Americans Envision Costlier, Tech-Driven Future By 2065, With Homeownership And Retirement Fading Away

What Americans imagine life will look like in 2065 reveals a generation grappling with economic uncertainty while imagining a future shaped by technology and shifting values.

A new survey of 2,000 adults, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of LevLane, paints a picture where retirement is more elusive, homeownership more out of reach, and digital integration more ubiquitous.

According to the survey, only 41 percent of Americans currently own a home. Of those who dont, only 35% believe theyll ever be able to. A quarter of all respondents think theyll rent for life. When asked to estimate the future cost of housing, participants predicted an average home price of $682,120 by 2065 — roughly $272,000 more than today. In keeping with that projection, respondents also believe that future households will require an annual income of $508,950 to stay afloat, a staggering leap from todays $80,0610.

The research highlighted generational differences in attitudes toward aging and retirement. Nearly half (48%) of Gen Z respondents said they expect traditional retirement to become out of reach, while a slight majority believe a digital solution will eventually emerge to help meet the needs of those unable to afford long-term care. Financial insecurity was cited as a key concern, with 25 percent doubting retirement will be financially possible at all. Most believe it would require a nest egg of at least $3.54 million.

Predictions for the workplace were only slightly more optimistic. While Bill Gates has suggested two-day workweeks are in the near future, most Americans surveyed believe that a 30-hour workweek spread over four days is more realistic by 2065. Fewer than four in ten respondents expect the next generation to be better off financially than previous ones, and a strong majority — 64 percent — believe that Gen Z will face a worse retirement experience than baby boomers.

“This research offers a striking look at how Americans, especially younger generations, are reimagining the future,” said Kelly Sizemore, chief growth officer at LevLane. “From housing and health care to income and retirement, people are clearly preparing for a world where traditional milestones are being reshaped by technology, cost pressures and cultural shifts. But, these insights dont just highlight anxieties, they also reveal how people expect innovation to rise and meet evolving needs. It’s a call to brands, institutions and policymakers to listen, adapt and lead with empathy and foresight.”

The anticipated challenges appear to be reshaping expectations. When asked about retirement dreams, Gen Z respondents offered a much different vision than their predecessors. Rather than upscale retirement communities, they imagined more connected and purposeful lives — spending time with family, exploring the world (and even space), tending hobby farms, or living off the grid. Some expressed a preference for co-living arrangements with friends over traditional solitary or nuclear family setups.

Despite these sobering forecasts, the survey found signs of adaptability and optimism. Nearly four in 10 (39%) predicted that society in 2065 will likely operate entirely on digital currency, rely heavily on biometric payments (36%), and see households increasingly managed by smart home AI (35%). A significant number even expected implanted health monitors (30%) and robotic caregivers (32%) to become common.

“The picture painted here isn’t just about economic uncertainty — it’s about a shift in values,” said Chris Moreira, chief creative officer at LevLane. “Younger generations are signaling that the future they imagine isn’t rooted in excess, but in connection, flexibility and purpose. Whether its redefining retirement, rethinking ownership or embracing new technologies, the challenge — and opportunity — lies in designing a future that reflects these evolving priorities.”