As a Boomer, you are part of an influential demographic with over 75 million people and almost 70% of the total wealth in the United States. Therefore, your housing demands translate to a range of appreciable responses in residential design trends.
A Home That Grows With You
Retirement is a major transition in your life. What differentiates Boomers most from other generations is that not only will you likely increase your physical activity level in retirement, but many of you will continue to work in some capacity as well, either in professional or philanthropic pursuits. It is vital that you have a devoted destination to perform your hobbies or conduct business, and whether you enjoy yoga, playing an instrument, or day-trading, these activities all can be accommodated through good design.
The spaces you live in should serve a variety of functions to accommodate your lifestyle changes over time. Emerging trends among Boomers like multiple master bedroom suites and second-story loft spaces each require forethought in the design of a new home. For this reason, an architect can be a great resource in ensuring that your home not only fulfills your personal necessities of lifestyle and comfort, but also enhances your sense of independence. An open floor plan with living spaces consolidated on a single level provides a versatile palette for reconfiguring spaces to suit your sensibility long after construction.
As you age, there is no reason to forgo comfort; this is precisely why, when building a new home for your retirement, it should be nothing less than your ideal vision. There are several design elements you can discuss with your architect that significantly impact your experience; be sure to consider the amount of space you need, the durability and performance of materials, and proper selection of fixtures and equipment that will grow with you. This checklist from the National Association of Home Builders is an excellent guide to features that can help you craft a home you will never have to move out of.
Close To What Matters Most
You have likely built a life around your family and career, which means you will want to retire close to your existing home. If so, you’re not alone. This study from PulteGroup indicates that nearly two-thirds of Boomers would like to remain in the state they currently live in when they retire, primarily to retain proximity to their families and friends. Developers are responding by taking advantage of existing infrastructure and building in areas that are less isolated, providing a wider range of amenities that are not limited to just those within the community. Walkable connections to dining, entertainment, and recreation as well as direct routes to healthcare and transportation all rank as the most appealing factors in selecting a retirement location. This means that you are connected to what is most essential to you while also allowing for greater diversity in your daily life.
Fostering Community
Social interaction is fundamental to your lifestyle. Outdoor living spaces can connect you with your neighbors and have the additional incentive of reduced lawn maintenance. Integrating covered porches, patios, and courtyards on your home’s exterior, as well as spaces for entertaining inside, will offer an enticing retreat for your family and friends. A home where those closest to you will feel welcome and will assist in cultivating the personal relationships most critical to your wellbeing. These are the people that you can rely on to ensure your house is in good hands when you lock the door for a month away to visit friends or travel through Europe. Through technology and supplemental resources, developers are integrating the security and convenience of maintenance-free living into the design of new communities.
Boomers are a remarkable contingent that presents exciting opportunities for designers, builders, and developers alike. With the help of a professional who understands your priorities, your unique vision can become a reality. For the home you plan to spend the rest of your life in, you should expect the best and seek to create a home as exceptional as you are.
This has been a guest blog post from our friends at W.C. Ralston Architects.
