According to CNN.com there are currently 75.4 million baby boomers born from 1946-1964 living in the United States today.
In 1957, the year the baby boom peaked, there were an average of 8.18 babies being born every minute. 11,780.8 were coming into the world every day, increasing our nations population that year alone by 4,300,000.
If you are the average 58 year old (or there about) baby boomer, you may have recently retired or are thinking about retirement. Your children have probably left the nest and, according to the National Association of Realtors, at least 80% of you own a home.
Many individuals and couples in this generation are experiencing life with no more children living in the home and they are enjoying the opportunity to travel near and far. Along with this place in life comes the decision to maintain your family home, or trade it in for a smaller home that requires reduced cleaning time and less exterior maintenance.
Condominuim complexes and 55+ adult communities are wildly popular, and for good reason. They offer low maintenance living for the empty nester looking to downsize and come and go from their home as they please unencumbered with a high maintenance home. There are many communities in Berks, Lancaster and Chester Counties and beyond that meet the needs for the empty nesting baby boomer. I’ve chosen to highlight three of these communities. I am not affiliated with any of them. They have been chosen because I believe they exemplify a broad sample of what is out there.
Zerbe Sisters CottagesLocated in Narvon, right along the Berks County and Lancaster County line is a small 55+ community consisting of 58 cottages, they sell 2 bedroom homes all with attached garages and some with additional loft space and basements. While the cottages are deeded to the owner, the entire Zerbe sisters complex is completely family-owned and operated. They have a true community feel with lots of activities and events and neighbors to chat with. The HOA fee covers not only exterior maintenance, but the interior appliances as well, so you can really live home worry free.
Hawk ValleyA condominium community near Bowmansville, also along the Berks and Lancaster County line, this is not an adult community: however, many of Hawk Valley’s residents are empty nesters. They are drawn to this neighborhood because of its quiet, serene location, in addition to the Hawk Valley Golf Club that is bordering the neighborhood. It offers spacious condominiums with open floor plans and HOA fees cover all of your exterior maintenance. Their is easy access to both Reading and Lancaster cities and it is just minutes from the PA turnpike. With hundreds of homes in the community, there are usually some up for sale.
Landmark HomesBased out of Ephrata, this builder is well known for their 55+ communities found throughout central PA. Their homes are designed for the empty nester looking for a carefree, fun-filled lifestyle with a low maintenance home. Their communities include club houses, walking trails, acres of scenic views and of course, no exterior maintenance.
There are many more options throughout central and south east Pennsylvania to fit into almost any budget. If you are thinking about a smaller nest and want more information, call or email 717-715-2134 or rachel.gsre@gmail.com.
Did you know that there are even local companies that specialize in residential downsizing? They will help you organize, sort and prepare for little nest living!
Interesting factCalifornia has more baby boomers currently residing in their state then any other in the nation with 9.0 million! Pennsylvania ranks #5 in the country with 3.4 million baby boomers living in the state.
