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elder1_120The Tompkins County Office for the Aging has released the results of its Senior Housing Preferences Survey, conducted during April and May.  Considering the increasing older adult population and its effects on the demand for housing in Tompkins County, the Office conducted the survey through its website, targeting older adults who may be considering moving within Tompkins County in the near future.

331 people responded, with the following major findings:

  • Most survey respondents were age 60-69, with an average age of 67.  Most respondents currently live in two-person households (53%) followed by single households (36%).
  • Nearly half of the respondents (49%) plan to move in the next 1-5 years.  Another 31% plan to move in the next 5-10 years and 20% in the next 10-15 years.
  • Respondents’ top reason for moving is to reduce maintenance and upkeep/downsizing (50%).
  • Ninety percent of respondents plan to stay in Tompkins County when they move. Of these, 57% plan to move to the City of Ithaca, and 19% to the Town of Ithaca.
  • Respondents were asked into what type of housing they plan to move, and the most frequently cited response was senior housing complex (24%), followed by condominium (20%) and apartment (20%).
  • The top three most important factors related to a future home were affordable cost, single floor design and easy access to public transportation. Sense of community, energy efficiency and closeness to grocery and drug stores were next in importance and nearly equivalent in rating average.
  • When asked how many bedrooms they prefer in their future home the majority of respondents (58%) would like 2 bedrooms, followed by 1 bedroom (25%). The majority of respondents prefer only one bathroom (48%), followed by two (36%).
  • The most frequently cited price range respondents expect to purchase a home was $150,000-$250,000 (37%), followed by $90,000-$150,000 (34%).  As for renting, 43% of respondents expect to pay between $500- $1000 per month, followed by 27%  respondents expecting to pay between $1000 and $2000 per month.
  • Consistent themes repeated throughout 95 narrative comments included: the need for affordable housing options located downtown in the City of Ithaca, close to services and transportation; the lack of housing options for the middle class; and the desire for condominiums.

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