Housing attraction: Amenities sweeten the deal in active adult digs
Elizabeth Schuman
Contributing Writer
Can 78 million baby boomers be on to something? With the leading edge of this demographic bubble passing 60, is it any wonder that "home sweet home" as we know it will change just as surely as Elvis metamorphasized into the Rolling Stones?
You bet your tie-dyed memories.
Looking to split from the chores of lawn care, snow removal and home maintenance, the 55-plus crowd is shaking things up with their demand for active adult communities that, frankly, aren't your grandma's condo anymore.
"It's all about a lifestyle change," says Richard Azrael, owner, Chateau Builders, which recently completed the sold-out Enclave at Ellicott Hills in Ellicott City, Md. "Owners want a maintenance-free environment with recreational facilities and activities." As such, the company's 55-plus gated community features a center with specialized areas for pool and card playing, a library, a computer room and a fitness center with aerobics and weight training. Outside, an Olympic-sized pool and meandering walking and jogging trails invite further activity, he says.
"Once people make the decision move into this type of community, they love it," he says.
Very, very, very fine house
So, what do active adults want? While the expected fare includes swimming and tennis as well as multifunctional community centers, other hot trends include such ritzy features as day spas and salons, restaurants, theaters, and even—at the upper eschelon—stretch limousines for trips to the grocery store.
Looking to get some satisfaction? Consider these options:
- On the waterfront: For boating, fishing, or simply sitting back, waterfront property offers it all. Appeal: Relaxing environs. Million dollar views.
- The putt stops here: Hit the links without leaving the community with golf course homes that put in where the action is. Appeal: Zen-like tranquility. Green horizons.
- Back to school: Hip, sophisticated and active, college communities offer access to courses, lectures, and cultural events in a decidedly non-granny atmosphere. Appeal: Hip action. Youthful vibe without the kids.
And for those who think that retirement communities are all about distant sunny climes, forget it. In response to boomers who continue to do it their way, developers are creating home options that include almost every variation of housing—from condos and townhouses to single-family-homes and urban lofts—located closer to where people raised their families and built their careers.
A tip for a smart move: To hang with a younger crowd, check out newer communities, where the average age is a bit younger than in an established development.
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