term means … (0 comments)

housing trends: Introducing The Best Active Adult Community Search Tool, Ever - 01/05/12 03:58 AM
55Places.com is dedicated toward helping active adults find the community of their dreams, and that search just got a lot easier with our new Advanced Search feature. This intuitive search form lets you choose the elements you want in an active adult community and instantly see the results.
To get started, simply click on the “Advanced Search” link which is found below the search box in the top right corner of the home page or click on the Advanced Search icon on the search page. You will be taken to a form page with eight simple questions to help you select … (2 comments)

housing trends: Are Golf Courses in Active Adult Communities Becoming Extinct? - 12/30/11 07:34 AM
Not long ago, the terms “active adult community” and “golf course community” were practically synonymous. Early active adult communities were modeled after the success of Del Webb’s original Sun City development and that usually meant a sprawling community with thousands of homes and a spectacular golf course. Today, trends are changing.
Several new active adult communities are still being built with their own golf courses. They are designed to have a more traditional country club feel, with golf being a focal point of the recreational activities. The golf courses benefit everyone, in the sense that they provide lovely scenery for the … (1 comments)

housing trends: If Women Designed the Perfect Retirement Home, It Would Include… - 12/22/11 07:37 AM
In active adult communities, builders design homes to meet the needs of both men and women. But what if women were given a chance to design their own perfect retirement homes? Would they include the same features that men enjoy, or would women have their own approach?
Here are a few of our thoughts on some features that women would particularly enjoy:
A Walk-In Closet the Size of a Bedroom
The ultimate walk-in closet would be one replaced by a full fledged dressing room complete with appropriate clothing racks, shoe storage and full length mirrors. And don’t forget an upholstered chair … (4 comments)

housing trends: Active Adult Communities Aren’t Just For Social People - 12/20/11 03:16 PM
Some people are drawn to active adult communities for their many social opportunities, and others stay away for exactly the same reason. They worry that 55+ communities are filled with social butterflies and cheery Activities Directors who will be beating down their door to come join a club or take up a new hobby.
While social opportunities are often touted as part of a development’s amenities, they are in no way an obligatory part of living in an active adult community. Clubs, social events and classes are available for those who want to make use of them. Those who are less … (0 comments)

housing trends: One Couple, Two Master Bedrooms: Trends in Active Adult Living - 11/04/11 08:28 AM
When looking at new construction homes, it’s not uncommon to find many floor plans that offer two master bedroom suites. While you might assume that the second master bedroom is for overnight guests, it’s likely that the design was created to give the option of “his and hers” owner suites.
Though some are reluctant to discuss it, many happily married couples have found that sleeping in separate bedrooms has many benefits. Separate bedrooms are not necessarily a sign of a marital rift or the end of intimacy. In fact, many couples report having a better sex life after moving into their … (1 comments)

housing trends: New Home Construction Trends - Take Down These Walls! - 09/30/11 10:19 AM
Homebuyers who are venturing into the housing market after years in their traditional family homes may be surprised to discover the popularity of open floor plans. This is particularly true in active adult communities where there are many benefits to offering homes with these open, flowing designs.
A home with an open floor plan is one in which homebuyers will find one noticeable difference: a reduction in the number of interior walls. Instead of having a traditional layout with separate rooms throughout the main living area, an open floor plan is designed with a wide open space which can be used … (0 comments)

housing trends: The Importance of Outdoor Living Space in Your Retirement Home - 07/20/11 05:18 AM
The importance of outdoor living space for retirees ranks high on the list of importance when choosing an active adult community. In addition, retirees often relocate to areas that have beautiful climates with sunny summers and mild winters. This saves them from the drudgery of shoveling snow, and offers ample opportunities to pursue outdoor activities. To make the most of this fabulous weather, retirees are developing their outdoor living space in creative new ways.
A home’s outdoor living space refers to a number of different areas. It might include a covered patio, a spacious deck, an inviting front porch or a … (0 comments)

housing trends: Does Your Retirement Home Need a Basement? - 07/13/11 07:46 AM
Homebuyers who are accustomed to having a basement may be afraid that they won’t be able to get used to living in a home without this extra underground space. Yet when building a basement can potentially add $20,000 to $40,000 to the total home price, it is certainly an option that is worth careful consideration.
When it comes to building a home with an optional basement, the location will have a lot to do with the decision. In northern or midwestern climates, basements are found in most homes. Because of this, active adults who move away from these regions are often … (0 comments)

