55+ communities enjoy booming interest
By Marilyn
Kennedy Melia
CTW FEATURES
Baby boomers are now
senior citizens, with the
older edge in their 70s.
But "they see them-
selves as younger," says
Deborah Blake, principal
of consulting firm Ipsum
Group.
That mindset, along
with the sheer numbers
of boomers, is driving
an uptick in 55+ ac-
tive adult communities.
While 55 is the adver-
tised age minimum, new
entrants to these com-
munities are usually in
their 60s or 70s.
Although frequently
located in the Sun Belt,
55+ communities are
also in the Midwest and
Northeast, reflecting the
priorities of boomers,
who "live there for the
lifestyle but also want
to be near where their
grandkids live," says Les-
ley Deutch of John Burns
Real Estate Consulting.
Offerings will in-
crease, predicts Blake,
because "there isn't a
builder who isn't figur-
ing out how to deliver
what boomers want."
Here's an overall look
at some of the current
trends:
Activities and so-
cialization are the
draw: Classes and
group activities are
staple offerings, but
some communities
emphasize nature
and wellness, among
other niches. Since the
See 55 PLUS Pg 8
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 2022
Homes | Advertising Section
001 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP H3
