백세 시대, "마지막 집"을 준비하시는 분들께

요즘 가장 자주 듣는 말 중 하나는 "백세인생"입니다.

저는 부동산 에이전트라는 직업 특성상 다양한 연령대의 손님들을 만납니다. 그중에서도 특히 은퇴를 준비하거나 이미 은퇴하신 분들을 자주 뵙게 되는데요.
그분들의 밝고 건강한 모습에 나이를 되묻게 되는 경우가 많습니다. 정말 ‘세월을 잊은 듯’ 젊고 에너지가 넘치시거든요.

그런 분들과 상담을 하다 보면 문득 제 자신에게도 질문하게 됩니다.

"내가 느끼는 나이는 50세인데, 실제 나이가 70세라면? 과연 20~30년을 살아온 집을 떠나 새로운 도시, 새로운 환경에서 인생의 마지막 보금자리를 정하는 선택을 할 수 있을까?"

그리고 그 질문은 자연스럽게 다음으로 이어집니다

"그분들이 만족할 만한 마지막 집은 과연 어떤 집일까?"

은퇴 후 새로운 삶을 위한 집의 조건

Recent studies from AARP and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) show that priorities for retirees have shifted significantly. Today’s seniors are more mobile, more active, and more connected than ever before.

So, what are the qualities that make a home the ideal “final home” that many retirees are looking for?

1. Main-floor living is a must

• No stairs, no hassle.
• Homes with primary bedroom and bathroom on the main floor are the #1 preference.
• 75% of homebuyers aged 65+ look for fully barrier-free homes (NAHB).

2. Proximity to healthcare, shopping & community

• Over 80% of older adults prefer to live within 10–15 minutes of essentials like:
  • Hospitals & pharmacies
  • Grocery stores & Korean markets
  • Churches & senior centers
  • Cultural or ethnic communities

3. Vibrant communities over isolation

• Quiet is nice, but too much isolation can negatively affect mental and physical health.
• That’s why demand is rising for Active Adult Communities — neighborhoods with:
  • Walking trails
  • Clubhouses
  • Hobby rooms
  • Social events
  • Peer-to-peer connection

A Real Visit: Touring a Senior Townhome in Dacula, GA

Recently, I visited a new senior townhome community in Dacula with a client.

✔ About 100 homes
✔ Built by a newer company derived from the trusted senior-focused brand “Orchards”
✔ Impressive build quality and finish options
✔ Open layouts with main-level living and customizable design

Convenient Location

• Only 20 minutes from I-85 Exit 111
• Easy access to Korean dining (yes, we had lunch at Sogongdong Soondubu!)
• Close to local medical facilities and shops

My client loved the home — but said something important:
“The house is great, but I think Alpharetta might be a better fit for my lifestyle.”

Next Stop: Alpharetta

The same builder is developing a similar senior townhome community in Alpharetta, a popular suburb known for its vibrant lifestyle and stronger Korean-American community.

We’re planning a visit next week.
As we explore options, one truth stands out:
The best home is one that supports your daily life, your routine, and your people.

Retirement Home Checklist

Here’s a helpful list of things to consider before choosing your next home:

💡 Expert Advice: “New Home or Great Location?”

One of the most common questions I get is:

“Should I prioritize a brand-new home or a better location?”

Here’s my answer:

“A new home is nice — but location is essential.”

Because location defines your lifestyle — access to healthcare, social connection, cultural support, and everyday convenience.

In Closing: A New Beginning

Your forever home isn’t just a place to live.
It’s the setting for your next chapter — and possibly your most meaningful years.

“The home you choose after retirement won’t just house your belongings.
It will shape your lifestyle, your peace of mind, and your joy for the next 20–30 years.”

If you’re thinking about making that move — or even just wondering what your options look like — I’d love to help.
With firsthand community visits and up-to-date insight, I’ll walk with you every step of the way.

Research Sources

• AARP “Home & Community Preferences Survey,” 2023
• NAHB “55+ Housing Market Trends,” 2022
• CDC “Aging in Place Design Guidelines,” 2022
• Milken Institute “Senior Housing Innovations,” 2021