Young Professionals and Retirees Are Turning to ADUs
October 16, 2024
Chris Koss, AIA
In the ever-shifting landscape of Los Angeles real estate, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are gaining traction as a practical and trendy solution for homeowners and renters alike. For young professionals seeking affordable and independent living, and retirees looking to downsize or supplement their income, ADUs are emerging as the rental option of choice. A-du, your trusted peer-to-peer ADU rental marketplace, makes these opportunities accessible to everyone.
Young professionals in Los Angeles are often juggling high rent costs, student debt, and a desire for autonomy. ADUs offer:
- Affordable Alternatives: ADU rentals cost less than traditional single-family housing, making them an appealing choice in a city with sky-high rental rates.
- Prime Locations: Many ADUs are situated in vibrant neighborhoods, giving residents the local, immersive community experience they crave while also being close to their workplace.
- Sustainability Appeal: Living in a compact, energy-efficient unit aligns with the environmentally conscious values held by many young renters.
- "Wait I get a Yard?": Yeah, you get your own yard. No more taking your dog down the hall, then down the stairs, then outside (maybe finding grass) before they do what they gotta do. Just open your door and let them do their thing!
With fewer responsibilities and a need for simpler living arrangements, retirees like Isabel Janken, mentioned in the article above are also taking a closer look at ADUs. Isabel has lived in her same home for the last 40 years, her needs had outgrown her old house. By 2030, 24% of Los Angeles's population will be senior citizens. Some retirees feel like they have no choice but to transition their life into a nursing home or move to a senior citizen community, but Isabel's didn't want to give up her home so she built an ADU. For senior citizens, ADUs offer:
- Passive Income Streams: Retiree homeowners can either rent out their ADU, generating income without sacrificing much space, or choose to move into their ADU and rent out their main house.
- Proximity to Family: Some retirees move into ADUs to stay close to loved ones, enjoying the independence of separate living while staying connected.
- Reduced Maintenance Hassles: Other retirees choose to downsize into an ADU, meaning fewer maintenance issues and leaving more time for hobbies and relaxation.
- Keep Your Home: Seniors who don't wish to give up their homes build ADUs to better fit their accessibility needs while avoiding relocation and unnecessary change.
Whether you're a young professional looking for affordable independence or a retiree searching for familiarity without sacrificing your accessibility needs home that meets your needs and provides primary or supplementary income, ADUs provide the flexibility, affordability, and convenience you need. And with A-du, finding your new home has never been easier. Explore our marketplace today to find or list the perfect ADU rental and be part of the future of housing community.
