Top 10 U.S. Housing Markets for Senior Home Buyers

The best cities for seniors

Senior home buyers keep encountering a problem: it’s hard to find aging-friendly properties for sale.

In fact, only about 40% of houses in the U.S. offer basic senior accessibility of a step-free entryway with a first floor bedroom and full bathroom, according to the Census Bureau. But not every housing market is the same.

If you’re a senior looking to buy a house, these 10 cities could give you the best shot at finding a home that can meet your needs.

Places to age in

The baby boomer generation owns about 32 million properties in the U.S. as of 2022.

More and more are getting ready to move to fit their lifestyle needs — either to downsize, be with family, or find a low-to-no maintenance home. While senior citizens shop around, only about 40% of houses meet the basic requirements to be considered “aging-friendly.”

“There’s a major shortage of aging-friendly homes in the U.S.: 4 million older households say it’s difficult to live in or use their home, according to the U.S. Census Bureau,” said Jackson Upcheshaw, brokerage lead at Opendoor. “The cities on our list offer an abundance of homes accessible for aging communities — whether they’re single-story or newly built to reduce renovation costs — making it possible for them to transition into their next phase of life with ease.”

However, some housing markets contain higher percentages of properties better suited for older homeowners.

A report from Opendoor analyzed the country’s housing stock to find the top senior home buying cities. It based on the highest number of available homes with aging-friendly features weighted by importance; including single-story homes, newly built homes, and homes with at least one bedroom and bathroom on the first floor.

“As baby boomers look to downsize over the next few years, these aging-friendly cities become increasingly desirable — and necessary — places to pursue a ‘second act,’” Upcheshaw said.

Below are the top 10 housing markets for seniors in 2024 — with three in Texas alone — according to Opendoor:

10. Charlotte, North Carolina

Key stat
Percent of homes with bed+bath on 1st floor: 33.03%

9. Las Vegas, Nevada

Key stat
Percent of single story homes: 44.65%

8. Orlando, Florida

Key stats
Percent of single story homes: 75.96%
Percent of homes with bed+bath on 1st floor: 80.85%

7. Charleston, South Carolina

Key stat
Percent of new homes: 54.01%

6. Jacksonville, Florida

Key stats
Percent of single story homes: 80.85%
Percent of homes with bed+bath on 1st floor: 59.41%

5. Tucson, Arizona

Key stats
Percent of single story homes: 84.03%
Percent of homes with bed+bath on 1st floor: 81.94%

4. Phoenix, Arizona

Key stats
Percent of single story homes: 78.51%
Percent of homes with bed+bath on 1st floor: 74.55%

3. Dallas, Texas

Key stats
Percent of single story homes: 73.28%
Percent of homes with bed+bath on 1st floor: 84.27%

2. Houston, Texas

Key stats
Percent of single story homes: 49.12%
Percent of new homes: 55.56%
Percent of homes with bed+bath on 1st floor: 57.02%

1. San Antonio, Texas

Key stats
Percent of single story homes: 57.17%
Percent of new homes: 61.53%
Percent of homes with bed+bath on 1st floor: 82.03%

The bottom line

Are you a senior looking to move but are having trouble finding homes to accommodate your aging? Some housing markets may be more supportive than others.

If you’re ready to buy a better home for your needs, reach out to a local lender today and find your best mortgage options.