by Ben Keal on April 22, 2025
Insights from PCR’s 2025 Survey of Homebuyers and Renters Researching Lifestyle Communities
If you’re exploring the idea of moving to a master-planned lifestyle community, you’re not alone—and you might be surprised by how much you have in common with thousands of others on a similar journey.
Every year, we at Private Communities Registry (PCR) tap into the thoughts, plans, and preferences of serious home seekers looking to go beyond simple “house hunting” by first searching for the perfect lifestyle. Our newly released 2025 Survey of Homebuyers and Renters Researching Lifestyle Communities gives you a front-row seat to what your peers are prioritizing in their search for that perfect place to call home.
So, how do your preferences stack up?
Who We Surveyed—and Why It Matters to You
The insights in this report come from over 1,000 highly engaged users of our website, PrivateCommunities.com, surveyed in early 2025. These aren’t casual browsers—they're retirees, pre-retirees, and lifestyle-motivated movers actively researching a new home in a community that matches their vision for the next chapter of life.
Since 1996, PCR has been the leading online resource for discovering the nation’s top master-planned communities. With nearly 30 years of experience, we’ve become a trusted authority—not only helping serious buyers explore and connect with premier lifestyle communities, but also serving as the industry’s most reliable source of data on what today’s lifestyle buyers are truly seeking.
And this year’s findings? They’re not only packed with useful insight for builders and developers—they’re incredibly eye-opening for buyers like you.
What Today’s Buyers Are Thinking: Key Takeaways from the 2025 Survey
You’re in no hurry.
Nearly 40% of buyers plan to purchase a home in 1–2+ years, signaling that most are taking a slow, intentional approach to one of life’s biggest decisions. That’s no surprise when it comes to shopping for homes in master-planned lifestyle communities. Unlike a quick relocation for a job or a move across town, this type of purchase is often tied to a major life transition—like retirement, downsizing, or the dream of relocating to a resort-style setting.
The decision-making process for these buyers often includes in-depth research, multiple community visits, and careful evaluation of lifestyle priorities—from healthcare access and recreational opportunities to climate preferences and long-term financial planning. With so many variables to consider, the journey takes time—and that’s okay.
Only 11% of buyers are looking to purchase within the next 6 months, a noticeable dip from previous years. That further underscores the deliberate nature of this market.
So if you're planning now for a move that's a year or two away, you're in good company. You’re not just buying a home—you’re investing in a lifestyle, and the best decisions are the ones made with clarity, confidence, and vision.
You’re likely willing to spend more—because lifestyle matters.
Today’s lifestyle community buyers aren’t just purchasing a home—they’re investing in daily experiences, wellness, and long-term satisfaction. That shift in mindset is reflected in the budget trends we’re seeing.
The days of finding a quality home in a lifestyle community for under $250,000 are nearly behind us—only 3% of buyers are shopping in that range. Meanwhile, over 20% of respondents have budgets exceeding $750,000, while a surprising 35% of respondents are willing to pay between $500,000–$750,000.
What does this tell us? Homebuyers in this space are increasingly prioritizing amenities, location, and community features that support a high-quality, engaging lifestyle. From golf and tennis to wellness centers, walking trails, and social clubs—buyers are seeking more than just square footage. They’re looking for connection, convenience, and comfort. And they’re prepared to pay for it.
Have your budget expectations increased? Today’s buyers are willing to stretch their spending if it means finding the perfect blend of home and lifestyle—and that’s exactly what master-planned communities are designed to offer.
More buyers are ditching the mortgage.
In a striking trend, 64% of buyers plan to pay in cash—a significant jump from 53% just five years ago. Whether it’s from the sale of a previous home, investment returns, or years of diligent saving, today’s buyers are arriving at the table financially prepared and confident.
This shift gives cash buyers a real advantage, especially in competitive or low-inventory markets. Without the need for financing contingencies, their offers tend to stand out and close more quickly—an appealing prospect for sellers. Plus, paying in cash can offer long-term peace of mind by eliminating monthly mortgage payments, interest costs, and potential financing delays.
Are you planning to finance or pay cash? If it’s the latter, you're in good company. A growing number of lifestyle buyers—particularly equity-rich boomers and retirees—are leveraging their financial strength to make faster, smoother transitions into their ideal communities.
Renters are leaning upscale, too.
If you're testing the waters by renting before you buy, you’re probably noticing that rental prices are up. Only 16% of renters surveyed expect to pay under $1,500/month—a steep drop from 35% in 2020. Meanwhile, more renters than ever are willing to pay $2,000+, indicating a shift toward higher-end temporary living.
Thinking about renting first? You may be in the minority (only 7% said they would rent a home in a master-planned community)—but budgeting accordingly is essential nonetheless.
Relocation is still hot, but there’s some hesitation.
Moving to a new state is still top of mind for many—62% plan to relocate across state lines, often driven by retirement (51%) or a desire for warmer weather (45%). However, a growing 27% are unsure—a sign that broader economic or personal factors are causing people to pause and reassess.
Are you considering a change of scenery by moving to another state? Florida, the Carolinas, Arizona, and Tennessee remain top contenders.
Wellness and worry-free—that’s what buyers really want.
- 82% prioritize wellness features like pools, walking trails, and fitness centers
- 78% are empty nesters looking for social connections
- 56% are looking for low-maintenance homes
- 48% dream of waterfront views—whether lakefront or near the beach
- 22% desire golf course access
Today’s lifestyle communities are designed to offer more than just a place to live—they’re built around the idea of living well. From resort-style pools and state-of-the-art fitness centers to miles of scenic walking and biking trails, these communities support healthy, active living at every turn. Many also include wellness programs, yoga studios, spas, and access to nature preserves or waterfront settings that make daily life feel like a getaway.
Low-maintenance living is another key perk, with many communities offering lawn care, exterior maintenance, and even concierge services—so you can spend less time on chores and more time doing what you love.
And when it comes to connection, today’s master-planned communities deliver. You’ll find vibrant social calendars filled with events, clubs, classes, and recreational activities like pickleball, tennis, and of course, golf—creating endless opportunities to meet like-minded neighbors and build lasting friendships.
Does your dream community include nature, health, and low-maintenance living? If so, you’re clearly not alone. These are the features shaping the future of residential living—and they’re all waiting to be discovered.
Why This Data Matters—For You
This annual survey doesn’t just offer statistics—it tells the real story of what people like you are dreaming about, saving for, and planning toward. And with four decades of focused expertise, PCR is proud to share these insights not only with the developers building lifestyle communities—but with the homebuyers who bring them to life.
This is your market. Your peers. Your preferences. Our survey simply brings it all into focus.
Now it’s your turn. Use this information to take the next step toward the life you’ve been envisioning. At PrivateCommunities.com, you can explore hundreds of master-planned communities across the country. Search by location, lifestyle, amenities, home price, and more to find the community—and the home—that fits you best.
It’s all waiting. Start discovering today.
About the Author
Since 2012, Ben Keal has led PCR solidifying PrivateCommunities.com as a top source in helping prospective buyers find their ideal lifestyle community. With decades of experience in both sales and real estate, he has built lasting relationships with the country's top developers, homebuilders, country clubs, and real estate agents. A licensed real estate broker, Ben also serves as the Managing Broker for Private Communities Realty, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Private Communities Registry, LLC)—further ensuring PCR's mission to uphold the company's reputation as a responsible and trusted broker for real estate shoppers interested in amenity-rich, master-planned lifestyle communities.
