OUR THESIS

Statistics confirm that affluent Baby Boomers are living longer than ever.
90% of Baby Boomers say that they would like to age in place, but the vast majority of them will outlive their money if they try.
Consider the “millionaires next door” with $1 million in investments, a fully owned $800,000 home, and an income of $200,000/year. They might seem immune.
But assuming social security income of $40,000 and adherence to the “4% rule”, there is only $80,000/year available, against a predictive need of 70% of pre-retirement income, or $140,000, to stay in place.

We are targeting cities that once were a major train or river hub, and University cities that feature downtown cores developed before the automobile.
Places with high walk scores liberate citizens, leading to less car dependence and lower transportation costs.
Proceeds from selling a home can supply investment income greater than the rental costs of many apartments, while eliminating real estate taxes, maintenance costs, and higher heating bills.
Mentoring of local students and local businesses can lead to part time opportunities for those who need or want supplemental income.

Our on-the-ground research of 30+ such communities within a 250 mile radius of NYC turned up very few suitable rentals.
The National Association of Realtors survey of 1,500 Americans illustrated that 60% of retirees preferred a neighborhood that “has a mix of houses and stores and other businesses that are easy to walk to” versus a neighborhood that “has houses only and you have to drive to stores and other businesses.”
According to land use expert Chris Leinberger of the Brookings Institute, “Research shows that real estate values increase as neighborhoods became more walkable, where everyday needs, including working, can be met by walking, transit or bike.”
The average man outlives his ability to drive by 7 years, the average woman by 10 years. Walkable neighborhoods can be mobility enabling and health enhancing for millions.