-Aging baby boomers (55 to 64 years old)- They are nearing retirement age though many will keep working out of necessity or by choice. Some will stay in their suburban homes until values recover. Those who choose to move may not choose traditional retirement locations or senior housing, instead opting for more mixed-age living environments that cater to their active lifestyles. Suburban developments with a walkable urban "feel" will appeal to this group.
-Younger baby boomers (46 to 54 years old), are now in or entering their prime earning years. This group like their older counterparts may be drawn to more connected, compactly designed communities when they are ready to switch homes.
-Generation Y- This tech-savvy generation has a population of about 86 million, larger than the baby boomers. Gen Yers place high value on community; on places to gather and share information, ideas and opinions. As they enter the housing market, they will be far less interested in homeownership than their parents were when they were young adults. Despite having small incomes, Gen Y will gravitate toward walkable, close-in communities, choosing isolated housing on outer edges only as a last resort because it is the most affordable. Green, "green" energy efficient homes will have strong appeal to this group.
-Immigrants- Already 40 million strong will have even greater impact when the children and grandchildren are included as a factor. The tendency of immigrants to cluster, and to live in multi-generational households, suggests that they would prefer larger homes if they could afford them and if the homes were in neighborhoods with a strong sense of community.
All of these groups have some characteristics that reflect a desire to live in more pedestrian-friendly, transit-oriented, mixed-use environments whether the location is urban or suburban.
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