Space Coast New Homes: Catering to the Rising Wave of Young Professionals

By  //  December 14, 2023

The vibrant Space Coast economy shows no sign of slowing down, with 6,000 jobs added last year alone across 15 companies.

As more rockets launch and more companies arrive in the region, they bring a rising wave of young professionals looking to call the Space Coast home.

But these highly skilled and highly educated workers are bringing a new set of demands when it comes to real estate. While some settle into existing housing stock, an increasing number are turning to new homes to give them the perfect lifestyle they seek outside of their work in the burgeoning aerospace sector.

From quick access to wildlife and conservation areas to offering homes in move-in-ready condition, home builders in the area are racing to cater to this rapidly expanding cohort’s lifestyle needs.

So, let’s look at how these budding engineers, technicians, and other skilled laborers are altering the local real estate picture. 

How the Aerospace Boom is Attracting Young Talent from Across the Country

There’s no question that our Space Coast region has been undergoing somewhat of a renaissance after decades of relatively modest growth. The move from the federal and state governments to re-energize the space sector is undoubtedly having a positive influence on the area.

Companies working in the sector are now almost too many to mention them all by name. But leading players include Boeing, Blue Origin, Space X, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin – with hundreds of local companies operating their orbit (pardon the pun!). 

The economic impact has been enormous, with the Kennedy Space Center pumping $2.89 billion into the Florida economy in 2021. Over the next five years, Space Florida (the state’s aerospace economic development agency) is expected to provide $5.3 billion of economic impact – demonstrating just how rapidly and effectively the industry is growing here.

The result of this economic explosion has been an influx of young and highly talented individuals to the area. Initiatives such as the Space Coast Consortium Apprenticeship Program (SCCAP) are helping meet employee shortfalls and skills gaps by attracting and training younger workforce members for what may be one of the crucial industries of tomorrow.

Upon arrival, this generation of STEM workers wants the best living their budget can afford. However, the current housing stock isn’t meeting their needs. Instead, new construction homes are being snapped up left, right, and center. 

How Builders are Creating Modern Homes for Modern Professionals

One of the knock-on effects of the aerospace boom is a surge in new home community developments. These homes are now being specifically tailored to young professionals with partners or young families in tow. 

The homes are catering to exactly what this demographic wants. In short, it is not just a home but a lifestyle away from the space bases. Think open-concept floor plans, energy-efficient appliances, integrated smart home tech, and upgraded finishes included in the sale price. These are modern homes reflective of the times that provide everything under one roof. 

Amenities Galore: How New Home Communities Are Creating an Attractive Lifestyle for Residents

While the homes themselves are impressive, the communities of which they form a part are also pivotal in attracting young aerospace workers. Those living within these communities are treated to a plethora of on-site facilities, including fitness centers, community pools, hiking trails, private parks, children’s playgrounds, sports courts, and access to local nature reserves.

For those working in a high-pressure, high-stakes environment like aerospace, having all this on the doorstep is a huge draw and a key element, many feel, of getting the work-life balance right. After long days working on the next big aerospace project, having all of these amenities to come back to is a game-changer for younger generational cohorts. 

Ready, Set, Move: New Homes Offer Immediate Move-in Capabilities

Another strong pull for these young professionals is that these homes are often available for immediate occupation. When securing a dream offer from a leading aerospace firm, young professionals haven’t got months to wait around waiting for a sale to go through.

Time is of the essence when relocating, and new home builders are capitalizing on their increased flexibility. Builders such as LGI Homes (who have three new home communities in the Space Coast region) are offering buyers the chance to get the keys in as little as 30 days. They also offer a whole host of upgrades included as standard, such as Whirlpool® appliances, to make high-end living possible from day one.

In short, these homes are making the transition seamless for young professionals starting their careers in the aerospace industry and allowing them to enjoy modern living as they get their feet under the table at work.

New Homes in the Space Coast Helping to Boost Florida Housing Market

The Florida housing market has been experiencing industry-beating growth thanks mainly to this increase in new home building. In fact, new home building is up 12.8% year-on-year, and 30% of houses on the market right now in Florida are new construction properties.

Despite challenging conditions more broadly in the real estate market, the aerospace boom and the knock-on housing growth are helping the state buck national trends. And nowhere is that more the case than the Space Coast real estate market, which is proving more resistant to market forces than other parts of the state.

So not only are young professionals flocking to the area to work for some of the world’s most cutting-edge companies, but they are driving up competition for these ultra-modern homes and helping the local economy tough out broader macroeconomic trends. 

The Future is Bright: Space Coast’s New Era for Housing 

In recent years, the Space Coast has become far more than a hub for rockets and space exploration. 

With the influx of young professionals and families relocating to the region for work, many are looking for the best possible quality of life, driving new home construction. With modern designs and state-of-the-art amenities, those at all career stages are drawn to the allure of high-standard contemporary living – driving a mini-boom within the local real estate market. 

As the aerospace sector continues to receive investment, demand for these homes and communities will only increase. The onus is now on new home builders like LGI Homes and others to meet that demand for professionals wanting more than a place to work. They want a place to thrive and be proud to call home. The race is now on to meet those needs.