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Over the years active adult communities have evolved to accommodate the ever-changing needs and lifestyle of today’s Baby Boomers. The Triangle area of North Carolina (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) has become one of the most popular places to retire and relocate for the working Boomers. The relatively low taxes, moderate four-season climate, world class medical facilities, abundant recreational and educational opportunities and the vibrant and diverse culture are attractive to many Boomers.

 

Active adults who seek these age-restricted developments typical want to live in a place where there are plenty of amenities and they can easily make new friends. Most 55-plus communities have a built –in support system that promotes a social atmosphere by offering special interest groups, clubs, activities and events that bring residents together in a welcoming environment where they can easily mingle, meet new neighbors and share similar interests. Carolina Arbors by Del Well in Cary has mastered this concept. Another factor for the vibrant social atmosphere in these communities is the assistance of an on-site lifestyle or activities director who helps plan and organize activities and events that keep residents’ social calendars full throughout the year.

 

Active adult homebuyers are choosing to downsize and buy homes that have two or three bedrooms, single-level living and open floor plans. Creekside at Bethpage by AVHomes in Durham offers numerous floor plans that fit the bill. These Boomers are leaving behind their large single-family homes that have more than three bedrooms and larger lots because once their children move out, they find their home has more space than they need and requires more maintenance and higher costs than they desire at this point in their life.

 

Normally, Active 55+ buyers desire smaller homes with open floor plans which feel spacious and provide enough room to entertain guests. This group is looking for desirable and up-to-date, quality features, energy efficiency, maintenance-free living and single-level floor plans They are seeking the quiet neighborhoods or that home at the end of the cul-de-sac, as well as locations that are near amenities, walking trails, parks and shopping. . Boomers from around the world have flocked to both the Creekside at Bethpage community and the Del Webb in Cary. The Town of Cary is well known as one of the best places to live in the United States and it has easy access to the American Tobacco Trail.

 

Another trend is that many 55+ communities are being built within large, all-ages master-planned developments. These master-planned developments allow retirees to essentially have the best of both worlds because they have their own age-restricted section and private amenities while still having access to the master-planned amenities and the ability to socialize with different age groups. Encore at Briar Chapel in Chapel Hill is a perfect example. It also allows some active adults to have their extended families live nearby, which makes staying in contact and visiting with them much easier.

 

Developers of all sizes recognize this trend in the Triangle. In just the past couple of years more than a dozen new Active 55+ communities have sprung up in the region. Active 55+ communities now span the area. Buyers can choose from communities in Cary and Apex, to east Durham, to Chapel Hill and Hillsborough, to Wake Forest. Each area has something special to offer and everyone is sure to find the perfect community to call home. Due to the variety in locations, styles and amenities, the future of active adult communities is promising.