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ccording to a respected organization for senior housing and care (National Investment Center), senior preferences are evolving as a trend toward larger apartments, especially in 55+ independent living and new developments. This shift is a response to the preferences of aging Baby Boomers, who expect more space and amenities that offer a lifestyle similar to what they enjoy in their single-family homes.
What led to this trend in larger senior living residences?
- Declining studio construction: The share of new construction dedicated to studio units has dropped significantly. For example, studios accounted for more than half of the senior living units built in 2014, but only about one-third of the units built in 2025.
- Rise of two-bedroom and larger units: Over the same period, new construction of two-bedroom or larger apartments saw a massive increase. They now account for a significant portion of newly developed units, whereas they were once a small fraction.
- More space and features: New apartments are not just adding bedrooms; they are growing in overall square footage. Features like dens, multiple bathrooms, full kitchens, balconies, patios and walk-in closets are increasingly common.
- Open-concept design: Following broader residential trends, many senior living apartments are being designed with open floor plans. This creates a spacious feel and offers practical benefits for residents using mobility devices.
Factors driving demand for larger units
- Generational expectations: Baby Boomers are entering senior living with higher expectations for space, comfort and lifestyle than previous generations.
- Privacy and independence: Larger, apartment-inspired floor plans are designed to feel more like a home and less like a hospital. This promotes a greater sense of privacy and independence for residents.
- Couples and shared living: Many couples move into independent living together, requiring more space than a single person. Larger units also accommodate shared living arrangements, which can lower costs for middle-income residents.
- Downsizing, not downgrading: Many seniors are moving from large houses and seek to downsize, but not sacrifice their standard of living. A one-, two- or three-bedroom apartment with modern amenities meets this demand.
The Avenues Crofton Park was Ahead of this Trend
Fortunately, The Avenues Crofton Park did the research before opening in 2014 to understand senior consumer preferences. We discovered that older adults wanted larger living residences, open floor plans, high-end kitchen and laundry appliances, and a focus on common areas that encourage socialization. We also learned that seniors – being from a generation that did not believe in disposable products and valued quality workmanship – wanted to live in residences that were built to last. We responded with a green certification building model that saves energy, minimizes sound between living spaces, and reduces maintenance needs.
While many senior living residences were smaller, such as studios that ranged from 225 to 450 square feet, The Avenues Crofton Park offers 14 unique floor plans that range from the one-bedroom Alameda apartment, at 780 square feet, to the three-bedroom Woodward apartment at 1,436 square feet. Further, some residents wanted to be part of our community but live adjacent to the central building in one of the stand-alone cottages. The three-bed, three-bathroom Delaware cottage offers 1,768 square feet of space.
In recent years, The Avenues Crofton Park has heard from prospective and new residents that they love our senior boutique living model and all-inclusive pricing. In other words, they don’t like being “nickel and dimed.” They also like being in control of their living space – well-appointed kitchens that allow them to entertain or enjoy a quiet dinner, cooking what they want and when they want, as well as features such as individually controlled heating and cooling.
Finally, we’ve found a strong interest in the two- and three-bedroom living spaces. Seniors seek to downsize but not downgrade, as mentioned above. We’ve watched residents use the extra rooms for guest visits, hobbies, and game or entertainment rooms.
Would you like to learn more? Please schedule your visit to The Avenues Crofton Park in Broomfield, Colorado, and see how we are meeting the needs of senior consumers today. Visit www.livetheavenues.com or give us a call at 720-328-9548.