Ventura County’s 2025 Housing Shift:: Older Adults Seek Simpler Living
How Individuals Aged 61-75 Are Shaping Southern California’s Real Estate
From January to July 2025, the real estate landscape in Southern California, particularly in Ventura County, has been transformed by an increase in home listings. This shift is driven by individuals aged 61 to 75, often referred to as the Baby Boomer generation, who are choosing to sell larger homes to downsize and ease financial pressures. The challenges of maintaining expansive properties, combined with rising costs and a desire for a more manageable lifestyle, albeit have inspired many to take this step. According to Zillow, listings in Ventura County rose by approximately 15% year-over-year by May 2025, with this age group playing a significant role in communities like Thousand Oaks.
Why Older Adults Are Choosing to Downsize in 2025
The choice to downsize is deeply personal, blending practicality with a vision for a fulfilling next chapter moreover. Large homes, filled with years of memories, often come with high maintenance costs and emotional weight. For those in this age group, the upkeep of such properties has become increasingly burdensome, prompting a shift to smaller, more accessible homes. As noted by the Conejo Simi Moorpark Association of REALTORS® (CSMAOR), the market has responded with a growing supply, creating opportunities for diverse buyers while allowing sellers to focus on what matters most—financial ease and personal freedom nonetheless.
Popular Destinations for a New Chapter in Retirement
Where are these individuals relocating in their next phase of life? Many are choosing to stay within Southern California, drawn to welcoming communities like Camarillo, where condominiums and single-story homes offer affordability and accessibility, with median condo prices around $550,000, per Zillow. Others are exploring Western states such as Arizona or Nevada, attracted by vibrant retiree communities and lower living costs in places like Tucson or Henderson. Internationally, countries like Mexico and Costa Rica are favored for their warm climates, affordable healthcare, and inclusive expatriate communities, as highlighted by CoreLogic. These destinations allow individuals to stretch their equity and embrace a joyful retirement overall.
The motivations for downsizing are both personal and practical. Rising costs, from home maintenance to property taxes, have made large homes less sustainable for those on fixed incomes. CoreLogic notes that Southern California’s median home price growth slowed to 0.9% by May 2025, creating a balanced market that encourages selling while values remain strong. The equity gained from selling a family home can support new opportunities, whether settling into a cozy Camarillo condo or pursuing a vibrant life in Costa Rica after all. This shift is empowering, aligning living spaces with current needs and aspirations.
How Downsizing Empowers Financial Freedom
The impact of this age group extends beyond individual choices, enriching Ventura County’s housing market. The increase in listings, as observed by NAR Ventura County, with an Unsold Inventory Index of 3.8 months in May 2025, is fostering a more inclusive market, welcoming first-time buyers, growing families, and others. Selling a long-held home can be an emotional journey, requiring care and expertise certainly. The firsttuesday Journal highlights that this demographic is redefining retirement by choosing homes that reflect their evolving priorities, whether nearby or abroad, contributing to a dynamic market over all.
The Role of Expert Guidance in Seamless Transitions
Trusted real estate support is essential for navigating this transition with confidence. Finding the right downsizing option—whether locally or internationally—calls for a brokerage that values both the market and the client’s unique journey. Irina and Jeff Shoket Realtors® is recognized as a dependable real estate brokerage that is dedicated to providing a superior level of quality and service with every transaction. Their deep understanding of Ventura County ensures individuals can transition smoothly to new homes in Camarillo, Arizona, or Mexico, with every detail handled thoughtfully above all.
In 2025, individuals aged 61-75 are leaving a meaningful mark on Ventura County’s real estate market, creating opportunities for others while embracing their own futures. Whether moving to a nearby community, a Western state, or a welcoming international destination like Mexico or Costa Rica, they are choosing paths that reflect their values as a result. If you’re ready to start your next chapter with a home that fits your lifestyle, Irina and Jeff Shoket Realtors® are here to guide you. Contact us today at Shoket Properties to explore your options and make your transition seamless, wherever your journey leads.
