According to the most recent PulteGroup Home Index (PGHI) survey conducted by national homebuilder
"The survey results seem to defy expectations that the economic slowdown of the past five years has forced many Baby Boomers to rethink their retirement plans," said
"Given the significant weakness in housing over this same period, we were surprised to see that only 12 percent of those respondents who are delaying retirement indicated that selling their home or the current value of their home is a barrier to retirement."
When comparing previous consumer surveys, Meyer said there is an upward trend in the percentage of Baby Boomers becoming more financially prepared for retirement. In the 2010 Del Webb
"Previous consumer research has shown that Baby Boomers believe
Survey Highlights - Retirement Intentions
- 32 percent plan to retire in less than five years
- 49 percent of respondents' expected age of retirement has not changed
- 10 percent of respondents expect to retire at a younger age than originally anticipated
- 27 percent believe they will be financially prepared to retire in less than 5 years
- Only 12 percent of those who are delaying retirement say that selling their home and/or the value of their home is barrier to retirement
Staying Close to Home
For today's 80 million Boomers, the choices vary on where to spend their retirement years. Some consumers surveyed choose to stay in place in the city where they currently live; whereas others move to seek warmer climates, such as
In a significant shift, 62 percent of survey respondents think their home in retirement will be within the same state they currently live. This represents nearly a 20 percent increase compared to just two years ago when
"In looking at our previous studies, we found that there's a group who do not want to leave their family, friends and all the familiar surroundings," Meyer said. "That's why Del Webb established more communities outside the Sun Belt states and into four-season locations, such as
"Another key trend we've seen is the desire to continue to work. To better accommodate the work and play needs of Baby Boomers, Del Webb has opened communities near large metropolitan cities and employment corridors, better allowing customers to stay in place and continue to work," Meyer said. "With more than 50 percent of our Del Webb residents working part-time, starting new businesses or new careers, it's not surprising that they want to stay connected to their current community, but still take advantage of the active lifestyle at a Del Webb community."
Survey Highlights – Retirement Home Locations
- 43 percent plan to retire in the same city where they currently live; 19 percent plan to retire within the same state, but a different city
- 35 percent plan to retire in a different state from where they currently live
- 53 percent will not take into account the proximity of their children/grandchildren when deciding where to live in retirement
- 32 percent want to live within 20 miles of their children/grandchildren upon retirement
About the Survey
The PulteGroup Home Index (PGHI) survey polled still-working U.S. adults age 55 and older to identify intentions as well as motivators and deterrents around retirement. The survey was conducted online by
About
For more information about
SOURCE
Amanda Gregory, Office: +1-312-222-9131, Cell: +1-330-618-4928, Amanda@reputationpartners.com