Boomers’ $19 Trillion Real Estate Stronghold: Top Markets and What It Means for the Next Generation

Key Points

• Approximately $19 trillion in U.S. housing wealth sits with Baby Boomers—about 50% of national owner-occupied real estate equity.

• Florida dominates, placing five metros in the top 10 where boomers hold the majority of wealth—including North Port–Bradenton ($97B) and Naples–Marco Island ($70B).

• Other major markets include Santa Rosa–Petaluma, CA ($54B); Barnstable Town, MA (Cape Cod, $34B); and Prescott–Prescott Valley, AZ ($27B).

The Baby Boomer generation—those born 1946–1964—now controls an astonishing portion of U.S. real estate wealth, estimated at $19 trillion, as reported by Realtor.com.

Where Boomers Hold the Most Housing Wealth

Florida Hotspots

• North Port–Bradenton, FL: Homeowners 65+ control 56% of the $174B market, about $97B in total, at a median home price of $495K.

• Naples–Marco Island, FL: Retirees command 57% share, equating to $70B out of $122B in housing value; median price about $749K.

• The Villages, FL: A retiree-dominated enclave where 78% of homeowners are 65+, median price $370K—but reflects massive equity density due to volume.

Florida’s dominance reflects retiree appeal: no state income tax, warm weather, social infrastructure, and abundant senior-focused developments. 

Non‑Florida Wealth Centers

• Santa Rosa–Petaluma, CA: Nearly 47% of homeowners are 65+, holding $54B of an $116B market; median price is nearly $1M.

• Barnstable Town (Cape Cod), MA: 53% retired homeowners own $34B of $64B market; median home price around $899K and limited new construction drives tight inventory.

• Prescott–Prescott Valley, AZ: 58% share of retiree homeowners owning $27B out of $47B; median price $669K. Lower costs, favorable climate, and slower growth all add appeal. 

Why It Matters

Generational Wealth Power

At the start of 2025, total U.S. owner-occupied housing stood at $47.9 trillion, with $34.5 trillion in home equity—boomers control the largest chunk. 

Slow-Handed Transition

Despite nearly 12,000 Americans turning 65 daily through 2027, most boomers are not rushing to sell. Instead, many want to enjoy their wealth while alive or pass it down slowly via trusts or inheritance strategies. A Charles Schwab survey found only about 21–50% plan to pass their assets while still living.

UBS anticipates the majority of this housing wealth transfer to take place over 20–25 years, delaying significant shifts in ownership demographics.

Investor & Broker Insights

• Focus on high‑equity retiree markets: These areas hold concentrated wealth that may become active listings through downsizing or inheritance.

• Play the long game: Most boomer owners are not immediate sellers. Build relationships, understand legacy concerns—don't just pitch comps.

• Cultivate intergenerational services: Conversations around trusts, equity release, and estate planning open doors to future listings via younger heirs.

• Watch inventory constraints: Limited new supply (especially in Cape Cod‑style markets) means tight conditions—valuable in appealing to affluent downsizers.

Baby boomers today wield nearly half of all U.S. housing equity, with major concentrations across Florida, California wine country, Cape Cod, and Arizona. This massive generational asset base spells opportunity—but only for agents and investors who understand the nuanced motivations of aging homeowners and their heirs. As the so-called “silver tsunami” peaks, equity transitions may come slowly—and those who stay informed and patient will have the edge.