In key regions of the United States, builders are watching a quiet shift reshape the housing market. Neighborhoods that once catered to young professionals are seeing more buyers over 55 who want to stay close to work, family and trusted doctors rather than move to traditional retirement destinations. From Raleigh–Durham and Columbus to Denver and Houston (specifically Tomball, home of Winfrey Estates), many of the same metropolitan areas where Epcon Communities builds are growing both bigger and older at the same time.
This demographic momentum was a key impetus in selecting Tomball as the home of Winfrey Estates, Tomball’s only 55+ active adult community. Rather than targeting a distant retirement enclave, the vision centered on a location that allows homeowners to remain rooted — near established medical networks, major employment corridors, churches, grandchildren and lifelong social circles. Tomball offers the ideal balance: small-town character with immediate access to the energy and amenities of the greater Houston region.
Winfrey Estates was intentionally positioned to meet the needs of buyers who may not be looking to “retire away,” but to right-size within the life they’ve already built — staying connected to community while embracing a lower-maintenance, single-level lifestyle designed for the next chapter.
America’s Changing Population: A Nation Growing Older
According to the United States Census Bureau, the number of Americans aged 65 and older has risen from about 12% to 18% from 2020 to 2024. By 2040, that group is projected to include roughly 78 million Americans, or about one in five residents. In practical terms, almost every area you can name is feeling this shift.
The Census Bureau also reports that older adults outnumber children in 11 states and nearly half of U.S. counties. In that same four-year period, the number of metro areas with more older adults than children nearly doubled, from 58 to 112. You can see that change most clearly in places like North Carolina, the Midwest and the Mountain West areas of the country.
Where the Population is Getting Older
In many of the places where Epcon builds 55+ housing, the numbers tell a similar story. Populations are growing, and a larger share of residents are in their 60s and beyond.
Why This Matters to Home Buyers
For many buyers, the question isn’t “Where should we move?” but “How can we stay close to the people and routines we love?” Whether staying where they are or moving near family, many adults want to remain close to long-time friends, faith communities and familiar health systems.
Many 55 and older home buyers want to trade their two-story homes and large yards for single-level floor plans, low-maintenance lawns and lock-and-leave convenience.
Others look for a home that is simpler to manage in a strong job market with reliable health care and easy access to airports. They want to keep working, visit family more easily and be closer to children who have followed their own dreams.
At Winfrey Estates, thoughtful design is more than a philosophy — it’s visible in every home. Each residence is built around true single-level living, with open, flowing floor plans that eliminate the need for daily stair use and make entertaining effortless. Select plans offer accessibility-minded features such as wider doorways, minimal interior thresholds and zero-entry showers, creating spaces that feel open today and adaptable for tomorrow.
Low-maintenance living is equally intentional. Exterior lawn care and front landscape maintenance are handled through the HOA, freeing homeowners from weekend yard work and heavy upkeep. The result is simple: our homes are designed to support your lifestyle now while remaining practical and comfortable for years to come.
Community connection is the other half of the Winfrey Estates experience. Designed as an intimate, neighborly enclave in Tomball, the setting encourages everyday interaction — whether that’s a walk through the neighborhood, time spent outdoors in shared green spaces or casual gatherings with friends just steps from home. In a season of life when connection matters more than ever, living close to like-minded neighbors fosters a built-in support system and lasting friendships.
Located in Tomball, Winfrey Estates offers the opportunity to right-size without relocating away from the life you’ve built. Here, you stay near trusted doctors, family, churches and familiar routines while embracing a thoughtfully designed, low-maintenance home for the years ahead.
For more information about Winfrey Estates, contact Jalycia Golden at 346.762.1864 to schedule your tour today!