Amenities and social opportunities are the No. 1 reason those interested in 55+ active adult communities want to move, according to the 2019 55places National Housing Survey, the results of which were released Monday.
55places this summer surveyed 2,888 potential and recent homebuyers interested in active adult communities; individuals in their 60s represented more than 50% of the responses, with 97% of participants aged more than 55 years. Thirty-two percent said they sought better amenities and social opportunities.
The five most desired amenities: fitness center (64%), outdoor pool (59%), gated entrance (42%), outdoor walking / running trail (40%) and indoor pool (37%).
“Interestingly, an age restriction doesn’t seem to be as important to respondents as a community’s amenities and lifestyle,” the authors said. “Thirty-five percent say an outgoing, social community of like-minded people describes an active adult community, compared to 26 percent who simply say an age restriction defines active adult community. Even more telling, 56 percent of respondents said they would live in either an age-restricted or all ages community if it had the home, amenities and lifestyle they desire. Less than one percent said they would only move to a community with an age restriction.”
An emerging trend, according to the authors, are 55+ rental communities in urban areas. “These communities offer all the benefits of an active adult community but without the hassles of homeownership,” the authors said.
