IRVINE, CA—The right size single-level homes in vibrant locations near jobs and family are important to Baby Boomers, but that's not the only thing that's important to them, TRI Pointe Group's president and COO Tom Mitchell tells GlobeSt.com. The developer, expanding on comprehensive market research indicating a shift in the needs and desires of today's Baby-Boomer homebuyers, recently introduced its “Life360™” platform, which will create communities “carefully optimized for Baby Boomer living,” according to the firm.

The platform promotes vitality, adventure, connectivity, and style, which are unique to each location. For example, Pardee Homes' gated and age-restricted community, Verano—part of Aliento, Pardee's all-age master-planned community in Santa Clarita, CA—allows homebuyers the opportunity to customize their home's layout and offers such amenities as a Paseo Trail and future dog park. Altis, Pardee's master-planned community currently in development in Beaumont, CA, offers nearly 3,000 square feet of additional exterior covered patios walkable community containing 22 acres of parks connected by an extensive trail system.

We spoke with Mitchell about the features that most appeal to Baby Boomers in terms of home design, community living and other aspects.

GlobeSt.com: Which home designs, interior features, and layouts cater to Baby Boomers?

Mitchell: Single-level homes are most desirable for Baby Boomers. We define single-level living as a single-family detached home with optional second-story guest bedrooms, hobby/loft spaces or as stacked single-level flats or townhomes, oftentimes elevator-served. Boomers are also desiring more-flexible room options including multi-generational suites, dual owner's suites, outdoor living rooms and ample storage space for treasured possessions despite a smaller square footage of their home.

GlobeSt.com: What is this demographic seeking in terms of community living environment?
Mitchell: Like Millennials, boomers are moving to be close to vibrant locations near jobs and family that will provide them with opportunities to continue working while being actively involved with their children/grandchildren. A community living environment gives them options to live an adventurous and social lifestyle, all at their doorstep. Community living also provides active and social opportunities through various amenities and robust social calendars—all within walkable distance to their homes. With placemaking as a theme, we differentiate our communities to provide meaningful connectivity between residents, the local community, and the surrounding region. As this generation approaches the longest unencumbered time of their lives, their desire is not to slow down, but to reset, recharge, and re-engage with family and their communities.

GlobeSt.com: What other aspects of a home cater to baby boomers more than other demographic groups?

Mitchell: Size matters, or the right size matters. Boomers are fine with a smaller footprint if it means an attainable price, less maintenance and financial freedom to still enjoy other experience on their bucket list. They don't see this as downgrading from their current home. Boomers still want larger entertaining kitchens and great room areas, guest suites and outdoor living. Aging in place, or universal design, is obviously a huge component of a new home, which includes ease of living with owner's suite, great room, and the kitchen all on the same floor.

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about TRI Pointe's approach to this demographic?

Mitchell: The Baby-Boomer market holds $8 trillion, or almost two thirds of the nation's home equity, that represents 75 million people, according to the US Census Bureau as of April 2016. John Burns Real Estate Consulting's “Product and Consumer Insights Study 2016” contains research that shows that 53% of them cannot find the kind of compelling and vital community they desire.

TRI Pointe's strategy is to offer a boutique experience over an institutional offering across our premium builder brands. In other words, our homes are not your grandparents' home. We strive to resist Boomer stereotypes, look for meaningful connectivity within each community, elevate and localize home design and create opportunities for engagement with activities and experiences that are a continuation of the Boomer generation's pioneering spirit.

Our holistic approach of Life360™ emphasizes four components that capitalize on the size of the market and tap into the need to find and build community. We also develop both age-targeted and age-restricted communities—oftentimes age-restricted communities are adjacent to or within all-age masterplans— which allow Boomers to be near family and wider age groups while still benefiting from exclusive amenities.

Instant Insights /

The Residential Environment Baby Boomers Seek

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