‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: 9 Things Renters in Their 50s and 60s Want in an Apartment

Because of the mortgage crisis, many people in their 50s and 60s, who would once be proud homeowners, are renting. And some empty nesters feel that their house is just too big for them now (and when they tried to turn your old bedroom into a jacuzzi room, they flooded the second floor), so they want to downsize to an apartment. So what are renters in their 50s and 60s looking for in an apartment?

9 Things Renters in Their 50s and 60s Want in an Apartment

Luxury. After years of work and probably cleaning up after the kids, they’ve earned it, baby, and they want those goodies. Renters in this age bracket do not want to drag their laundry for blocks or have their packages delivered to a friend’s address because no one is there to sign for them. They want in-unit (or at least in-building) washing machines. They want the 24-hour concierge. They want the la-di-da and chi-chi things that they eschewed their whole lives. And, after working for many years, they can probably afford it.

Modern appliances, updated kitchens and painted walls. Basically, renters in this age group want their apartment move-in ready. (Just because their current residences might be equipped with an avocado-colored refrigerator and shag carpeting doesn’t mean they like it.) They don’t want to deal with ovens that don’t work. Or grimy bathtubs. Or the tape silhouette of the previous resident sprawled out on the living room floor.

A nice view. A view into the back alley dumpster just won’t cut it anymore. Renters in their 50s and 60s want that nice view of the city or of the water, or whatever your area has to offer. (Which could include a view into a svelte neighbor’s bedroom. Who are we to judge?)

Parking, near transportation. If they’re still working, they certainly don’t want to be. So they’ll want their commute to work to be as painless as possible. Plus this will make running errands a lot easier.

No stairs. Elevators are important when it comes to bringing up groceries, or simply getting to the apartment. Some renters in their 50s and 60s have difficulty walking up stairs, so those become a safety hazard. Plus, who even has a Slinky anymore?

Near theaters, restaurants, etc. What’s there to do around town? No one wants to just sit around in their apartment all day, no matter how luxurious the place is. Renters in their 50s and 60s want to eat out at the nice restaurants, go to the movies, check out a local museum, see a show. Bonus if you mention local or community activities they can get involved in, such as lectures, local theater groups, etc.

Safety. 24-hour security systems are important, especially if it’s a single resident.

Around people their own age. Renters in their 50s and 60s don’t want to be surrounded by teenagers in the building fitness center (actually, no one wants to be surrounded by teenagers. Not even teenagers) or drunk 20-somethings coming in and out of the building at all hours of the night. They want to be around people their own age, especially if they’re empty nesters.

An extra room. Just because they’re probably sleeping in one bedroom (renters in this age group usually don’t look on Craig’s List for roommates) doesn’t mean they wouldn’t want a two-bedroom unit. In fact, quite the opposite. They can use the room for an office, or as a guest room–for when the grandchildren visit, of course. (Sigh. Subtle, this age group is not.)

What else do renters in their 50s and 60s want in an apartment?

Read what renters want in their early 20s, late 20s to mid 30s and 30s to 40s.

 -Jessica Fiur, News Editor