Intention to Move, Reasons for Considering Moving, and Future Housing Preferences of Senior Residents Living in Multifamily Housing in the United States

Abstract

This study identifies intention to move, reasons for moving and housing preferences of US residents 55 and older living in non-subsidized and market-rate multifamily housing in the United States. Data were collected using an on-line survey; mixed methods were used for data analysis (N=431). Results show that more than half of the respondents intend to move. Senior residents who were younger than average age of the respondents, not married, renters, had no elevator, and reported lower residential satisfaction with their housing unit, multifamily housing community and local area were more likely to intend to move. Seven reasons for considering moving were found: finance, health, lifecycle stage, housing unit, multifamily housing community, other. When asked about their future housing, more than 80% desired independent living rather than assisted living facilities or nursing homes, 40% wanted to live in multifamily housing, and 51% hoped to own their housing rather than renting. The findings offer meaningful information to the multifamily housing industry in the United States and in countries where the population is aging and where multifamily housing is the predominant housing type.