Boomers will represent 25% of the total U.S. population by 2010. Although most baby boomers prefer to stay in their own homes as they age, an increasing number - an estimated 1.2 million households intotal - plan to move to "active-lifestyle communities", according to arecent study by the National Association of Home Builders and theMetLife Mature Market Institute. As a result, as boomers get closer to retirement they're expected to have a huge impact on housing trends.
What's an active-lifestyle community? Generally it's considered an attractive, resort-style community that's restricted and specifically geared toward active adults aged 55 and over. Such communities often seek to emulate the amenities found at luxury resorts, such as golf, fitness centers, spa treatments, horse-back riding, and on-site dining, as well as a variety of activities, events, and special-interest clubs. As a result of the developing trend among boomers, look for developers to respond by building to meet the increasing demand for age-restricted or "active-lifestyle" communities.
Recently Madison WI was ranked 8th by Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine as one of the best places in the nation to retire and start a business. If you're not yet planning to retire but are looking fora community close to jobs that could help you transition intoa work-from-home situation, consider choosing the city of Madison WI as your eventual retirement destination.
For a list of homes currently for sale in active-lifestyle communities in Madison, visit Madison's 55+ communities. For a list of condominiums and townhomes for sale in "low maintenance" communities (not age restricted but attractive to those seekinga second home or who travel frequently), please have a look at our lakefront condo listings.
For more information about relocating to Madison, 55+ communities, Madison condos, golf communities, or lakefront living, please visit www.lakeandcityhomes.com or contact Lake & City Homes Realty broker|owner Jolenta Averill at (563) BUY-SOLD.
Posted by Jolenta Averill on
It's nice to see that Madison is ranked so high in comparision to other places in the nation. Sounds like there is some great potential for development on active lifestyle type planned unit developments.
Posted by Greg Dallaire on Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009 at 8:43pmYou raise an interesting point. A real estate agents, it is important for us to be aware of changing trends in populations and needs. Thanks for the info.
Posted by Cary NC Real Estate on Thursday, July 23rd, 2009 at 2:02amI know that Madison is one of the cities that is routinely on the top (unlike Milwaukee, where I'm located).
Posted by Bridge Loans on Saturday, July 25th, 2009 at 11:27amI'm surprised that such a high percentage of "boomers" would want to move to retirement communities, especially anyone as young as 55. As one who's months away from 60 years old, and who knows many people much older, I would think that seniors would prefer to be around people of all age groups.
I don't doubt the numbers, though, as the NAHB has a vested interest in the results of the study.
I like the idea of retirement communities. I think sometimes older people feel left out in other communities. Most working age adults are gone during the day. Plus alot of the community activites (soccer games and pta) revolve around people with school age children.
Posted by Austin Tx Real Estate on Wednesday, July 29th, 2009 at 6:28am8th Rank, Well Madison has been one of the best places to do the business, and now its official. I have also taken retirement and planning to do some sort of business in Madison.
Posted by 0nline P0ker on Monday, August 24th, 2009 at 5:11pmI LOVE the concept of active lifestyle communities for seniors!!! I think it would be a great idea to also develop "active lifestyle communities" for everyone else - maybe a community with an art center, a roller blading rink and maybe a cafe! One can dream....
Posted by Kim on Wednesday, August 26th, 2009 at 1:11pmI think <a href="http://www.noblevillage-sugarloaf.com">retirement communities</a> are essential for older people. It gives them a chance to interact with other elderly couples.
Posted by John Green on Friday, April 26th, 2013 at 2:28pmLeave A Comment