San Diego Baby Boomers have never been the silent sort, and more and more we are hearing their wishes in unison.

Disclaimer: The San Diego real estate market is not like Las Vegas, or Tucson or Asheville or Biloxi and our home prices, though far more reasonable than a couple of years ago, are still quite high because of ongoing demand from San Diego Baby Boomers..

Blame that on our incomparable balmy climate, stunningly beautiful ocean and mountain views, great golf courses that can be played year round, a vibrant San Diego downtown area and a series of unique seaside villages across the San Diego Bay and up the San Diego County coast. There is nothing quite like San Diego real estate and its desirability!

We work with a number of baby boomers who are either moving to or within the San Diego area.

Many of those already invested in the San Diego real estate market are seeking to downsize and move away from the sacred soccer fields, elementary school crossings and the cul de sacs.

Those moving to San Diego from other areas are generally fulfilling a lifelong dream of spending the rest of their lives at the craggy southern coastal tip of California. They want to live in places like La Jolla, Coronado, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Cardiff by the Sea, Carlsbad and yes, downtown Oceanside. They, like the San Diego Baby Boomers, want to move away from hometown suburbia and plug themselves into a different kind of energy.

What do many of these Boomers want and what are we hearing?

1. They want to be able to lock and go. They want to travel and not have to worry about security back home.La Jolla cottages are charming, but spacious mid and high rise condos also work really well.
2. They want to be able to walk no more than a block or two to get a morning cup of coffee. It would also be nice to take that sleeve-wrapped cup of coffee and the morning newspaper to a park or pier bench where they can read and enjoy the scent of fresh-mown grass or the salty sea air.
3. Boomers want nearby restaurants, a bookstore, a local farmers market, the local ethnic bakery, museums,shopping and dry cleaners. They would happily go days without driving a car.
4. Public transportation is good. In coastal San Diego, many village dwellers live not far from a train station, where the Coaster will take them up and down the coast, where they can wine and dine in San DiegosGaslamp area and then catch the train back to Del Mar or Oceanside. No designated driver required.
5. Views tend to be important with this group. It is good when they can see the ocean or mountains from their living and bedroom windows.
6. Proximity to the ocean is very important for many of the clients with whom we work. Perhaps its an energy attraction between the salt and water in our own bodies and that in the ocean. Perhaps it is simply the sound or smell or the hypnotic appeal of the waves.
7. A casual ambience that accepts shorts and flip flops (or running shoes) is also appealing. Most restaurants dont care and it makes for easy wardrobe selection. Its also nice to have the climate that allows for this year-round dressing option.
8. These Boomers are not seeking a Del Webb lifestyle. They want the energy of commerce, the diversity of people, and ocean proximity. They may or may not care about golf, but if they do, San Diego is loaded with golfing opportunities.
9. Quality medical care is important. San Diego is blessed with excellent medical facilities and physicians. Some of our countrys top medical practitioners have also chosen San Diego as the ideal place to live.

It is interesting to see how Baby Boomers are already beginning to reshape the urban and village landscapes in San Diego County and how the cities and builders are responding.

You may also wish to read:

Ruppies and Their Urban Retreats

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…Or check out these 55+ homes in San Diego County