Boomers and Millennials Differences in Housing

The Brief

• Boomers and millennials are clearly out for different things in housing. Boomers want smaller places, while millennials want more room to roam.

• The two biggest home buying demographics in a generation are also on the hunt for deals and you can get them in Fort Myers.

• Boomers most commonly want single story homes, while millennials want their home to be an extension of their phones.

Boomers and Millennials are actively back in the housing market and they are often on the hunt for homes in the same neighborhoods. But boomers and millennials differences in housing can be significant.

The two biggest home buying demographics in a generation are also looking for deals. Boomers are often times downsizing, while millennials are looking for a bigger place to live. Boomers want smaller footprints and nicer, more convenient locations.

“Boomers are usually drawn to single-story homes, or at least ones with a main-floor bedroom,” said Miko Pasanen, a licensed general contractor in Phoenix and Owner of Miko LLC. Having built homes and spaces for clients across generations, Pasanen has been able to see first-hand the distinct differences in how each group approaches housing priorities.

“Millennials are more likely to be okay with less square footage if the layout is open and the space is used efficiently,” Pasanen said.

Both generations are moving away from huge homes, as tastes in homes change after years of cleaning and maintaining large homes that were often too big for many homeowners to be practical. Boomers don’t want the upkeep. Millennials want to keep costs down.

Boomers want traditional layouts with separate rooms that are still popular. Millennials want open floor plans and multi-use spaces top wish lists.

“Boomers generally know exactly what they want, and it’s low-maintenance, single-level homes with classic design choices that won’t feel dated in five years,” said Anna Tatsioni, Lead Interior Designer at Decorilla.

While Boomers want defined spaces, Millennials gravitate toward flexibility. Many work remotely, making a good home office setup as important as the kitchen.

The generational differences are generally clear cut. The older boomers want quiet neighborhoods, sometimes rural or suburban areas, where they can enjoy peace and space.

Millennials prefer walkable areas with access to restaurants, parks and public transit. The differences in age dictate their wants and needs.

“Boomers are gravitating toward the tried-and-tested quiet streets, familiar neighborhoods, and sometimes even resort-style communities with all the amenities baked in,” Tatsioni said.

“Millennials are after the in-between spaces. Not quite downtown, not quite the suburbs.”

The sweet spot for Millennials: Neighborhoods where they can walk to a coffee shop but still have space for a backyard, perhaps even for a barbecue with friends.

“Millennials lean toward a futuristic vision of efficiency. Smart thermostats, app-controlled lighting, and voice-activated appliances,” Tatsioni said. “Their version of efficiency is rooted in convenience and control. They want their homes to feel like an extension of their phones.”

Boomers view homes as long-term investments, prioritizing resale value and proven features that hold their worth.

Millennials treat homes as lifestyle statements, willing to sacrifice some resale potential for features that match their current needs. The differences between the two come down to where they are in life. Age isn’t just a number for most people in housing. It’s a fact of life that people deal with to enjoy their homes as much as they can.