Baby Boomer City!

“Let’s cheer as the first of the baby boom generation, the healthiest, best-educated and wealthiest in the nation’s history, turn 65.  Celebrate their vitality and especially their variety -- a generation that spans the Beatles and Springsteen, that crusaded to end a war and stop the spread of nukes, that powered an explosion of new technology, fueled the feminist revolution and joined the battle for civil rights,” according to AARP, the American Association for Retired Persons.

Approaching retirement, Boomers are becoming seniors and are beginning to prepare for retirement and to move into active adult communities.  Sun City West, Arizona has taken notice of the arrival of the Baby Boomers with marketing plans geared toward them and the study of future social gathering places.  The community is prepared to change for this new generation of seniors. 

“Sun City West will transform itself due to the activities and social preferences of those just entering the “boomer generation“, says Jack Steiner, a member of the Boomer Club in Sun City West. “Those activities will be more vigorous and be totally different than what existed when Del Webb built this community“ 50 years ago. 

A Baby Boomer is someone born in the 20 years following World War II.  A lot of the boomer seniors are still working and Sun City West restaurants and retailers may have to accommodate these working golden agers by staying open a later than the usual 8 PM closing times. 

Baby boomers think (and sometimes act!) like they are still 30 years old and in order to appeal to more active seniors, the area will include additional nighttime  activities plus adding a few sports bars and or dance clubs within the walls so residents can continue acting the age the Boomers feel they are.  Boomers are not out to disrespect older seniors, just want to enjoy life as they have come to know it.  

Sun City West offers many amenities that would attract seniors of any generation including four community recreation and fitness centers, seven golf courses and a 30-lane bowling alley.   There are outdoor concerts most of the year and with this new rock generation arriving, you can be sure there will be some outstanding classic rock coming to town.  

For more info on Sun City West, visit: www.suncitywest.org or contact Kathleen McMullen, Dream Home Catchers, www.dreamhomecatchers.com, 623-512-8152.

Lofty Living In Phoenix

As a real estate agent I have always been fascinated with different life styles and types of housing. Since moving to Phoenix I have witnessed how the Phoenix metro area has changed and evolved. Many families have been drawn to the single family homes in Phoenix’s sprawling suburbs for the schools and parks. People entering retirement move into manageable smaller homes surrounded by activities and friends. Now as Phoenix continues to evolve we have seen urban dwellers drawing them today’s our emerging downtown.

Many of my clients from the East Coast are calling me and asking about Loft Living in Phoenix.  Lofts are popular on the East Coast, but are new to the Phoenix area and are mostly new construction.  These are not old warehouses or buildings that have been converted into lofts, but brand new loft style condos.  Most are centrally located in Phoenix and right by the light rail which makes the commute easy, either way. Phoenix Lofts are spacious with many amenities including private garages, ample storage, fitness centers, spas, pools, security.  Many include hardwood floors and stainless steel appliances.  They can be 1-3 levels in high rise buildings, penthouses, or those in smaller buildings above restaurants and offices.  Most all have excellent views.  Yard maintenance is a thing of the past and social and cultural opportunities are close by as are sporting events.  Restaurants, wine bars, theaters, and museums are all within walking distance.

What is even more interesting, is the urban dwellers that are being drawn to these downtown oasis. Baby Boomers and successful young people are excited about loft living and what city life has to offer them..  Loft Living is very popular in Phoenix, AZ and the developers can barely keep up with the building of these lofts.  If you would like to experience a true adventure in living, I would suggest you take a look at Loft Living in Phoenix.  It is a fast growing niche in the housing market and an attractive alternative to traditional housing.