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P a g e
Action Area A: Housing
Background
Housing is considered to be a universal human need. Local research and planning activities
suggest that in order to house our aging population and make Chesapeake friendly to people
of all ages and abilities, it is important to ensure a full range of housing options are planned
and built to be accessible, affordable, healthy, secure, located near amenities and services,
and facilitate social interaction.
The graying of America has important implications for housing demand. A 2012 survey by the
Demand Institute confirms that 78% of all householders aged 65 and older intend to remain in
their homes as they age. Over time, many homes will need significant retrofitting to
accommodate their owners’ diminishing physical mobility. There will also be growing need for
neighborhood services for the rising number of older adults living at home but who can no
longer drive to appointments, shopping, and other destinations. And when the oldest Baby
Boomers reach age 85 in 2031, they will increasingly seek alternative situations that offer in-
house services, such as group quarters, assisted living, and nursing homes.
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Many Millennials may choose — or be forced to — rent rather than own. Or, if they do buy,
many may have the resources and the credit for smaller or different kinds of homes than what
previous generations could afford. If their preferences for where they want to live ultimately
differ from their parents, too — choosing cities over the suburbs, apartments over detached
homes — Millennials could change the housing market even more.
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Findings
The older population expresses significant concern about being able to have affordable
housing. The Department of Housing and Urban Development defines affordability as the
housing cost is no more than 30% of income. Persons who pay more than 30% are
considered housing burdened. According to the Census Bureau’s American Community
Survey, renters who are 65 and older in Chesapeake have a high housing burden.
Number and Percent of Seniors (65 and Older) Who
Pay More Than 30% of Their Income Towards Rent
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Chesapeake
1,753
65.3
1,857
68.9
1,741
66.8
1,821
68.6
The 55+ Survey reveals that availability and affordability of
accessible housing was the second most suggested area for
community investment to enable independent living.
