Drivers of Housing Demand: Preparing for the Impending Elder Boom

The aging of the baby boomers represents a demographic tidal wave that will profoundly affect housing needs and living arrangements in coming years. The authors examine three possible scenarios for the projected number and mix of households in New Orleans in 2020. But regardless of the scenario, the increase in households headed by elderly will greatly surpass the increase in any other household type. This report concludes with strategies for attracting new residents to the city and ensuring we meet the housing needs of aging residents, including the desire of many seniors to stay in their homes as long as possible.