The housing market sure needs a lot of work before it can fully recover and pick up from the effects of the recession. This is why most developers and real estate firms are looking at bringing in more business. Surprisingly, the current trends are very different from what they used to be.

The growing trend in today’s housing market is the rise of apartment complexes that are geared towards the older adults. Bennett & Co. demonstrates that trend very well: it currently has ongoing constructions in three locations – Prattville, Opelika, and Dothan – and even owns one in Auburn specifically for the said demographics. The one in Prattville, the Crestview Senior Cottages, will have 56 units for those 55 years and older and is located Wetumpka Street and Memorial Drive.

These apartment units, though marketed for the older generation, are not assisted-living facilities. They are just meant for adults who love living independently.

“The cottages are for independent-living older adults. They are designed with that resident in mind. The units are all single story. There will be a clubhouse and fitness center on site. It will be a complete community. The location is great. It’s near the downtown area and close to restaurants and the new shopping centers on the eastern side of town,” explains Fred Bennett of Bennett & Co.

Why the ongoing trend? There seem to be an increasing number of older adults who prefer to live on their own but in practical terms. Auburn Montgomery’s Center for Demographics, which examines census figures and demographic to predict various trends and cultural shift, says the older people realize that there is really no need for bigger homes with the children gone. Since large homes are no longer necessary – or even affordable – upscale apartments fit their needs.

Other reasons the older adults prefer to live in apartment complexes is that apartment units have no need for maintenance and do not come with a large yard that needs attention. These complexes also offer a sense of community, with neighbors being people who share similar likes and lifestyles.