Baseball, Apple Pie and Second Homes on Independence Day

Even in tough economic times, “July 4th” offers us a day to reflect on what America is suppose to be. The day is celebrated as a holiday for a reason; it belongs to all of us. The idea of our independence could be credited to Richard Henry Lee (1732-1794), who offered the Resolutions for Independence in 1776 leading to the Declaration of Independence. So many Americans celebrate the freedoms we have enjoyed as part of our “pursuit of happiness.”

Richard Henry Lee -- Read more about him and the other signers of the Declaration of Independence by clicking on his photo

The New Deal has meant many things to many people, and one of its outcomes was Social Security. The idea that Americans entering their Golden Years could have something to work for; the opportunity to retire with dignity and pursue their own dreams. A new idea emerged in 1960, it was the original Sun City near Phoenix, Arizona. Builder Del E. Webb and his company created a place where the average retiree could afford a home on their fixed Social Security income. The concept was to keep the houses modest but build rich amenities for those “55 and better” to enjoy. Today, most anyone nearing retirement has heard of Del Webb. (To see one of the latest versions of the concept, click here.)

America is an experiment, and people moving to warmer climates in retirement was not even a brand new concept in 1960. But what Webb did was nothing short of build a new American Dream for people.

TIME Featured Webb's Concept (1962 Cover Story)

There is no telling what will be the next big trend in second homes or in American culture, but with 77 million baby boomers looking at their own retirement during the next two decades it would be unimaginable to think that the mobility to retire or buy a second home in any location they choose would not be attractive. That mobility has been driving our nation’s post-war economy. This “July 4th” marks the 35th Anniversary of Del E. Webb’s death, but the concept lives on all over America. The concept of creating places where people can pursue their happiness.

For more resources on Mr. Webb, click here. For a comprehensive hub for finding amenity communities, visit PrivateCommunities.com