“Everyday life without a car would be impossible.” A Comparative Study of Baby Boomers’ Travel Behavior and Residential Preferences in Age-Restricted and Typical Suburban Neighborhoods

Given limited research into the relationships between the built environment and travel behavior of older persons, the apparent “graying” of suburbia in the United States, and the fairly recent emergence of new residential development patterns targeting persons 55 and over, we present an exploratory study of a particular suburban neighborhood type. Specifically, we investigate aging baby boomers’ travel behavior and neighborhood design preferences in four different urban edge neighborhoods in the Boston metropolitan area (two age-restricted neighborhoods, two matching non-age-restricted restricted neighborhoods). We use focus groups and urban design analysis to develop a preliminary understanding of the influence of different neighborhood types on 55to 65-year old suburban residents. Results indicate that age-restricted, active adult communities (ARAACs) provide physical settings within which residents are more inclined to participate in local walking than those ‘aging-in-place,’ although ARAACs do not necessarily produce different regional travel patterns. Regardless of location or neighborhood type, all participants are aware of the potential problem of auto dependence while maintaining suburban lifestyle as they age. Our exploratory study suggests that the apparent beneficial physical and social aspects of suburban ARAACs do not overcome the lack of destinations near to the neighborhood and the limited availability and knowledge of public transport options.