Why Boomers Are Dominating the Treasure Coast Real Estate Market (And What It Means for You)

Like watching a powerful tide roll in, I've been witnessing something remarkable happen along our beautiful Treasure Coast waters this year. Baby Boomers have swept into our real estate market with the force of a spring tide, completely reshaping the landscape for everyone involved.

As someone who's been diving deep into these market currents, I want to share what's really happening beneath the surface—and what it means whether you're looking to buy, sell, or just understand where our coastal paradise is heading.

The Silver Tsunami Has Arrived

The numbers tell an incredible story that even caught me by surprise. Baby Boomers—those aged 60 to 78—now represent 42% of all home buyers and a whopping 53% of sellers nationwide. That's a complete flip from what we saw just a few years ago when Millennials dominated the buying scene.

But here's where it gets really interesting for us coastal folks. These aren't your typical buyers struggling with financing and contingencies. Half of older Boomers and two out of five younger ones are buying homes with cold, hard cash. No mortgage applications, no appraisal concerns, no financing falling through at the last minute.

Think of it like this: while other buyers are still testing the waters, Boomers are diving in headfirst with everything they need to make waves.

Why the Treasure Coast Became Their Perfect Harbor

I've watched families for years, and there's something magical about how our stretch of Florida coastline calls to people ready for their next chapter. For Boomers, the Treasure Coast isn't just another pretty beach town—it's the perfect convergence of lifestyle and financial sense.

The tax benefits alone are like finding buried treasure. Florida's lack of state income tax means these retirees keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets. When you're living on a fixed income or managing retirement funds, that difference adds up faster than barnacles on a dock.

But it goes deeper than money. I've talked with countless Boomer buyers, and they're drawn to our area like sea turtles returning to their nesting grounds. They want to be closer to family, especially grandchildren. They're seeking communities where they can enjoy their golden years without the harsh winters they've endured for decades.

The health aspect can't be ignored either. Our year-round outdoor lifestyle, from morning beach walks to afternoon fishing trips, offers something you simply can't get in colder climates. It's wellness wrapped in paradise.

The Cash Wave That's Changing Everything

Here's what's creating such a powerful current in our market: these Boomers have been building equity like coral reefs—slowly at first, then explosively. Many have stayed in their homes for 13 to 16 years, riding out incredible appreciation waves.

With home prices rising 47% in just the last five years, many are sitting on goldmines they never expected. When they sell their longtime family homes up north, they're walking away with enough cash to buy outright here on the Treasure Coast.

This wealth concentration is staggering. Boomers collectively own somewhere between $18-19 trillion in housing wealth across the country. And Florida? We're capturing a massive portion of that treasure chest, with five of the top ten metros for retiree housing markets.

What This Means for Everyone Else

If You're a Younger Buyer: I won't sugarcoat it—competing against cash offers is like swimming upstream against a riptide. But don't lose hope. The abundance of listings we saw earlier this year means you have more choices and potentially more negotiating power, especially on properties that have been sitting on the market.

Focus on homes that might not appeal as much to the Boomer crowd. Think fixer-uppers, properties requiring more maintenance, or homes in neighborhoods that prioritize schools over golf courses.

If You're Selling: You're in an enviable position, like having prime beachfront property during spring break. Boomers are motivated buyers who can move fast and won't nitpick over minor issues that might scare off other buyers.

Properties that showcase low-maintenance living, storm preparedness, and proximity to healthcare and family-friendly amenities will catch their attention like a lighthouse beacon. Consider highlighting features like impact windows, generator hookups, or recent roof replacements.

If You're a Real Estate Professional: Understanding this demographic is like learning to read tide charts—essential for navigation. These buyers often have different priorities than younger generations. They care more about comfort, convenience, and community than they do about trendy finishes or smart home technology.

The Perfect Storm of Factors

What we're witnessing isn't just random market movement—it's the result of several currents converging at once. The 2025 market offered something we hadn't seen in years: plenty of inventory combined with motivated, cash-ready buyers.

Properties that might have sat on the market for weeks in previous years were lingering for months, giving buyers more time to explore their options and negotiate better deals. This created what many of us called a buyer's market, though with an interesting twist—it was a buyer's market primarily benefiting those with the strongest financial positions.

The ongoing insurance challenges in Florida added another layer of complexity. Smart sellers started investing in storm-proofing upgrades and highlighting safety features to reassure buyers concerned about coastal living risks.

Looking Into the Crystal Ball (Or Should I Say, Crystal Waters?)

The Boomer wave isn't going to recede anytime soon. If anything, I expect it to continue building over the next few years as more reach retirement age and reassess their living situations.

This means continued demand for the type of properties our Treasure Coast does best: comfortable, well-maintained homes in communities that offer both tranquility and convenience. Properties near quality healthcare, within reasonable distance of family, and designed for aging in place will likely see sustained interest.

The intergenerational wealth transfer happening alongside this trend is also fascinating. Many Boomers are buying not just for themselves, but with an eye toward eventually passing property to children or grandchildren. This long-term thinking often translates to purchases in areas with strong appreciation potential.

Navigating These Waters Successfully

Whether you're buying or selling in this Boomer-dominated market, success comes down to understanding the current conditions and adjusting your strategy accordingly.

For buyers, patience and flexibility are your best friends. Be ready to move quickly when you find the right property, but don't feel pressured to overpay just to compete. The right opportunity will surface.

For sellers, focus on the features that matter most to this demographic: low maintenance, storm resilience, comfort, and community amenities. Professional staging that highlights these aspects can make a significant difference.

The Takeaway: Riding the Wave Rather Than Fighting It

The Boomer dominance of our Treasure Coast real estate market represents a fundamental shift that's likely here to stay. Rather than viewing it as an obstacle, I encourage everyone to see it as an opportunity to understand and adapt to new market realities.

This demographic brings financial stability, quick decision-making, and often a genuine appreciation for what makes our coastal community special. They're not just buying properties—they're investing in a lifestyle that celebrates everything we love about living where the river meets the sea.

The key to success in any market is understanding its currents and learning to navigate accordingly. With Boomers leading the charge, our Treasure Coast waters may look different than they did a few years ago, but they're still full of opportunity for those who know how to chart their course.

Ready to explore what the current market means for your situation? Whether you're thinking about buying, selling, or just want to understand your home's value in today's conditions, let's dive into your options together. After all, every successful voyage starts with understanding the tides.