From the category archives:
When choosing an active adult community, homebuyers invest in a lifestyle as much as a new home. They want to find a welcoming environment where they will be able to find new friends and explore new (or renewed) interests. Active adult community builders understand this need and do their best to meet it by providing many attractive and useful social spaces.
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After 55+ communities first hit the scene in the 1960s, the trend often seemed to be based on the notion that bigger is better. These early resort-style communities paved the way for sprawling developments with well over 5,000, or even 10,000 residences. The last decade or so has shown more intimate age-restricted communities springing up all over the country.
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Low-maintenance homes are often a key selling point in 55+ communities. By choosing low-maintenance, single-story homes, active adults free up more of their time to enjoy social activities and recreations. One level living is also easier on the body, since homeowners are saved the hassle of running up and down stairs daily. Yet, despite the demand for ranch homes, second-story lofts have been gaining popularity in active adult communities.
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Baby Boomers know that green living is more than a current trend. Living in an eco-friendly home reduces your carbon footprint, helps sustain our natural resources, and saves money on your energy bills. Active adult community builders, such as Shea Homes, understand the desire for green living and provide eco-friendly communities that make energy efficiency and sustainable resources a top priority.
Trilogy Communities by Shea Homes can be found in Arizona, California, Washington and Florida. These communities offer Shea Green Certified Homes which can provide up to 60 percent in annual energy savings and reduce your carbon footprint by up to 48 percent.
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Each year, active adult communities continue to evolve to meet the changing needs and desires of both their current and potential residents. Active adults today know what they want and builders are structuring new communities to provide these features. The 5 top trends that have emerged in 2009 and should continue to rise in 2010 revolve around: Technology, Green Living, Walking Trails and Outdoor Space, Universal Design, and Lifelong Learning.
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A century ago, kitchens were relegated to the back of the house. A kitchen far removed from the social areas of the home was a sign of affluence. Yet today, many Americans recognize the kitchen as the true heart of family gatherings and design the room accordingly.
A recent study by the Electrolux group found that kitchens are being used for much more than food preparation. Nearly nine in 10 Americans (86%) are involved in some sort of activity in their kitchen besides cooking or eating, and more than two thirds of adults (67%) say they use their kitchen to socialize and entertain guests.
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Baby Boomers have long shaped the consumer landscape. As this dynamic generation heads into retirement, their demands for both style and function continue to be a positive influence on the interior design world. In planning what is likely to be their last homes, Baby Boomer retirees are clamoring for affordable furnishings and design plans that meet their changing needs.
There are many qualities that Baby Boomers look for in their interior design plans. The following six style trends are currently on the rise:
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The lure of a hot climate and sandy beaches leads many Americans from northern climes to retire in semi-tropical locations such as Florida or Southern California, or in the arid deserts of Arizona or New Mexico. Yet many of these retirees later opt for a second relocation to areas slightly more north. These retirees are often called “halfbacks” or “halfback retirees” as their new homes are “halfway back” to their original home states.
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Florida, the fourth most populous state in the country is losing people and popularity, as is shown by its recent year-long decline in population. The New York Times reported some interesting statistics on August 30, 2009 in its article about the shrinking of the Sunshine State.
Florida has mostly relied on the concept if we build it, they will come. Why not? Florida, after all, has the largest coastline in the United States, plenty of sunshine, and no state income tax. Many came and the population indeed grew steadily since the 1920s, while builders were happily constructing in anticipation rather than actual demand. This all came to a screeching halt in 2006.
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Baby Boomers make up 28% of the population in the United States. Over 76 million Americans were born between 1946 and 1964, and statisticians believe that this generation will live seven years longer than previous ones. Because of the size of this generation of Americans, their spending power has always swayed the national economy. As Boomers begin to retire, cities and active adult communities that house them will experience growth.
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Today’s active adults are creating a building boon for builders and architects as they design homes that cater to the needs of their active lifestyle. New trends in building are popular in adult active communities, including environmentally friendly design, energy saving building, and ease of use fixtures and appliances. Here are some of the latest trends enticing baby boomers.
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Baby Boomers are changing the way Americans view retirement living. Not too long ago, retirees were content filling their retirement years with relaxed days by the pool in a warm climate. Today’s retirees are challenging the notion that retirement is reserved for those who want to settle down. On the contrary, many Boomers are using retirement as an opportunity to explore new passions and rekindle old hobbies.
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In the past year, real estate prices have continued to fall and a record number of bargain-priced foreclosures have popped up on the market. As a result, many sellers are giving up on going it alone and instead are using the help of professional real estate agents. Last year, just 12 percent of homes were sold by the owners (FSBO). That number is down from a high of 18 percent in 1997.
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As the price of oil and gas reached record levels this summer, the nation cringed at the thought of pumping $4 a gallon into their oversized cars and SUVs. Americans everywhere are looking for relief from high gas prices. Many people are turning to alternative vehicles, such as hybrids and more fuel efficient cars. Still, others are cutting back on their travel altogether, combining errands or taking public transportation. While many financially strapped Americans look for solutions, many people feel a viable solution already exists in the use of golf carts and neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs).
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