Many members of the United States’ Baby Boomer generation are at prime retirement age these days, but apparently not all of them want to stay put in longtime homes.

According to research by the National Association of Realtors based on its annual Profiles of Home Buyers and Sellers in 2023 and 2024, the most recent median age of a repeat home buyer in 2023 was 61, which fits the Baby Boomer range (born 1946-1964) as calculated by the U.S. Census Bureau.

That’s a big jump over 36, the median age of a repeat buyer in the NAR’s initial 1981 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.

Generational shifts in home buying will continue to change, often in concert with residential real estate market trends. But it’s clear many U.S. Baby Boomers aren’t hesitant to purchase a new home as they contemplate or enter their retirement years.

So, what do today’s retirees seek in a new custom Florida home? Read on to find out.

A smart purchase

Baby Boomers eying retirement want a home that fits that lifestyle. These range from dream homes created by ICI Homes’ ICI Custom Homes division, to a townhome in an ICI Homes master-planned community that allows them to enjoy travel, hobbies, volunteerism or fun second careers without upkeep on a larger family home.

Plus, no matter their equity rollover from a former home, many retirees prioritize spending wisely. A new custom Florida home in a master-planned community helps them achieve this goal by minimizing home maintenance and providing onsite resident amenities.

One built to age in place

If you buy a new custom Florida home for retirement purposes, you’d like to age with it!

That includes choosing a community convenient to shopping, dining and retail districts, plus healthcare facilities and resources.

We’ve built new custom Florida homes all over the Sunshine State for 45 years and customization is one of our organizational pillars — helping buyers tweak floor plans to their unique needs.

Whether it’s barrier-free homes or raised gardening beds, we’re here to help retirees make their new custom Florida homes ageless and beautiful.

Low-to-no maintenance

Many Baby Boomers are done with yard work!

We mentioned our townhomes above, but new-home buyers of all ages gravitate toward them for this reason. Townhome residents don’t fuss with yards and landscaping. Depending on the community, single-family homeowners might not either if their homeowner association fees include landscaping.

Social opportunities

An active social network is vital for everyone as they age, especially for retirees exiting work and career networks. Purchasing a new home for retirement also may mean moving away from friends and family (who undoubtedly will want to visit retirees’ new custom Florida homes).

ICI Homes’ master-planned communities offer numerous fun resident amenities for all ages. Some also have lifestyle directors who curate monthly community activity calendars. And our community site designs encourage neighborly meetups and impromptu driveway get-togethers!

Ready for your new custom Florida home? Talk to ICI Homes here.