From Boomers to Gen Z | How Buyers Shop for New Homes
Today’s homebuyers are not a “one-size-fits all.” From Baby Boomers seeking comfort and connection to Gen Z buyers prioritizing flexibility and affordability, each generation brings unique expectations to the search for their dream home. Understanding what each group values most can help you find a new home that fits your life.
To better understand what drives their decisions, here’s a quick look at each generation and the years they were born:
Baby Boomers (born 1946–1964): Value comfort, simplicity, and spaces designed for ease of living.
Generation X (born 1965–1980): Look for functionality, family-friendly layouts, and long-term value.
Millennials (born 1981–1996): Prioritize efficiency, modern design, and community connection.
Generation Z (born 1997–2012): Seek affordability, sustainability, and adaptable spaces for changing needs.
What Different Generations Want Most in a New Home
One of the biggest variables in how different generations shop for a new home is what features they look for in a home. Baby Boomers prioritize comfort and simplicity, favoring single-level living, flexible guest spaces, and low-maintenance designs that let them truly relax.
Generation X is focused on functional, family-friendly elements, like larger kitchens, lots of storage, and multi-purpose rooms that make space for the whole family. Like millennials behind them, they’re also interested in homes that include energy-efficient appliances and even solar panels to reduce utility costs.
Millennials are drawn to homes that balance energy efficiency, affordability, and convenience. They value spaces that blend design and function, such as open-concept layouts, natural light, and smart home systems.
Gen Z is currently the smallest yet growing segment of buyers and sellers in the market, but they know exactly what they’re looking for in a home. They value flexible layouts that support a balanced lifestyle, with spaces that shift between home office, creative studio, and relaxing retreat.
Where Each Generation Wants to Live
Location is another key differentiator in how different generations approach home shopping. Often, baby boomers are looking for a quieter neighborhood near friends and family, recreation, and healthcare, either in a smaller community or in a suburb. Generation X is on the hunt for family-friendly new home locations that provide convenience to good schools, restaurants, entertainment, and shopping.
Encouraged by affordability, younger buyers seek other important factors in location. Whereas millennials are looking for homes close to their job or with a good commute, Gen Z gravitates towards smaller cities or master-planned communities with lifestyle amenities that enhance everyday living.
How Each Generation Defines Their Dream Home
While all generations agree that they want a beautiful home, what each considers ideal when it comes to house style and size differs greatly. Looking to simplify their life, many baby boomers are downsizing, favoring smaller homes with high-end craftsmanship, natural light, and a sense of ease.
Generation X, often called “the sandwich generation,” seeks multi-generational homes that provide space for both aging parents and growing children. Millennials tend to prefer smaller, more affordable homes, but they’re willing to splurge on smart home features and elevated details. Similarly, Gen Z is drawn to compact yet thoughtfully designed homes near vibrant community amenities.
While each generation brings its own priorities to the homebuying process, all can agree they want efficiency, flexibility, and community in their ideal home.
At Blue Mountain Communities, we design homes that blend these priorities together, with modern new home layouts, smart features, and thoughtful locations that fit every lifestyle, from baby boomers to millennials and Gen Z.
Explore Blue Mountain Communities’ collection of new neighborhoods to find the perfect place to call home.