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Housing for boomers is booming in Triangle

The number of Triangle housing developments catering to residents age 55 or older has doubled in the last few years, and developers say the growth trend is likely to continue.

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By
Aaron Thomas
, WRAL reporter
FUQUAY-VARINA, N.C. — The number of Triangle housing developments catering to residents age 55 or older has doubled in the last few years, and developers say the growth trend is likely to continue.

"I think I’m the first one on this block or maybe the second one on this block," said Jim Mann, who moved from Virginia to the Carolina Gardens development in Fuquay-Varina only a week ago.

Carolina Gardens has only about 30 residents, but Grant Hamlett, vice president of sales for developer PulteGroup, said 800 homes are planned there.

Pulte is the parent company of Del Webb, a developer that pioneered age-restricted communities for people 55 or older.

"As the Triangle continues to grow and working-age folks with families continue to move in, you’ll see grandparents follow," Hamlett said, noting Pulte has a Del Webb project in Wake Forest. "These buyers want to be near their families, kids and grandkids that have already moved here from out of state. So, it’s a natural progression for them to make the transition to a 55+ community."

Mann, who is in his 70s, said he fits that mold. His son's family lives in Holly Springs.

"Once you get a certain age, you have to be closer to family," he said. "I hope I have a long, fruitful life here."

Deb McCutcheon, a real estate agent with the Adam Lindsey Real Estate Group who works mostly with clients 55 or older, said there are about 50 senior communities in the Triangle, up from about 25 five years ago.

"With all of the amenities and the beautiful weather and location of North Carolina, it's a draw," McCutcheon said.

The developments usually include pools and gyms and are situated close to shopping and other amenities, she said.

"It’s pretty much all inclusive. They don’t have to do lawn work," she said. "It’s really a package deal, and it provides a lot of stimulation with the classes they offer and opportunities to engage with other people."

Carolina Gardens, for example, will have both indoor and outdoor pools and a 20,000-square-foot clubhouse, Hamlett said.

"It’ll be resort-style living, and that’s what folks are really looking forward to," he said.

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