2011 Boomer Housing Survey

This research was designed to illuminate the current, emerging and future housing issues for the Boomer population. Specifically, this research examines the Boomer population’s opinions, attitudes, and experiences in the areas of retirement migration, aging in place, and home planning and decision-making. This survey covered areas such as: length of time in current residence, recent/planned moving; difficulty getting around in home, mobility modifications/add-ons, members of household, expectation of use of home equity, and more.

Key findings include:

• Boomers love their community. For the majority, the location of their current home was a chief reason for selecting it and they would like their community to get better as they grow older. However, there are gaps in what their community currently offers and what Boomers view as important for the future. For example, 79% say it is important to have a grocery store within a ½ mile from their home, but only 62% actually have a grocery store within ½ mile from their home.
  
• Boomers are attracted to communities that resemble the past – Many say they like the idea of easily accessible services, shops, entertainment and walking trails and that easy access to these amenities becomes more important as they grow older. For example, 63% said a doctor’s office should be within 6 to 10 blocks from their home.
• Boomers’ homes are a nice fit now and modifications will enhance life in later years – Boomers especially say their homes fit them – for today. They are also beginning to recognize that there are features that might enhance how they will live later in life. For example, the vast majority of Boomers (91%) said it is very important to have an accessible bedroom on the main level of the home, especially as you age.
• Boomers are healthy, agile and active, thus planning for later years has been delayed. Boomers know they are going to live longer so the issue of planning for later years is not currently top-of-mind. So when asked about planning for home, community and services needed in later life, one-third or less has given this a great deal of thought.
  
  

All reported statistics are weighted based on Census data (race, ethnicity, gender and age group). The 20-minute national random digit dial (RDD) telephone survey of 2,260 adults ages 45-65 was conducted by Woelfel Research, Inc. from October 15 to November 17, 2011 . For more information on this survey, please contact Cheryl Lampkin at 202-434-6172.