housing trends: Smaller Homes Selling Faster in Active Adult Communities - 06/25/11 04:27 PM
A recent study by the National Association of Home Builders shows that the homebuyers of today and tomorrow are more likely to buy smaller homes than in past years. By 2015, the average size of single-family homes is expected to be around 2,100 square feet. This trend certainly applies to active adult homebuyers as well, and 55+ community builders are adjusting their development plans accordingly.
There are several reasons behind the popularity of smaller homes. For one thing, the recent economy has caused homebuyers to reevaluate their living needs and opt for more affordable homes. This generally means smaller floor plans … (1 comments)

housing trends: Baby Boomers’ Top 6 Retirement Living Priorities - 06/22/11 02:38 AM
Active adults have many factors to consider when choosing a retirement location, and those features are likely to be different for every retiree. Some are set on a community with a range of amenities, some want an affordable home, and others value a sunny climate above all else.
Here are some features that retirees look for in an active adult community:
1. Social Clubs and Activities
For many retirees, the social scene is the driving force behind a decision to move to an active adult community. Residents generally choose to live among their peers so they can make friends and participate … (0 comments)

housing trends: Foreclosures? Not in 55+ Communities - 06/20/11 05:40 AM
Given the current housing market, potential homebuyers expect to find fabulous savings on their dream retirement homes. While there is no doubt that this is a buyers’ market, and home prices are significantly lower, many active adult communities have not been hit as hard as other neighborhoods. Foreclosures are few and far between, and many would-be homebuyers are wondering why.
The city of Phoenix, which was home to the country’s first active adult community, is a good example of an area where active adult communities have weathered the housing downturn far better than their surrounding neighbors. As discussed in a recent … (0 comments)

housing trends: Goodbye Living Room, Hello Great Room - 06/16/11 01:38 PM
Not that long ago, potential homebuyers expected to view homes with both a formal living room and a more casual family room. Today, retirees may be surprised to see that many newer homes are designed with a larger great room instead of these two separate rooms. This trend is popular with homebuyers of all ages, but it can be particularly useful for active adult retirees.
Although the great room has been a part of popular home plans for well over a decade, this trendy room may be unfamiliar to many people. Great rooms are most commonly described as large rooms which … (0 comments)

housing trends: Is Green Building Worth the Cost? - 05/29/11 04:50 PM
Active adults who are looking to buy a new (or resale) home, are likely to hear builders touting the benefits of green building. While green building practices bring many benefits for both homeowners and the environment, these features often come at a higher price. But are these benefits worth the high price tag?
Before you can start your cost benefit analysis, there are a few things to consider, such as how to assign value to the benefits of green building, and what it really means to build a green home.
Although “green homes” and “green building” are common buzz words in … (1 comments)

housing trends: Designing a Home to “Age in Place” - 04/06/11 01:41 PM
Many retirees or empty nesters move into active adult communities for their active, yet low-maintenance lifestyles. They like the idea of living in a thriving community of their peers and frequently plan to stay in the community for many years to come. However, there is more to making a plan to age in place than simply buying a ranch-style home.
“Aging in place” is a term used to describe a lifestyle where older adults plan to live independently, in their own homes, for as long as possible. While it’s not something we like to think about, aging is a fact of … (2 comments)

housing trends: Most Popular Clubs in Active Adult Communities - 04/04/11 06:11 AM
Active adult communities are often described as offering country club activities or resort-style living. They are known for having golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools and planned social events. Yet there are many other activities and clubs which have become popular at active adult communities throughout the country.
When it comes to outdoor recreations, golf and tennis are still popular pastimes. However, they have been joined by two relatively new recreations: bocce ball and pickleball. Bocce ball is a sort of lawn-bowling game which is ideal for players of all ages and abilities. Pickleball can be played on a modified tennis … (0 comments)

housing trends: New Versus Resale Homes: Which is Better? - 02/24/11 02:03 PM
When it comes to buying a home, some buyers have definite opinions about whether it’s better to buy a new construction or a resale home. Others are more open to what is available at the time they want to buy, and some buyers haven’t given the matter much thought at all.
Deciding between a new construction or a resale home is largely a matter of preference, as each option has its own benefits. For those who are undecided, and even those with definite opinions, it’s a good idea to understand some of the benefits of each option before buying.
With a … (2 comments)

housing trends: Top Retirement Trends of 2011 - 02/20/11 12:43 PM
As 2011 begins, it’s time to take a look at a few of the trends that appear to be on the rise among active adults across the country. Four common trends include: working during retirement, opting for energy efficient homes, choosing accessibility features, and making fitness a priority.
1. Not-so-retired retireesWhether it’s due to the recession or healthy living and a longer life-expectancy, today’s active adults are likely to keep working in some capacity even after they officially retire from their lifelong careers. Working after retirement may be necessary to pay the bills, or it may simply be enjoyable.
Though they’ve … (0 comments)