What Does a Dream Home for a Senior From the Baby Boomer Generation Look Like?

Posted on December 28, 2021

Baby boomers represent the 76 million people born between the post-World War II and the mid-1960s. Because of that number, with the addition of the relative prosperity of the U.S. economy during their careers, the baby boomers are an economically influential generation. Nowadays, as they are either at or near the retirement age, their shopping habits still influence almost every market – including the housing one.

It’s crucial to notice that this generation ages differently from their parents. They are busy people who stay active – after all, they’ve spent most of their lives juggling work and family. When looking for their dream home, they also look for employment opportunities and local amenities like fitness centers, hiking trails. Some baby boomers go even one step further and decide to live in the oceanfront properties.

Because many baby boomers still haven’t given up working, a house with a space for a home office would be perfect for them. Additionally, these aging home buyers tend to look at their next home purchase as their last one. They truly want to grow old there, so they’re aiming towards houses with a universal design that incorporates features to accommodate special needs.

Single-level homes have become popular among their generation. Another plus for them would be the low maintenance required to keep their place in good shape. There’s also the question of the location, as it’s their undeniable priority. But, in contrast to the Millennials, baby boomers aren’t interested in great school districts or living close to the city center’s hustle and bustle – they had it all when they were younger. Now it’s all about the peace, quiet, and ambiance of the sunny suburbia.

Continue reading if you want to know more about the choices that the baby boomers make when looking for their dream home.

Design

This generation wants functional designs that fit their needs. That includes rooms with enough space for family gatherings, a spare bedroom for the guests, and a private area where they can be alone if needed. For this reason, the rooms should be designed so that there’s always an option to put up some privacy barriers like pocket doors.

Baby boomers like spaces that feel cozy and warm – thus, wood-like surfaces create an inviting atmosphere in their homes. Wood floors are popular among this group because they’re easy to maintain. This generation appreciates lower ceilings, too, because they help them feel cozy and comfortable. In terms of size, they prefer houses ranging from 2,700 to 4,000 square feet.

A house with a spacious master bedroom and a luxurious bathroom is a must-have for the baby boomers. The master bedroom would also have to incorporate a large walk-in closet and a private bath. The aging home buyers aren’t too keen on stairs, so these should be avoided where possible. A home office with a view would be great for those who still want to work from home. Then, there’s the kitchen. Those who cook regularly would appreciate an open floor plan, an oversized island, and a walk-in pantry.

The living area should be the heart of the home, so it needs to be large enough to accommodate family get-togethers with friends and relatives. It should also have a fireplace that can be enjoyed in the winter months. For the ones who enjoy entertaining their guests, a sizable dining room is a must. They may want to add a mudroom to keep shoes and other dirty things out of the main living areas.

Location

The baby boomers love to travel, and it seems like they’ve visited every scenic spot the US has to offer. Now it’s time for them to turn their attention to the homefront, and what better way to do that than with a house that provides easy access to all the places they love? When choosing a home for themselves, many boomers prioritize the location over any other feature. The main reason for this is that most of them are retired, and they usually choose warm-weather states like South Carolina, Arizona, Florida, or California.

Moreover, they also look for less populated areas with plenty of outdoor activities. That’s why many of them have chosen areas near national parks – it allows them to enjoy nature right from their front porch, but they can also take advantage of the many well-maintained hiking trails.

Natural Light

Many baby boomers value natural light more than anything else when it comes to choosing their dream home. These older adults prefer lots of windows over built-in recessed lights any day because they love watching nature go by while relaxing indoors. Besides, numerous scientific studies prove that exposure to natural light reduces stress levels significantly.

Baby boomers like natural light because it makes them feel positive and energetic in their contemporary dream home. Large windows provide a connection with nature and keep the energy flowing in the house.

Home Automation

Home automation is another essential element for them because they want control over their environment. The generation wants temperature control systems with smart thermostats, sensors, and automated window shades.

However, what matters most for this generation is the ease of use. That’s why they focus on universal design elements that include features that make everyday tasks easier for them, such as lever handles instead of knobs, roll-in showers instead of tubs, and raised toilets instead of standard ones.

The baby boomers are eager to know who is ringing at their door before they let them in. For that reason, many of them want a video doorbell that shows them who’s outside.

Conclusion

The baby boomer generation is a unique group of people that has been shaped by the events of the past century. They were born at a time when technology was still in its infancy, but they’ve seen it evolve into something that influences every aspect of our lives. They’re also an influential generation that has a significant impact on the housing market. A vast majority of them want to stay healthy and active as they grow older, and they also want to be able to live in their dream home for as long as possible.