The oldest members of Gen X are turning 60 this year, and starting in 2028, Gen X — people born between 1965 and 1980 — are projected to outnumber Baby Boomers.¹

As the American population changes, so can the opportunities for those approaching their next chapter.

Empower research reveals that the majority of people (55%) think owning a home brings happiness in retirement. Close to 80% of American adults ages 55 to 64 own their home, so staying a property owner could be a priority for Gen Xers entering a new life stage and still wanting to build home equity.² Age-restricted housing developments — like 55+ communities — are one option to continue that life story.

Building up

With U.S. home sales seeing a tough winter, 55+ communities could be an opening for those looking to buy. In a November 2024 survey of potential homebuyers interested in active adult communities, optimism stood out despite wider cost-of-living changes: 48% of people ages 55 and older think current economic conditions haven’t affected their attitude toward buying a home.³

55+ communities are scattered across the country, but warmer areas across the Sunbelt have seen more growth in housing inventory. One West Coast city stood out as the top hot spot. Between 2023 and 2024, the San Diego, Calif. area saw an 82.9% jump in unsold inventory for active adult communities.⁴ The opportunity to buy and thrive may be aligning for future residents: San Diego is also where 19% of retirees most want to live in, according to Empower research.

Read more: Home sweet home: A majority of Americans want to age in place

Projects catering to the 55+ population can be formed in what’s known in real estate as a master planned community. Developers handle building both homes and mixed-use spaces, and features can include grocery stores, golf courses, and lakes — often within walking distance or a short drive.⁵

Meeting “sandwich” needs

As part of the “sandwich generation” juggling caregiving across ages, Gen Xers may also have to account for many family needs when picking a new home. The majority of people between the ages of 40 and 59 (54%) have a living parent aged 65 or older and are either raising a child under 18 or supporting an adult child financially.

Read more: Generation Money: Gen X’s snapshot

Despite the name, 55+ communities can allow younger people to live there, though properties can have restrictions on length of stay and minimum age.⁶

On-site medical facilities can be a draw for 55+ properties, providing convenience and peace of mind for an active lifestyle along with possibly addressing older adults’ and younger children’s concerns.

With more than 150,000 residents ages 55 and older, The Villages in Florida is both the largest and fastest-growing master planned community in America and includes a 307-bed acute care hospital within its 57 square miles.^7,8

Buying into a 55+ community compared to renting could also bring more predictability as Gen Xers age: Empower research found that when choosing a place to retire, the majority of people (86%) prefer to live where they can maintain their lifestyle without stressing about money.

A drive to thrive

Beyond the essentials, future Gen X residents may be wanting to let loose and socialize, and 55+ communities have been investing in their offerings. Almost half of Americans think that living a little (by enjoying a high quality of life) is important in retirement, while 28% seek recreational activities, according to Empower research.

Many communities offer health and fitness groups, outdoor trails, and recreational spaces such as pools and courts for pickleball — America’s fastest-growing sport for the past four years — which can appeal to Gen X.^9,10 Nearly 2 in 5 people in this population (39%) spend more than an hour outside daily.¹¹

Entertainment options are also just down the street, with one 55+ development in Virginia hiring a former cruise director to bring a resort-style feel to magic shows, theme nights, and live music.¹²

Fitting in as a forever home

While Gen X keeps their next life stage on the horizon, Empower research found that they have a high bar for their retirement savings “magic number,” setting their target goal at $1,188,161. How much time they have to meet that goal could be getting closer: Gen Xers expect to retire at 66, on average, according to Empower’s Financial Happiness study.

For those exploring housing options, browsing 55+ communities could be an easy add into future trips. About a third of Americans (32%) use their paid time off to visit destinations where they may want to retire.

Read more: Destination retirement: Traveling to pick your paradise

As Gen Xers consider their housing choices before and during retirement, a 55+ community could be part of their next play.