As the U.S. real estate landscape adapts to evolving economic conditions, new opportunities are emerging in niche sectors that blend resilience with potential growth One compelling area is community shopping centers These locations are currently experiencing shifts that make community-focused retail spaces an attractive investment option, especially for those interested in supporting essential, service-oriented businesses
Here, we’ll explore some of the key market trends and demographic shifts that are creating fertile ground for this type of real estate, particularly for women investors looking to make informed, impact-driven choices
The Market Opportunity: The Rise of Community Shopping Centers
Community shopping centers represent a unique segment of the retail real estate market With over 115,000 such properties across the U.S., these assets are largely controlled by individual owners, contributing to a highly fragmented market Recent trends have led to declining valuations across retail real estate, driven by factors such as rising interest rates As a result, many of these community centers are now priced well below replacement costs, creating opportunities for investors to acquire and reposition these properties
Occupancy rates for community shopping centers are also at a 20-year high, exceeding 90%. This increase is fueled in part by shifting consumer habits, such as the rise in remote work, which has led to consumers spending more time shopping and engaging with businesses in their local communities.
These centers are often anchored by essential services, including grocery stores, cafes, and dry cleaners, all of which benefit from increased neighborhood foot traffic. With trends like “buy online, pick up in-store” gaining popularity, community shopping centers are well-positioned to meet evolving consumer demands
Women Investors and a Historic Wealth Transfer
The economic landscape is also changing in ways that could empower more women to engage in real estate investment. About $30 trillion is expected to be under American women’s control by 2030 With the expectation of the Great Wealth Transfer, the coming two decades offer unprecedented opportunities for women to expand their roles in real estate and finance This trend is why I am working with Selene Brighthouse to create a fund that addresses this market opportunity
Women are already making significant strides academically and professionally. Currently, 39% of women aged 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, compared to 36.2% of men, indicating a long-term trend toward greater economic influence
Labor force participation among women is increasing as well, while men’s participation rates are slightly declining. These trends indicate that by 2030, women may have higher participation rates and comparable wages to men, especially among younger age groups
Real Estate as a Strategic Investment for Women
With these demographic shifts, real estate is becoming an increasingly attractive avenue for wealth-building and diversification Community shopping centers, in particular, provide an opportunity to invest in stable, income-generating assets that are essential to local economies. For women investors, this sector offers a way to participate in an investment class that can combine financial returns with social impact, as many community shopping centers are home to small businesses, many of which are women-owned
As women continue to gain educational and economic ground, the importance of financial education and empowerment grows. Investments in real estate, particularly those that support essential community services, offer women a path to long-term wealth-building With the right tools and insights, women investors can make informed decisions that align with both their financial and personal values, helping to shape the future of real estate while supporting vibrant local economies
Looking Ahead: An Opportunity for Growth and Impact
As market conditions evolve, the focus on community-driven investments is likely to grow, providing women with unique opportunities to lead in real estate. With increasing control over wealth and educational achievement, women are well-positioned to leverage these shifts for long-term success By participating in investments that support essential community businesses, women investors can play a transformative role in shaping resilient, sustainable neighborhoods