Niche Retirement Communities Are Growing
A vast array of retirement community options are developing for Boomers looking for the perfect retirement community to suit their tastes.
According to Kiplinger, niche retirement communities are exactly what they sound like. They’re residential developments, urban, suburban and even seafaring, designed to appeal to narrowly cast affinity groups–from Jimmy Buffett fans to yoga practitioners. And they come in almost every type of senior accommodation — from active to independent, assisted living through continuing care.
Niche projects account for a small percentage of the nation’s 50,000 or so senior communities and facilities. But they are “the segment to watch,” says Andrew Carle, an adjunct lecturer on aging and health issues at Georgetown University, and a consultant to the field.
There are five to six dozen university-based retirement communities for retirees who want to return to the student and academic life. There are some two dozen properties focused on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender seniors.
There are retirement communities for retired postal workers, equestrians, environmentalists, RV enthusiasts and Parrot Head fans of singer Jimmy Buffett. Even Disney is getting in on the action with Storyliving, planned communities so far coming to California and North Carolina. Both will have a community for people over age 55.
Boomers, who are hitting 65 at the rate of 10,000 people a day, are buying in as they look to find the best retirement community for themselves.