South Florida is one of the most popular areas in the country for people to retire. Many of those retiring seniors are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ). That group is growing. By 2030, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that there will be 7 million LGBTQ people over 50 years old.
However, LGBTQ seniors often don’t feel comfortable or welcome in retirement communities and assisted-living facilities. Sadly, some still face discrimination when looking for a home to rent or buy. That’s created a market for retirement housing for LGBTQ seniors.
Like all seniors, LGBTQ retirees can’t always afford upscale communities. Many have faced a lifetime of employment discrimination that has left them with little savings.
That’s why builders are about to break ground on the first affordable housing project in the state for LGBTQ seniors. It will be located in Wilton Manors. The small town of just over 12,000 residents is the state’s best-known “gayborhood.”
The development – The Residences – will consist of 48 units. Of those, 34 are designed to be accessible for disabled people.
The Residences and similar developments throughout the country are being built with the help of gay community centers like The Pride Center and nonprofit groups that specialize in developing affordable housing.
The changing demographics of our state can present a challenge for developers who want to anticipate the residential real estate needs of a changing population. Florida real estate attorneys can provide the assistance and guidance needed to help these developments proceed smoother and minimize legal problems down the line.