Hey everyone -
I have scavenged this site and found very limited information on active adult, specifically 55+ communities.
I was recently assigned to take the lead as Development Manager on an active adult community (currently in design phase) and this is one of the few niches that I have limited to no experience with (it doesn’t help that I’m not the target demographic).
The only discussion I’ve found (which is very helpful) was this one: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/active-adu…
For this particular project, we are aiming for 55+ active adult with no medical services whatsoever. Our market study is showing surrounding demand demographics in the primarily 60 to 65 age range. It is located in a suburban setting about 45 mins from a major city in California.
From previous research it feels like the I understand the bigger distinctions of the space - projects usually offer light daily breakfast, higher rent premiums to restrict younger residents, slower lease up time given prospect transitions out of single family homes and the importance and intensive operations of this space.
Those of you who invest or develop these projects, what are some design nuances to be aware of? Where can I find additional resources? Who are the major players? Any help would be much appreciated.
I have experience in active adult for-sale (looks like you are looking at rental units?). For-sale units generally don't have any special services (like meals or medical help). The 55+ designation is generally in-place in communities that are struggling with overcrowding of schools, so it's a way of building residential housing and accruing tax revenue without adding a burden onto the school system.
My parents live in a 55+ TH community and there are zero services. None. There's a bocce ball area, a pickle ball court, walking paths, and benches. The yards are really small.
Grocery shuttle would be helpful. Social events organizing (could be resident-led). Party/club room. Definitely a pool (it's Cali, so I assume every building would have a pool). On-site fitness classes. Walking trails, dog park, bench seating, dog waste receptacles. Of course, in-unit you'll have grab bars, wider doorways (to accommodate wheelchairs). I'd minimize the presence of stairs around campus. For new residents, a Geek Squad-type service to help residents get their cable/internet/tv/speakers, etc. hooked-up.
It's active adult, so don't treat people like they're decrepit. When you open in 2020 the younger residents were 35 in 2000. They aren't ancient. Don't give ridiculous street names poking fun of the elderly (my parents live on one of those streets, and it's kind of insulting). At my parents' place, the residents don't even seem that old. A lot of people in their 50s and 60s still look reasonably good and are in good health and are perfectly normal people with fully functioning brains--most still have active careers. This isn't a nursing facility. Don't treat it like it is.