U.S. Active Adult (55+) Community Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Gender (Women, Men)- Industry Analysis, Share, Growth, Regional Outlook and Forecasts, 2023-2032

The U.S. Active Adult (55+) Community market size was estimated at USD 589.60 billion in 2022 and is expected to surpass around USD 875.27 billion by 2032 and poised to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.03% during the forecast period 2023 to 2032.

Key Takeaways:

• The women segment dominated the U.S. active adult (55+) community market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 54.16% in 2022. The men’s segment is expected to emerge as the fastest-growing segment with a CAGR of 4.79% during the forecast period.
• People in the U.S. buying homes at active adult retirement communities look forward to various amenities like sports, restaurants, clubs, & recreational activities among others. Common areas are the most important amenity in demand by seniors because they all have different hobbies and want to spend each day engaged & content
• Strategic initiatives undertaken by various market players are expected to keep growth prospects upbeat in the following years. For instance, in December 2019, The Villages announced a partnership with the University of Florida, aimed at facilitating advanced healthcare & wellness services for the village community
• There are different types of active adult communities based on the population, including luxury communities, college town & university communities, retirement parks, golf and resort communities, religion-specific communities, active senior communities, single-only communities, and gated communities. The college town and university communities are more preferred among older people who want to continue working
• The increasing number of retirements since the COVID-19 pandemic, growing life expectancy, and rising focus of investors on senior living are factors driving the entry of new players

U.S. Active Adult (55+) Community Market Report Scope

Increasing demand from baby boomers, reduction in the stigma of retiring, and growing interest of investors in senior living facilities are driving the market. Active adult housing is a purpose-built multifamily rental housing for younger seniors and has a heavy emphasis on community space and activities. The living preferences of baby boomers are changing, as this population wants to stay independent and lead an active lifestyle. Thus, post-retirement they prefer to relocate to communities that have residents with shared values and not senior living or assisted living facilities.

Moreover, for this population, retirement is not about settling down and living the rest of their life following the same routine. They are more willing to explore new things, maintain a social life, and enjoy their life savings. Active adult communities have, thus, become the most suitable option for baby boomers.

Active adult communities have gained tremendous market appeal from investors, which is believed to be one of the most opportunistic investments in recent years. According to a recent senior housing & care investor survey, around 22% of respondents believed active adult communities as a profitable investment and the hottest selling property in the senior housing market. Moreover, these properties are specially marketed to younger seniors (55+) and are categorized as a form of lifestyle senior housing. In addition, as these communities are not associated with any type of healthcare component they are growing in popularity with investors among other senior housing product types.

According to mid-year estimates published by the U.S. Census Bureau, the majority of the baby boomers have been turning 65 years of age and by 2032 the remainder will also reach age 65 and will account for approximately 21.0% of the total United States population. Among the senior living market, the active adult community has gained a huge market demand and investor appeal in the last few years. This is attributed to the growing demand for independent and maintenance-free living among the age group of 55 to 64 years.

In the U.S., the active adult community is often referred to by different names. They are termed as lifestyle seniors housing based on the type of population it caters to. Sometimes used in reference to multifamily but most 55+ communities are sold as single-family housing communities.

Gender Insights

The women segment dominated the U.S. active adult (55+) community market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 54.16% in 2022. The men’s segment is expected to emerge as the fastest-growing segment with a CAGR of 4.79% during the forecast period. The increasing life expectancy of men, postponement of disability to older ages, and an increased percentage of remaining life spent active are some of the major factors behind the fast growth of the men segment in the market for the active adult community.

Security, the right company, freedom from chores, and senior-friendly infrastructure in the adult living communities attract women. Older women are usually more active than older men and prefer doing more activities, which results in them choosing a retirement community that offers many activities. However, women are not as savvy as men in retirement planning. According to the Bank of America Merrill Lynch, workplace benefits report nearly one in five women enters retirement with no savings.

According to the U.S. Census data, 14.4 men in the U.S. aged 65 and above account for 5% of the U.S. population. The rapidly aging population, increase in life expectancy in men, and improved financial planning for retirement among men compared to women in the U.S. are factors driving the men segment. According to The U.S. Census Bureau, 8 % of retired men faced poverty in 2020 compared to 10% of women. According to a report by Pew Research, 36% of men in the U.S. are single. An increasing number of single men in the U.S. also promotes the demand for housing.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The key players in the market are focused on providing the best homes along with top amenities & activities for residents. Providing access to healthcare services is the latest trend among active adult living communities. Latitude Margaritaville and The Villages provide healthcare services within the community. The communities are also focused on outdoor activities for residents for a better social environment for a healthy community. Expansion of facilities and partnerships are the preferred strategies adopted by top players, for instance, in December 2021, The Villages announced the expansion of its community by over 241 acres which were to include a new hospital. Some of the key players in the U.S. active adult (55+) community market include.

• The Villages
• Pultegroup, Inc.
• Latitude Margaritaville
• Hot Springs Village
• Rossmoor Walnut Creek
• Robson Ranch
• Sun Lakes
• Green Valley

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2032. For this study, Nova one advisor, Inc. has segmented the U.S. Active Adult (55+) Community market.

By Gender 

• Women
• Men