Gen X buyers reshape 55-plus housing

Single women are now the dominant force in the 55-plus housing market across California.

The shift reflects a generational change in how buyers view retirement. Jeff McQueen, president of Trilogy by Shea Homes, notes that Generation X residents, born between 1965 and 1980, do not view their mid-50s as a time to slow down. Instead, they seek communities that support active lifestyles, social connections, and personal wellness. This stands in contrast to the Silent Generation, which often migrated to the Sun Belt primarily for climate and pension reasons, and the baby boomers, who prioritized proximity to children and grandchildren.

McQueen co-founded Trilogy in 1999. At that time, the market was defined by golf clubs and isolated developments favored by male buyers. The arrival of baby boomers began to diversify the demographic, but Gen X has pushed the model further. Today, single households make up nearly 20% of overall sales volume for the company. Of those single buyers, 90% are female. McQueen attributes this trend to high divorce rates that often coincide with empty nests, as well as a growing number of people who never married or had children.

Builders are adapting their designs to fit these solo households. Single buyers often have different financial needs and space requirements than couples. In response, developers are constructing smaller, more attainable homes. They are also introducing attached products like duets, where two units share a wall. McQueen says this design appeals to single women because it provides a sense of security and a nearby neighbor. These units feature smaller footprints but include natural light and indoor-outdoor living spaces.

Community management has also evolved to meet these preferences. Residents today expect high-quality service comparable to that found in upscale restaurants. They prefer variety and choice over rigid, pre-programmed activities. Popular pastimes include mahjong, pickleball, yoga, and arts and crafts. Staff connect new guests with current residents who share similar interests, helping newcomers build a friend group quickly upon arrival.

Trilogy currently operates several communities in California. These locations range from the Central Coast to the desert. In the north, there are communities in San Juan Bautista and Lincoln. On the Central Coast, developments exist in Nipomo and Paso Robles. In the south, the company has projects in La Quinta, Indio, and Indian Wells. Indian Wells features a 22-acre crystal lagoon as part of a larger Disney Storyliving community. While the company is between projects in California right now, it continues to search for new opportunities to expand its portfolio.

Homebuilders are focusing on creating spaces that allow residents to age gracefully without feeling old. McQueen observes that most people in their 50s and 60s view themselves as 10 to 15 years younger than their actual age. The goal is to provide a base camp for residents to pursue their active lives, offering amenities like view corridors, natural walking trails, and recovery areas for stretching.